A Little History of Homeopathy

✦Homeopathy was founded by German physician Dr Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century and has now been practised for more than 230 years.

✦From its beginnings in Europe, homeopathy spread across the world and became established in countries including India, the USA and South America, as well as many others across the globe.

✦Today, it is estimated that more than 200 million people worldwide use homeopathy regularly.

✦Homeopathy is used around the world and is recognised or integrated into healthcare systems in a number of countries, including India, Brazil, Mexico and Switzerland.

And its history includes some remarkable names...

♔The British Royal Family has had a long association with homeopathy, dating back to Queen Victoria. Sir John Weir was homeopathic physician to several members of the British Royal Family, including King Edward VII, King George V, King Edward VIII, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

Later, Dr Peter Fisher was appointed a physician to Queen Elizabeth II in 2001. He was also President of the Faculty of Homeopathy and a leading figure in homeopathic research until his death in 2018.

Today, King Charles III is Royal Patron of the Faculty of Homeopathy, continuing this long-standing Royal connection.

◇And homeopathy has also featured in the world of elite sport. Olympic champion Linford Christie, Olympic ice-skating legend Jayne Torvill and Team GB heptathlete Louise Hazel have all spoken publicly about their use or support of homeopathy.

✧Homeopathy has also had connections with the worlds of literature, music, science and public life. Throughout its history, well-known figures including writers, musicians, scientists, doctors and political figures have been associated with homeopathy. Among the historical figures reported to have used, supported or commented favourably on homeopathy are Charles Darwin, Mark Twain, Sir William Osler, Mahatma Gandhi and John D. Rockefeller.

♪And that connection continues into more recent times, with musicians and entertainers including Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Cher and Dizzy Gillespie among those who have publicly spoken about their use or interest in homeopathy.

○In India, where homeopathy is one of the recognised systems within the country's AYUSH healthcare system, more than 100 million people are estimated to depend on homeopathy.

And homeopathy isn't simply part of history. In 2026, Charlotte Tilbury MBE became Global Ambassador for Homeopathy UK, bringing a very modern face to a system that has been part of people's lives for more than two centuries.