The potential of homeopathic phenomenon in plant growth

For over two centuries homeopathy has demonstrated its therapeutic properties, thus gaining more and more supporters worldwide. Many researchers opine that due to absence of a medicinal substance in a homeopathic preparation it is not necessary to study its healing effect. However, for the last few years our research was focused not only on understanding the mechanism(s) of homeopathic action in medical and veterinary practices but also on the effect of different homeopathic preparations on plants. The studies aimed to rule out the placebo effect from the homeopathic phenomenon, but also at identification of therapeutic effect on different plants. These studies allowed to extend the boundaries of practical use of homeopathy including its common use in the farming industry. The efficacy of various homeopathic preparations was assessed for their use in plant growth through application techniques such as watering, spraying, soaking and sprinkling etc. Growth dynamics, duration of fruit ripening, crop yield were monitored and compared to reference plants. Homeopathic preparations for agricultural plants were carefully selected on the basis of their effect on the crop yield – the principal criterion for the selection. Based on these criteria it was observed that the homeopathic picture of tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes is almost same within one variety, in all tested sorts, although, in case of fruit trees such as apple, pear the homeopathic similimum varied depending of the selection method. Our results showed that, in case of trees, one-time application of homeopathic preparation during a season is preferable and sufficient. In case of vegetable cultures, application may not be more frequent than once a month as more frequent application results in diminishing of yield. For root plants single treatment at the time of planting was sufficient. The performed studies showed that the growth and ripening indicators significantly prevailed in the vegetables, which had been treated with homeopathic preparations, as compared to common traditional way of plant handling (controls). Thus the performed studies suggest the following: a) Homeopathic effect on biological structures is not a placebo effect. b) Obtained data are a categorical proof of the homeopathic preparation effect on plants causing higher yield in agricultural crops and therefore, have good potential for their use on the industrial scale in agriculture. c) The potential of the homeopathic phenomenon practical use has not been fully explored yet and needs a follow-up study.