What is Homeopathy? How It Works in Australia
Quick answer: Homeopathy is a complementary health system developed more than 200 years ago. It uses remedies prepared through repeated dilution and succussion and selected according to traditional homeopathic principles. Remedies are commonly supplied as liquid drops or small pillules.
If you are new to homeopathy, you may be wondering how it works, how remedies are made and how it differs from other natural health approaches. This guide explains the traditional principles of homeopathy, its history and how Australians can access homeopathic medicines and qualified practitioners.
- Homeopathy is a complementary system of health care.
- It was developed by Samuel Hahnemann more than 200 years ago.
- Remedies are prepared using repeated dilution and succussion.
- They are commonly available as liquid drops or small pillules.
- Traditional homeopathy considers the person’s overall symptom pattern.
- Homeopathy should not replace necessary medical assessment or treatment.
What Is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of complementary medicine developed in the late eighteenth century by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on traditional principles concerning the selection and preparation of highly diluted remedies.
Homeopathic remedies may begin with source materials derived from plants, minerals and other substances. These materials undergo a specialised preparation process involving repeated dilution and succussion, which is a controlled shaking process used during remedy preparation.
The finished preparations are known as homeopathic remedies or homeopathic medicines. They may be supplied as:
- Liquid drops
- Small pillules
- Powders
- Single remedies
- Practitioner-formulated combinations
Homeopathy is used as a complementary health approach in many countries. In Australia, remedies are available through specialist homeopathy pharmacies, health retailers and practitioners.
What Are the Traditional Principles of Homeopathy?
Traditional homeopathic practice is built around two main ideas.
Individualised remedy selection
A homeopath considers more than the name of a condition. Remedy selection may take into account the person’s overall symptom pattern, including:
- The nature and location of symptoms
- When symptoms began
- What appears to make symptoms better or worse
- Sleep, energy and general wellbeing
- Relevant physical and emotional characteristics
This individualised approach means that two people experiencing similar concerns may receive different homeopathic recommendations.
The principle of similarity
Homeopathy developed around a traditional concept commonly described as “like supports like.” This refers to selecting a highly diluted preparation of a substance according to the symptom profile traditionally associated with that remedy.
These concepts belong to traditional homeopathic practice. Homeopathy is considered a complementary approach and should not replace appropriate medical diagnosis, prescribed treatment or emergency care.
The Origins of Homeopathy
Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteenth century. Hahnemann studied how different substances affected the body and documented the symptoms associated with them.
His observations contributed to the development of a structured system of symptom matching and remedy preparation. Over time, practitioners documented the traditional profiles of numerous substances in homeopathic reference texts.
These traditional remedy profiles continue to be studied and used by homeopathic practitioners today.
Further reading
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Homeopathy
- World Health Organization: Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Homeopathy
How Are Homeopathic Medicines Made?
Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a specialised process based on traditional homeopathic pharmacy methods. The process generally involves two important stages.
Dilution
The source preparation is diluted in a measured sequence using a suitable liquid such as water or alcohol. Different dilution scales are used to prepare different homeopathic potencies.
Succussion
After each dilution stage, the preparation is shaken in a controlled manner. This process is known as succussion and forms part of the traditional method used to prepare homeopathic remedies.
The prepared liquid may then be supplied directly as drops or applied to small pillules. Alcohol is commonly used in liquid preparations as a preservative and to help maintain product stability.
Learn more about how homeopathic medicines are made →
What Are Homeopathic Remedies Made From?
The starting materials used in homeopathic preparations may come from a range of sources, including:
- Plants and botanical materials
- Minerals
- Natural elements
- Other source substances used within traditional homeopathic pharmacy
These source materials undergo the repeated dilution and succussion process used in homeopathic preparation. The finished remedy is then supplied in a suitable form, such as liquid drops or pillules.
Read more about homeopathic medicines →
Is Homeopathy the Same as Naturopathy?
No. Homeopathy and naturopathy are separate complementary health approaches, although some practitioners are trained in both.
- Homeopathy primarily uses specially prepared, highly diluted remedies selected according to traditional homeopathic principles.
- Naturopathy may include nutrition, lifestyle guidance, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and other natural health approaches.
Naturepathics focuses on practitioner-formulated homeopathic medicines. Personalised naturopathy and homeopathy consultations are available through Morkare Natural Clinic in Brisbane and by telehealth.
What Does a Homeopath Do?
A homeopath takes a detailed health history and considers the person’s overall symptom pattern, general wellbeing and individual circumstances. Traditional homeopathic principles are then used to select a suitable remedy or formulation.
A consultation may be appropriate when concerns are ongoing, recurring, complex or difficult to match to an over-the-counter product. A responsible practitioner should also recognise when symptoms require assessment by a GP, pharmacist or another registered healthcare professional.
Explore homeopathy consultations in Brisbane and online →
How Is Homeopathy Used Today?
People may explore homeopathy as part of a broader interest in complementary health, family wellbeing or traditional systems of medicine. Some people seek professional guidance when selecting a remedy, while others purchase labelled over-the-counter products for general use.
Homeopathy may also be used alongside approaches such as nutrition, lifestyle support and naturopathy. If you take prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines or supplements, speak with your treating healthcare professional before adding a new product.
Do not stop or change prescribed medication without medical advice.
What Does Scientific Research Say About Homeopathy?
Homeopathy has been the subject of scientific research and debate for many years. Studies have examined its history, laboratory preparation methods, clinical outcomes and research methodology.
Major health organisations have concluded that reliable evidence supporting homeopathy as an effective treatment for specific health conditions is limited. People considering homeopathy should review information from credible sources, discuss their individual circumstances with an appropriate healthcare professional and avoid using complementary products as a replacement for necessary medical care.
For further information, review:
Homeopathy in Australia
Homeopathy has been available in Australia for many years through complementary health practitioners, specialist homeopathy pharmacies and online retailers.
People searching for homeopathy in Australia may be looking for:
- Information about traditional homeopathic remedies
- A qualified homeopath
- An Australian homeopathy pharmacy
- Liquid remedies or pillules
- Practitioner-formulated combinations
- Guidance about how to take a homeopathic product
Homeopathy consultations are generally not covered by Medicare. Private health fund arrangements can change, so patients should check directly with their insurer before assuming that a consultation is eligible for a rebate.
Always read the product label, follow the directions for use and seek professional advice if symptoms are persistent, severe, worsening or unclear.
Where Can You Buy Homeopathic Medicine in Australia?
Homeopathic medicines can be purchased through specialist pharmacies, selected health retailers and online homeopathy stores.
Naturepathics is an Australian online homeopathy pharmacy offering practitioner-formulated remedies for women, children and families. Products are available for delivery across Australia, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.
Explore Naturepathics Homeopathy Pharmacy Australia →
New to Homeopathy? Where to Start
Your best starting point depends on what you need.
- Want to understand individual remedies? Visit our Homeopathic Remedies A–Z Guide.
- Need instructions for drops or pillules? Read How to Take Homeopathic Medicine Properly.
- Ready to browse products? Visit our Homeopathy Pharmacy Australia.
- Need personalised guidance? Explore our homeopathy consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeopathy
What is homeopathy in simple terms?
Homeopathy is a complementary health system that uses specially prepared, highly diluted remedies. Remedies are traditionally selected according to the individual’s overall symptom pattern.
What is the main principle of homeopathy?
Homeopathy is traditionally based on individualised remedy selection and the principle commonly described as “like supports like.” This involves selecting a highly diluted preparation according to its traditional symptom profile.
How are homeopathic medicines made?
Homeopathic medicines are prepared through repeated stages of dilution and succussion. Succussion is the controlled shaking process used during traditional homeopathic preparation.
Is homeopathy the same as herbal medicine?
No. Herbal medicines generally contain measurable amounts of plant constituents. Homeopathic medicines are prepared using a different process involving repeated dilution and succussion.
Is homeopathy the same as naturopathy?
No. Homeopathy primarily uses specially prepared remedies selected according to traditional homeopathic principles. Naturopathy may include nutrition, lifestyle support, herbal medicine and nutritional supplements.
Are homeopathic medicines available as drops and pills?
Yes. Homeopathic medicines are commonly supplied as liquid drops or small pillules. Some preparations may also be available as powders or practitioner-formulated combinations.
Why do some liquid homeopathic remedies contain alcohol?
Alcohol may be used during the preparation of liquid homeopathic remedies and can help preserve the product and maintain its stability. Check the individual product label if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving a product to a child or avoiding alcohol for medical, religious or personal reasons.
Can homeopathy be used with prescribed medication?
If you take prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines or supplements, speak with your treating healthcare professional before adding a new product. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without medical advice.
Is homeopathy covered by Medicare in Australia?
Homeopathy consultations are generally not covered by Medicare. Check directly with your private health insurer regarding any current rebates.
How do I take homeopathic drops or pillules?
Follow the directions on the individual product or the instructions provided by your practitioner. Read our guide to taking homeopathic medicine for information about drops, pillules, timing and storage.
When should I consult a practitioner?
Consider professional guidance when symptoms are persistent, recurring, worsening, complex or difficult to understand. Seek appropriate medical attention for severe symptoms, emergencies or concerns requiring diagnosis and treatment.
About Naturepathics
Naturepathics is an Australian online homeopathy pharmacy founded by Shenaz Morkas, who holds a BHMS qualification from India and has more than 20 years of experience in homeopathic practice.
Naturepathics provides practitioner-formulated homeopathic remedies, family kits and products for women and children, with delivery available across Australia.
Browse homeopathic medicines online →
Important information: This page provides general educational information and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Homeopathy is a complementary health practice and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always read product labels and seek professional healthcare advice where appropriate.