The Magic of Cinchona bark in the Case of Malaria, led Hahnemann to the invent of Homoeopathy, which was published in 1796 as Essay on a New Principle for Ascertaining the Curative Power of Drugs.
Homeopathy achieved its greatest popularity in the 19th century.
It was introduced to the United States in 1825 by Hans Birch Gram, a student of Hahnemann. The Students of Hahnemann founded the first homoeopathic medical school in the United States in the late 1800’s. It gained recognition because of its success in treating the many disease epidemics rampant at the time, including scarlet fever, typhoid, cholera and yellow fever.
The School’s method of treatment became very popular in the early 1900’s. At that time, there were 22 homoeopathic medical schools, 100 homeopathic hospitals and over 1,000 homeopathic pharmacies. Boston University, Stanford University and New York Medical College were among those educational institutions that were teaching homoeopathy. However, it was not long after this period of time (in the early 1920’s) that many of the schools closed, mostly due to the decline of homeopathy’s popularity which was greatly affected by the American Medical Association. This was also around the time when modern drug companies began releasing drugs that were easy to administer to patients, a trend that also contributed to the decline of homeopathy.
Homoeopaths throughout the world, experienced varying degrees of opposition from orthodox physicians, but not anywhere near the systematic or intense attacks as those beset upon them by American doctors.
Although US experienced a dwindling interest in Homoeopathy in the 20th century, other nations, including countries in Europe and Asia, were experiencing a steady growth of Homoeopathic teachings and interest.
PRESENT STATUS OF HOMOEOPATHY –
Doctors, scientists, researchers, corporations and the general public are all responsible for the accelerated expansion in the interest of Homeopathic medicines, research and educational initiatives.
Homoeopathy is particularly popular in Great Britain where the Royal Family has been under Homoeopathic care since the 1830s.
Homoeopathy is not as popular in South America as it is in Europe or Asia, but it is still widely utilized.
Homoeopathy is equally popular in Brazil, where there are also approximately 2,000 physicians who utilize homeopathic medicines.
Homoeopathy is re-experiencing a renaissance in the United States as well. In the early 1970s, there were only 50-100 physicians who specialized in Homoeopathy, and yet by the mid-1980s, it can be estimated that there were approximately 1,000 physicians who specialize in Homoeopathy.
IN INDIA –
It has been estimated that there are over 100,000 Homoeopathic practitioners in India.
An article in the World Health Forum acknowledged that, “In the Indian subcontinent the legal position of the practitioners of Homoeopathy has been elevated to a professional level similar to that of a medical practitioner.”
