The primary principle underlying homeopathy is "Similia Similibus Curentur" - Let like be cured by like. A symptom or pattern of symptoms can be healed by a substance in nature that can cause those symptoms. In other words, by finding the substance in nature which can cause the same conditions we are experiencing, we can give a dose so dilute that it is absolutely safe and still gives our bodies just the "formulae" they need to stimulate many levels of cure. Homeopathic remedies, correctly chosen, are capable of affecting cure for acute symptoms as well as deep personal concerns. Arsenic, for example, can cause symptoms which we could easily relate to food poisoning: severe vomiting, diarrhea, .... but the homeopathic dilution of Arsenic, Arsenicum alb, when taken for acute stomach flu or food poisoning brings much relief, both during and after the necessary purging - minimizing discomfort and recovery time. If you were to take Arsenic in small poisonings over a longer time, you would likely become very restless especially at night, irritable, with weakness and exhaustion; you would move constantly, grow very afraid of death, being left alone, and might even become suicidal, miserly, selfish and malicious.

Thus with higher potencies and professional guidance, you can use Arsenicum alb to treat individuals whose life has somehow driven them to similar despair. The remedies really can resonate that deeply, but at this level of care, the remedy selection and dosage is critical. Just as certain things in nature can, in susceptible individuals, cause hayfever, constipation, headaches, rashes, pains..., those very things can stimulate healing responses both acute and manifest.