The basic principle of homeopathy is ‘like cures like’. This means that a substance that would produce certain symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat a sick person with very similar symptoms. Homeopathic prescriptions are tailored to match the particular symptoms of each individual patient, so if two patients have the same illness, but show different symptoms, they are likely to be treated with different remedies. Homeopathic remedies are given in very diluted doses and are made from many different things including plants, minerals and some animal products.