homeopathy
A system of complementary medicine in which ailments are treated by minute doses of natural substances that in larger amounts would produce symptoms of the ailment.
Often confused with general 'natural medicine,' but it specifically refers to the 'law of similars' and extreme dilution.
Word relationships
- alternative medicine: Alternative medicine is a broad category; homeopathy is one specific branch within it.
- allopathy: Allopathy is the traditional medical practice of treating disease by use of remedies which produce effects different from those produced by the disease.
Commonly confused with
- herbalism: Herbalism uses plant extracts in detectable amounts; homeopathy uses substances diluted to the point where no molecules of the original substance may remain.
Word family
- homeopath (noun): A person who practices homeopathy.
- homeopathic (adjective): Relating to or based on homeopathy.
Collocations
- homeopathic remedy
- practice homeopathy
- homeopathic dilution
Example sentences
- "Homeopathy is a 'treatment' based on the use of highly diluted substances, which practitioners claim can cause the body to heal itself." A skeptical scientific view.
- "Despite its popularity in the 19th century, homeopathy remains a controversial subject in modern clinical pharmacology." Historical context of the practice.
Memory hook
Homeo- means 'same.' It's the 'same' thing that caused the suffering, just in a tiny dose. Same (Homeo) Suffering (Pathos).
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for herbalism or vitamins; homeopathy is a very specific, distinct practice.
Fun facts
- Homeopathic preparations are often diluted so many times that, statistically, not a single molecule of the active ingredient remains in the final pill.
Related words
Explore more words
palliative, placebo, complementary, antidote, pharmacology, biomimicry
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