History of Electro Homeopathy in India — Count Mattei's Legacy
How did a healing system developed by an Italian nobleman in 19th century Bologna come to be practiced by tens of thousands of practitioners across rural India? The story of Electro Homeopathy's journey to India is a fascinating chapter in the history of alternative medicine.
The Story Begins: Count Cesare Mattei (1809–1896)
Count Cesare Mattei was born on January 11, 1809, in Bologna, Italy — to a noble family of wealth and influence. Though trained in law and involved in politics, Mattei was deeply interested in medicine and healing from an early age.
Disillusioned with the conventional medicine of his time — which relied heavily on bloodletting, mercury compounds, and harsh purging — Mattei turned to botanical research. Over decades of study, he developed his unique system: Electro Homeopathy.
Mattei established his famous castle at Riola, near Bologna, as a healing centre. Patients from across Europe — including members of royal families — came to seek treatment. His success brought him international fame, and his books were translated into multiple languages.
Timeline: Electro Homeopathy's Journey to India
Count Mattei publishes his first works
Mattei begins publishing books on his system in Italian. The works are later translated into English, French, and German — reaching international audiences.
Electro Homeopathy spreads to England
English practitioners adopt and promote Mattei's system. Books are published in English, making the system accessible to practitioners in British territories.
Introduction to British India
English translations of Mattei's works reach India via British officers and medical administrators. Indian practitioners — particularly in North India — begin learning and adopting the system.
Rapid spread in North India
Electro Homeopathy finds fertile ground in UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan, where affordable and effective alternative medicine is in great demand. Hindi translations of EH books are produced.
First EH institutions in India
The first structured Electro Homeopathy educational institutions emerge in India, formalising the training of practitioners.
Growth after Indian Independence
Post-independence, Electro Homeopathy continues to grow organically in North India. Practitioners establish dispensaries and clinics serving rural and urban communities.
Formalisation of education
Institutions like MATTIE Trust India formalise EH education with structured BEMS, DEMS, and CEH programs, making training accessible nationwide through correspondence mode.
EH in the digital age
Thousands of practitioners across 28+ states. Growing online awareness. Increasing demand for structured education. The Count Mattei system lives on — 160+ years after its creation.
Why Did Electro Homeopathy Succeed in India?
Several factors contributed to Electro Homeopathy's remarkable adoption and survival in India:
- Affordability: EH medicines were cheap compared to allopathic treatment — critical for rural and low-income populations
- Plant-based tradition: Indians already had deep reverence for herbal and botanical medicine. EH's plant-based approach resonated with existing cultural beliefs
- Effectiveness for common ailments: Practitioners reported success with chronic and common conditions, building word-of-mouth reputation
- No major side effects: The safety profile of EH medicines made them popular with families hesitant about chemical medicines
- Rural accessibility: EH practitioners operated in villages where modern hospitals were unavailable or unaffordable
Electro Homeopathy in India Today (2026)
Today, Electro Homeopathy has a significant presence in India — particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi NCR, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Key facts about EH in India today:
- Tens of thousands of practitioners across North India
- Multiple educational institutions offering BEMS and DEMS programs
- Active practitioner associations in several states
- Growing interest among young students seeking alternative medicine careers
- Currently not listed under AYUSH — practitioners cannot claim to be licensed medical doctors
Be Part of This Living Tradition
Study Electro Homeopathy at MATTIE Trust India — carry forward Count Mattei's legacy in 21st century India.