Plant Names in Homeopathy

From the Book

The 'plant' remedies used in homeopathy are mostly Angiosperms with some Gnetales, conifers, a few species of Lichen, brown and red algae, mosses and Ferns, and several species of Fungi. These 'remedies' have accumulated gradually during the past 200 years.

As a result some are known by a variety of epithets, occasionally some of which are obscure, with names reaching back to the depths of time often with little justification with respect to a recognized code.

In other words, the Homeopathic Materiae Medicae consists of both vernacular and common names, but mostly Latin names. However, at least half of the current names used in homeopathy need correcting with respect to the modern botanical code (ICBN, 2000).

In response to the problem this booklet provides a standard reference system for homeopathic practitioners, and other users of plant remedies by reconciling the old codes with the current Botanical Code of Nomenclature.

The reasons for revision relate to the fact that the homeopathic Materiae Medicae have not adhered to a proscribed nomenclature standard, but various different codes largely of historical interest. This differs sharply from botanical practice where a whole set of agreed rules have been implemented for about a century.

A revised list of remedies using currently accepted botanical names should provide an international standard that can be maintained and regularly updated in line with the revisions of the Botanical Code that takes place every six years.

Change in botanical nomenclature is an ongoing process as improvements to our understanding of plant taxonomy occur over time and classifications are reworked so as to express new systematic concepts. Generic and species epithets become modified for a variety of reasons.

Homonyms, superfluous names, tautonyms, ambiguous names, rejected names, nomina nuda, and misidentifications are all in need of revision. Furthermore, taxonomic changes due to lumping or splitting of old species concepts and reassignment of misplaced taxa need to be accompanied by the appropriate changes of nomenclature.

Using incorrect names leads to confusion and ambiguity, and in the worst-case scenario incorrectly identified plants could be used even in the preparation of homeopathic remedies.

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