The homeopath first prescribes a small number of doses of the selected medicine. Then, after observation of the effects, a regimen of even smaller dosgages is established. The interview between homeopath and patient is of great importance. Successful treatment depends upon the homeopath's ability to diagnose the unwellness from which all other symptoms arise. It is this source unwellness which is then addressed through a homeopathic regimen.
Enthusiasts claim for homeopathy a two hundred year track record of curing illness.
They cite the widepread public attention homeopathy received through its presumed effectiveness during epidemics of cholera in the 19th century. Since the late '40's, double blind trials testing homeopathy on various medical conditions have led to mixed results. Some are claimed to support the use of homeopathy. In other cases, this method of evaluation proved itself incapable of documenting the success of homeopathic cures. Remarkably, a group skeptical toward homeopathy had assisted in the study's design.