Samuel Hahnemann Research Articles

The Life and Legacy of Samuel Hahnemann: Founder of Homoeopathy and His Medical Philosophy.

Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (1755) was the visionary founder of homoeopathy, a system of medicine that emerged amidst the orthodox practices of his time. This biography traces Hahnemann's journey from a curious scholar in Meissen to a pivotal figure in global healthcare. His relentless questioning and experimentation led to the development of homoeopathy, grounded in the principles of "like cures like" and potentization. Hahnemann challenged prevailing medical norms, emphasizing individualized treatment and minimal dosing, significantly influencing modern healthcare. Despite considerable opposition, his innovations established a new medical paradigm that inspires practitioners and patients today. This paper explores Hahnemann's early life, education, homoeopathy's rise, key innovations, and enduring legacy. His commitment to original thinking and perseverance birthed homoeopathy and transformed approaches to medicine, highlighting its holistic focus and individualized care. Hahnemann is recognized as a pioneer in compassionate healthcare.

A narrative review on rebound acid hypersecretion due to long-term use of proton pump inhibitors

Objectives Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used drugs to reduce hyperacidity. The usage of PPIs reduces the secretion of gastric juice; their prolonged usage results in gastric acid suppression with hypergastrinemia while their stoppage results in hypersecretion of gastric juice. This kind of paradoxical reaction is seen in the rebound effect of drugs. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann gave us the vital principles of homeopathy, the law of similitude, i.e., “similia similibus curentur” derived from the “Nature’s Law of Cure”. This also tells us that the primary action of medicine stimulates the dynamic expression of an organism (vital force), which results in the counteraction called secondary action by the organism. Material and Methods Review of literature on the effects of long-term use of PPIs and rebound hypersecretion of gastric juice due to PPIs. Results For this review article, 16 most relevant articles are selected from the search results. Thirteen systematic reviews, two randomized control trials, and one pilot study are included. Rebound acid hypersecretion (RAHS) occurs after prolonged treatment with histamine-2 blockers and PPIs, causing gastric hypoacidity and hypergastrinemia. Longer PPI durations can result in prolonged hypersecretion, with moderate hypergastrinemia and increased enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell hyperplasia. Deprescribing PPIs is crucial to reduce RAHS and safety concerns. Long-term usage can lead to nutritional deficiencies, respiratory infections, and bone fractures. Conclusion Homeopathic remedies have shown significant results in treating symptoms caused due to gastritis, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc., and further research is needed to reduce RAHS caused due to the long-term use of PPIs.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND ANIMAL WELFARE

This article traces the professional historical trajectory of promoting health and well-being through investigations and interventions in environmental health, associated with education for university, intersectoral and interdisciplinary sustainability based on the vitalist philosophy of Samuel Hahnemann and determinations established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health . Scientific initiation activities developed rational skills for thinking aimed at solving local problems regarding sustainability with raw plant extracts and ultra-diluted and energized solutions for animal welfare. In parallel, there was the construction of competence in environmental ethics in line with the concept of environmental health, the new Brazilian code of medical ethics and the concept of one health. We declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Dealing Chronic Diseases with Homoeopathy

Since the time homoeopathy was introduced to the world in 1790 by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, homoeopathy is popular for treating chronic diseases. When that was the case in late 18th, 19th & 20th century, homoeopathy was dealing with chronic diseases that were morbid but not mortal. In 21st century, after the epidemiologic transition, the chronic diseases have taken the form of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). [2, 15] 'These NCDs have not only morbidity but also high mortality'. The most hostile chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease & cancer affects our health & reduces life expectancy. Conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases & diabetes are leading causes of death worldwide. These chronic diseases can affect viral organs like heart, lungs, kidneys & liver causing damage & impacting overall health & longevity & can lead to complications. [1, 2, 15] The article looks at the role of homoeopathy in dealing with the chronic diseases. It brings out the fact that homoeopathy can deal with not only treating these diseases but also prevent this diseases & promote health. The properties of homoeopathic medicines that are aligned to the essential medicines are also discussed. Finally, it mentions that these diseases can only be dealt only if Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is achievable. Achievability of UHC is only possible if the AYUSH systems are integrated into the mainstream & homoeopathy is an active component of this package. [12, 16, 17]

Magic of Dals or Pulses in Homoeopathy

Objective: When we say staple food, cereals & pulses come to our mind. The concept of food security that encompasses 3As & 1U is not to be thought of without cereals & pulses. These are Availability, Accessibility, Affordability and Utilization. This holds good for pulses as well. The current article deals with homoeopathic medicines made from pulses [1, 17]. Before going to therapeutics, the production, consumption & export of pulses in India has also been discussed from the past till date. The role of green revolution in decreasing the production & consumption has also been discussed. All these processes are essential part of the process of nutrition [14]. As pulses are a part of our life, some of the basics on pulses have also been discussed in a paragraph. Since eating pulses is an integral part of our life, Homoeopathy also has made pulses an integral part of its therapeutics. The medicines prepared from pulses have been used by Homoeopathic practitioners since the advent of 19th century after it was introduced to the world by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in 1790 [18].

An Enigma Called Homeopathy

When I speak of an enigma, I adhere to its definition; the one given by the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy), which means: a statement whose meaning is artificially concealed to make it difficult to understand or interpret. Homeopathy (pathos=disease, homoios=similar); was created by the German Doctor Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. He was a man with a restless spirit and deeply dissatisfied with late 18th century medicine. After multiple verifications, Hahnemann creates the law that supports the homeopathic doctrine, the Law of Similars. It states that: ‘‘in order to cure a given illness, a remedy must be taken which, when administered to a healthy subject, will cause illnesses ‘and if it is capable of making one sick, it is also capable of curing. This principle of dilution accompanies the Law of Similars [1].

Homoeopathic Approach in Thyroid Issues Induced by COVID 19

[3, 17]: On April 10th 2023, the 180th world homoeopathy day is to be celebrated to honor the 180th birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (10.4.1755- 2.7.1843), the father of homoeopathy. The current article is a tribute to his immense contribution to the medical science and celebrates his birth anniversary in 2023. When a patient visits a doctor for any chronic physical or mental problem, invariably the doctor gets the current status of the thyroid gland of the patient. As is evident, the COVID 19 impacted the thyroid gland as well and which continues to manifest problems in COVID 19 affected patients. Cases of naturally non-resolving or long term hypothyroidism are rising in post COVID 19 patients. As cases are rising, it implies that the modern system of medicine is finding its challenging to deal with and it is here that Homoeopathy can play an active role. The current article explores what Homoeopathy can offer to masses while being cost effective and clinically effective as well. The article suggests one treatment protocol that can be applied at the state and national level in the public sector and as well as private sector. It looks at the treatment protocol while aligning with the Essential Drug List of Homoeopathy that is in the public domain of AYUSH ministry of government of India.

A Journey Through Time: The Historical Evolution of Low Back Pain and the View of Homeopathy in Modern Era

Abstract Low back pain is a prevalent ailment that has afflicted humanity throughout history. From ancient civilizations employing massages and herbal remedies to the emergence of modern medicine, the quest for relief from low back pain has been an enduring human endeavor. The introduction of homeopathy in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann marked a significant development, emphasizing the holistic approach to treatment. Homeopathic remedies, individualized to patients’ symptoms and constitution, have provided a holistic approach for managing low back pain. It offers several potential benefits in managing low back pain and these advantages appeal to individuals seeking alternative and holistic approaches to pain relief.

A scientific convention on the World Homoeopathy Day: ‘Homoeopathy: People’s choice for wellness’ – A Conference Report

Three apex bodies, namely the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, the National Commission for Homoeopathy and the National Institute of Homoeopathy, jointly organised a scientific convention on the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day to commemorate the 267th birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy, Dr Christian Fredrich Samuel Hahnemann which was held on 9 and 10 April 2022 at New Delhi on the theme ‘Homoeopathy: People’s Choice for Wellness’. Over the 2 days, scientific sessions and interactive meets were held. This convention was an opportunity to review the developments in the field of Homoeopathy and formulate future strategies for the advancements of Homoeopathy to make homoeopathy the first choice for people for wellness.

Utility of Boger’s pathological approach in treating a case of nephrotic syndrome-evidence based case report

Homoeopathy is eminent system of Medicine, introduced by Master Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. Till date it is exhibiting its uniqueness with miraculous cures. A diagnosed case of Nephrotic syndrome has visited Homoeopathic OPD, after several unsuccessful treatments from other systems of Medicine. The case was received, analyzed, repertorized properly, and a Homoeopathic medicine ARSENICUM ALBUM was selected by using Boger’s Pathological approach. The case showed marked improvement from first day of medication itself and within a week, complaints completely resolved. The case was followed for 4 more years, and no complications were developed.

Mining of unmapped remedies for allergic rhinitis within homoeopathy

Homeopathy treatment is well known for the holistic approach in treating all the patients. There are conditions stated in Organon of medicine by Dr Samuel Hahnemann about certain peculiarities and chronic disease due to the acute miasms which were mentioned in the aphorism 117 and 73 correspondingly. Allergic rhinitis is one of the utmost commonly met condition in which the change of weather in harvest season for which we must understand it quickly and prescribe to the patient for their relief. Its exhaustive bothersome condition which has a major impact in the day to day life of the person. Homoeopathic medicines have a great role in dropping the frequency and the intensity of the acute episodes of the allergic rhinitis accomplished by acute prescription, well along with a holistic and individualized approach must be chosen. Repertory also helps us in individuating and choosing the exact medicine.

Understanding Visually Induced Motion Sickness through a Homoeopathic Standpoint

Motion sickness is one of the most commonly seen discomforts among people that has spread across all age groups and has been affecting people since centuries. It is a phenomenon of sensory conflict between the visual, vestibular and motor system. Visually Induced motion sickness is a sub-type of motion sickness, where the brain interprets sensory messages regarding movement of eyes with respect to the body as inharmonious. Any deviation from the healthy state seen after the exposure to the virtual environment is considered as the symptom of Visually Induced Motion sickness. Nausea is the most disturbing symptom seen in this condition. Along with cold sweating, drowsiness, retching, or vomiting, dizziness or vertigo etc. This phenomenon can be homoeopathically explained as per the classification of diseases by Samuel Hahnemann in different levels. This review summarizes theories behind the causation of visually induced motion sickness, the Homoeopathic basis of its cause and the treatment protocol behind it including a few remedies and Rubrics that may help in clinical practice for the selection of the similimum. Keywords: Visually Induced motion sickness, Homoeopathy, Virtual reality, Cyber-sickness, Simulator sickness

History of homeopathy and social history of medicine: the story of a successful marriage

The Institute for the History of Medicine (IGM) was established in 1980 by the Robert Bosch Foundation, in Stuttgart, Germany, on the basis of a collection of documents and other small objects belonging to Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. However, since its very inception, its directors considered that the history of homeopathy also had a role to play in the larger picture of the history of medicine. On the other hand, the history of homeopathy was not restricted to the account of the development of ideas and careers of practitioners, but it would benefit significantly by approaching it from the perspective of social history, including the study of institutions, patients’ views, lay supporting societies and publications. This paper presents a review of this project as assessed by an analysis of recent publications that, taken as a whole, reflect the historiographical contribution of researchers at IGM.

Boundaries or bridges: what should Homeopathy's relationship be with mainstream medicine?

When Samuel Hahnemann devised homoeopathy he constructed multiple arguments that both vehemently supported his new system and criticized the conventional medical practice of his day. At the end of the 19th century when homeopathy had grown within Britain and America, homeopaths failed to make use of some of Hahnemann’s most successful arguments. Instead, homeopaths found themselves lose significant cognitive ground to their long time conventional rivals with the dawn of the 20th century, a ground they have not yet recovered. This paper uses the theoretical framework of Berger and Luckmann to analyse the dynamics of the arguments used against homeopathy and suggests that homeopaths failed to adopt a universalizing medical explanation that was available to them: the reverse action of drugs. Had they used this argument homoeopaths could have explained conventional medicine successes within their own universe of meaning and thus neutralized the impact of conventional on their practice. The implications of these conclusions for the future survival and success of homoeopathy are considered.

Homeopathic use of modern drugs: therapeutic application of the organism paradoxical reaction or rebound effect

When Samuel Hahnemann systematized homeopathy and the effects of drugs on the state of human health, he described the primary action of drugs and the following secondary and opposite reaction of the organism. Seeking to apply this secondary action or vital reaction of the organism as therapeutic method, he postulated the principle of similitude, i.e. the prescription to ill individuals of drugs that cause similar symptoms in the healthy (similia similibus curentur). In modern pharmacology, secondary action (vital reaction) of drugs is known as rebound effect or paradoxical reaction of the organism. It has been observed after discontinuation of several classes of palliative (enantiopathic) drugs, namely those that act according to the principle of contraries (contraria contrariis curentur). Although in this case it is associated with severe and fatal iatrogenic events, rebound effect might awaken a healing reaction when the very same drug is employed according to the principle of similitude. The validity of the principle of similitude is proved by scientific evidence on rebound effect, whereas conventional drugs primary (therapeutic, adverse and side) effects might be equated to pathogenetic manifestations and thus be homeopathically applied. For this purpose a homeopathic materia medica and repertory comprising 1,251 modern drugs was elaborated using the monographs described in The United States Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information as source (www.newhomeopathicmedicines.com). Thus, the therapeutic range of homeopathy is broadened through the addition of hundreds of new medicines that might be employed in every kind of disease including countless modern clinical syndromes.

"˜Paradoxical pharmacology": therapeutic strategy used by the "˜homeopathic pharmacology" for more than two centuries

Using the empirical or phenomenological research method by observing the effects of drugs in the human physiology, Samuel Hahnemann proposed the homeopathic treatment. He synthesized modern pharmacodynamic in the ‘primary action’ of the drugs and in the consequent and opposite ‘secondary action’ or ‘vital reaction’ of the organism. Noting that drugs with ‘contrary’ primary action to the symptoms of the diseases caused worsening of the symptoms after its withdrawal, as a result of secondary action of the organism, Hahnemann proposed using this vital reaction in a curative way, administering to sick individuals the drugs that caused ‘similar’ symptoms in healthy individuals (therapeutic use of the similitude principle). According to the clinical and experimental pharmacology, this secondary action (vital reaction) of the organism is observed in the ‘rebound effect’ or ‘paradoxical reaction’ of several classes of drugs, which is the scientific basis of the ‘homeopathic pharmacology’. In the last decade, exponents of modern pharmacology have suggested the therapeutic use of the paradoxical reaction (‘paradoxical pharmacology’), proposing the use of drugs that cause an exacerbation of the disease in the short term to treat these same diseases in the long-term. In this review, we compare the various aspects between the ‘homeopathic pharmacology’ and the ‘paradoxical pharmacology’, reinforcing the validity of homeopathic assumptions and expanding the knowledge to optimize both proposals.

National Convention on World Homoeopathy Day – A conference report

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy organized a scientific convention on the World Homoeopathy Day on 10th and 11thApril, 2021 to commemorate the 266th birth anniversary of Dr Christian Fredrich Samuel Hahnemann at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India. The theme of the conference was ‘Homoeopathy – Roadmap for Integrative Medicine’. There were oral presentations and a panel discussion during the convention organized in the hybrid mode, with participants and presenters attending the convention either physically, or remotely through video link. Recommendations to develop a roadmap for Homoeopathy for integrative care were also proposed during the convention. Integration is not simply co-location of all systems but a wholesome clinical approach for the public health benefit where systems have known limitations. Specific strategic actions are needed at research, practice and education levels to promote integrative care with Homoeopathy as a key contributor.

QUANTUM ELECTRO-DYNAMICS HELPS HOMOEOPATHY ACHIEVE ITS SCIENTIFIC BASIS (PAVING THE WAY FOR A GENERALIZED CONCEPT OF MEDICINE)

Background: Since its discovery by Samuel Hahnemann over two centuries ago homoeopathy has gifted us many incredible cures, apart from many more cures of simple diseases. Moreover, it offers cheapest medicines. Still, it lacks wide acceptability. Its main reason is lack of scientific explanation, particularly for higher potencies -- Where is their medicinal value and how do they work? In trying to throw some light on such mysteries of homoeopathy this article arrives at a new and unifying concept of medicine.
 Method: Taking an earnest view of innumerable cures by homoeopathy many scientists from different fields are searching answers for the fundamental questions stated above. This article analyses logically sound and promising investigations. 
 Results and Discussion: Indication is obtained that water structure holds the key to unlock the mystery of homoeopathy. Action mechanism of some main-stream medicines also supports the structural model. Together they lead to a generalized concept of medicine.
 Conclusion: The above analysis points to the conclusion that medicinal value of both homoeopathic and non-homoeopathic medicines lies in structures.
 Key words: generalized concept of medicine, structure holds the key.

What should be the place of the tuberculinic chronic reactive mode in 21 st century homeopathic practice?

In the early 20 th century Antoine Nebel developed a new chronic reactive mode (CRM), tuberculinism, in addition to the three diatheses already described by Samuel Hahnemann: psora, sycosis and syphilis. Today, what is the exact place of tuberculinism within the three other CRM? To provide the diagnostic elements to identify the tuberculinic MRC of a patient. To locate this CRM among the 3 previous ones. To suggest the most effective therapeutic strategy. By comparing the writings of the authors of the twentieth century with our clinical experience, we will identify the essential characteristics and the pathognomonic tuberculinism as well as its treatment. Tuberculinism is an inherited or acquired CRM, very common in children and adolescents. It often occurs when there is a family history of tuberculosis or following BCG vaccination or repeated antibiotic therapy for recurrent ENT disorders. It evolves in two stages, acceleration of cell metabolism then progressive exhaustion. Individuals with a phosphoric constitution are more affected. Morbid manifestations mainly evoke psora but also sycosis. The recognition and management of the tuberculinic CRM make it possible to effectively treat recurrent and chronic respiratory diseases, which are very debilitating for children as well as for their parents.

Comparison of aluminum toxicology and homeopathic Alumina: a mixed methods study

Toxicology forms part of homeopathy. The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, incorporated many toxicological symptoms in his Materia Medica. These symptoms are part of the information homeopathic practitioners relay on to choose the appropriate medication for their patients. This medication is administered in form of ultra-high dilutions. Hahnemann also developed Materia Medica on the base of provings done with high diluted substances only – simply because these substances did not have a known toxicology at his time. Alumina is one of these substances. Today we possess a reliable toxicology of aluminum and its compounds. The objective of this study was to determine the grade of concordance between homeopathic (highly diluted) Alumina and aluminum toxicology. A striking concordance will add to evidence of homeopathically potentized substances. 
 
 The present was a literature-based investigation conducted from a phenomenologist stance. The design is a novel one. Symptoms of aluminum intoxication were obtained from case reports published in scholarly journals. 70 original research articles containing case-reports of 5 aluminum-induced diseases served for the extraction of over 300 symptoms. These symptoms were compared to Hahnemann´s Alumina proving symptoms. 
 
 A review of modern investigations of the toxic effects of aluminum showed that the conventional medical paradigm and basic science are just starting to explore the huge number of noxious effects the metal has on human, animal and plant health. Qualitative explorations of the relevant homeopathic literature (toxicology in homeopathy and Alumina in randomized controlled trials) resulted in the finding that toxicology plays a minor role in modern homeopathy and that Alumina has been poorly investigated. 
 
 The result of the quantitative part of this study – the comparison of proving and toxicology obtained from clinical cases – shows an uneven picture. It leads to only partly significant concordances between symptoms from both sources which are strong in core areas of Alumina´s remedy action while the overall comparison shows a coincidence of 50.76% (39.76% for symptoms probably produced by UHDs). 
 
 This study has to be seen as a pilot for a literature-based proof of the evidence of homeopathic potencies. There remains much to be done, especially in the realm of homeopathic proving and its design. Hahnemann´s procedure – to rely on sensible provers – should be reconsidered. The reproving of Alumina should be envisaged.
 
 Keywords: Homeopathy, proving, toxicology, homeopathic pathogenetic trial (HPT), Alumina, aluminum