likes cures like

USAGE SUMMARY

"likes cures like" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression meaning that something can be treated with a similar thing. For example, "Honey is a popular home remedy to soothe a sore throat, since 'likes cures like'; the sweetness of the honey can help reduce the irritation of the throat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Based on the principle that "like cures like", homeopathy claims to treat ill health by administering diluted forms of plants and minerals.

The Guardian

It was founded on the proposition that "like cures like", for which there is no evidence, and since this involves treating patients with toxic substances that can poison them, a second law was invented, the law of infinitesimals.

The Guardian

Homeopathy, also spelled Homoeopathy, a system of therapeutics, notably popular in the 19th century, which was founded on the stated principle that "like cures like," similia similibus curantur, and which prescribed for patients drugs or other treatments that would produce in healthy persons symptoms of the diseases being treated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although using heat to cure fever is indeed "like cures like," Royal Copeland's grandmother was actually following Thomsonianism, a movement founded in New England that held that disease was caused by cold and treatable by heat through the use of steam baths and certain pungent herbs.

The New York Times

This ancient principle, "like cures like," was heralded by the Oracle at Delphi, the Bible, and various Eastern cultures, and the fact that modern-day immunology and allergy treatments derive from the primary principle of homeopathy, "the law of similars," provides additional substantiation to this system of medicine.

Huffington Post

Therefore, in the present study, following the homeopathic principle of "like cures like", we tested the efficacy of two potencies of a homeopathic drug, Cadmium Sulphoricum (Cad Sulph), in reducing the genotoxic effects of Cadmium chloride in mice.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

In other words, he argued that "like cures like".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Homeopathy is based on the belief that "like cures like" and that the dilution of a medicine – homeopaths call the process "potentiation" – renders it not weaker but stronger.

The Guardian - Opinion

It holds that "like cures like". It's a hypothesis that maintains an illness can be cured if it is treated with a highly-diluted form of the ailment or symptoms that's attacking the patient.

The Washington Post

Homeopathy's foundation lies on the premises of "like cures like" and "the law of infinitesimals". Nappy rash, for example, is cured with a diluted solution of poison ivy.

The Guardian

Homeopathy, pioneered in the 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, operates on the basis that "like cures like" – that heavily diluted versions of substances which cause ailments can cure the same ailments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing homeopathy or alternative medicine, use "likes cures like" to succinctly explain its central tenet. Ensure your audience understands the theoretical basis of this principle.

Common error

Avoid applying "likes cures like" outside of contexts related to homeopathy or similar medical philosophies. Using it metaphorically in unrelated situations can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likes cures like" functions as a succinct statement of a core principle within homeopathy. It encapsulates the belief that a substance causing specific symptoms can, in diluted form, treat those same symptoms. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English and associated with treating something with a similar element.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likes cures like" is a phrase encapsulating the foundational principle of homeopathy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes how a substance that causes symptoms can be used to treat those same symptoms, though this is a disputed concept in conventional medicine. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, its usage highlights its role in explaining this specific alternative medical theory. Related phrases such as "similia similibus curentur" and "the law of similars" capture the same core concept. When writing about this principle, it's crucial to provide context and acknowledge the lack of scientific validation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similia similibus curentur

This is the Latin equivalent of "likes cures like", representing the core principle of homeopathy.

the law of similars

This phrase describes the fundamental principle of homeopathy where a substance that causes symptoms can cure them.

treating like with like

This alternative more directly uses the verb treat but retain the core meaning.

counteracting with a similar substance

This alternative focuses on the action of counteracting and the nature of the substance used.

fighting fire with fire

This idiom suggests confronting a problem with a method similar to the problem itself, though often with a negative connotation.

hair of the dog

This idiom refers specifically to curing a hangover by drinking more alcohol, a specific example of "likes cures like".

using a remedy with similar properties

Focuses on the similar properties of the remedy, and its curing action.

addressing the issue with a kindred approach

Uses the word kindred to indicate similarity between problem and action.

meeting symptoms with matching treatments

Highlights the treatment of symptoms with matching approaches.

balancing imbalance with related factors

Describes a balancing process and indicates related factors.

FAQs

What is the basic principle behind "likes cures like"?

The principle of "likes cures like" is the core belief in homeopathy, suggesting that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person.

How does the concept of "likes cures like" relate to homeopathy?

Homeopathy is entirely based on the concept of "likes cures like". It posits that highly diluted substances which mimic disease symptoms can stimulate the body's healing response.

Is "likes cures like" a scientifically proven method?

The scientific community generally considers homeopathy, and therefore the principle of "likes cures like", as pseudoscience due to the extreme dilutions used, which often leave none of the original substance in the remedy.

Where did the idea of "likes cures like" originate?

The concept of "likes cures like" was formalized by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century, who founded homeopathy on this principle. However, similar ideas have been around since ancient times.