Homeopathy: An Introduction Key Points

Homeopathy: An Introduction
Key Points
 There is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for any

specific condition.
 Although people sometimes assume that all homeopathic remedies are highly
diluted and therefore unlikely to cause harm, some products labeled as
homeopathic can contain substantial amounts of active ingredients and therefore
could cause side effects and drug interactions.
 Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). However, FDA does not evaluate the remedies for safety or effectiveness.
 Several key concepts of homeopathy are inconsistent with fundamental concepts
of chemistry and physics. There are significant challenges in carrying out rigorous
clinical research on homeopathic remedies.
 Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you
use. Give them a full picture of all you do to manage your health. This will help
ensure coordinated and safe care.
Overview
The alternative medical system of homeopathy was developed in Germany at the end of
the 18th century. Supporters of homeopathy point to two unconventional theories: “like
cures like”—the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar
symptoms in healthy people; and “law of minimum dose”—the notion that the lower the
dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Many homeopathic remedies are so
diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain.
Homeopathic remedies are derived from substances that come from plants, minerals, or
animals, such as red onion, arnica (mountain herb), crushed whole bees, white arsenic,
poison ivy, belladonna (deadly nightshade), and stinging nettle. Homeopathic remedies
are often formulated as sugar pellets to be placed under the tongue; they may also be in
other forms, such as ointments, gels, drops, creams, and tablets. Treatments are
“individualized” or tailored to each person—it is not uncommon for different people with
the same condition to receive different treatments.
Use in the United States
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a

comprehensive survey of the use of complementary health practices by Americans, an
estimated 3.9 million adults and 910,000 children used homeopathy in the previous year.
These estimates include use of over-the-counter products labeled as “homeopathic,” as
well as visits with a homeopathic practitioner. Out-of-pocket costs for adults were $2.9
billion for homeopathic medicines and $170 million for visits to
homeopathic practitioners.
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The Status of Homeopathy Research
Most rigorous clinical trials and systematic analyses of the research on homeopathy have
concluded that there is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for
any specific condition.
Homeopathy is a controversial topic in complementary medicine research. A number of

the key concepts of homeopathy are not consistent with fundamental concepts of
chemistry and physics. For example, it is not possible to explain in scientific terms how a
remedy containing little or no active ingredient can have any effect. This, in turn, creates
major challenges to rigorous clinical investigation of homeopathic remedies. For
example, one cannot confirm that an extremely dilute remedy contains what is listed on
the label, or develop objective measures that show effects of extremely dilute remedies in
the human body.
Another research challenge is that homeopathic treatments are highly individualized, and
there is no uniform prescribing standard for homeopaths. There are hundreds of different
homeopathic remedies, which can be prescribed in a variety of different dilutions to treat
thousands of symptoms.
Side Effects and Risks
 Certain homeopathic products (called “nosodes” or “homeopathic

immunizations”) have been promoted by some as substitutes for conventional
immunizations, but data to support such claims is lacking. The National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) supports the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for
immunizations/vaccinations. To learn more about vaccines visit
www.vaccines.gov.
 While many homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, some products sold or
labeled as homeopathic may not be highly diluted; they can contain substantial
amounts of active ingredients. Like any drug or dietary supplement that contains
chemical ingredients, these homeopathic products may cause side effects or drug
interactions. Negative health effects from homeopathic products of this type have
been reported.
 A systematic review found that highly diluted homeopathic remedies, taken under
the supervision of trained professionals, are generally safe and unlikely to cause
severe adverse reactions. However, like any drug or dietary supplement, these
products could pose risks if they are improperly manufactured (for example, if
they are contaminated with microorganisms or incorrectly diluted).
 Liquid homeopathic remedies may contain alcohol. The FDA allows higher levels
of alcohol in these remedies than it allows in conventional drugs.
 Homeopaths expect some of their patients to experience “homeopathic
aggravation” (a temporary worsening of existing symptoms after taking a
homeopathic prescription). Researchers have not found much evidence of this
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reaction in clinical studies; however, research on homeopathic aggravations is
scarce. Always discuss changes in your symptoms with your health care provider.
Regulation of Homeopathic Treatments
Homeopathic remedies are regulated as drugs under the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FDCA). However, under current Agency policy, FDA does not evaluate
the remedies for safety or effectiveness. FDA enforcement policies for homeopathic
drugs are described in FDA’s Compliance Policy Guide entitled Conditions Under Which
Homeopathic Drugs May be Marketed (CPG 7132.15).
FDA allows homeopathic remedies that meet certain conditions to be marketed without
agency preapproval. For example, homeopathic remedies must contain active ingredients
that are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS). The
HPUS lists active ingredients that may be legally included in homeopathic products and
standards for strength, quality, and purity of that ingredient. In addition, the FDA requires
that the label on the product, outer container, or accompanying leaflet include at least one
major indication (i.e., medical problem to be treated), a list of ingredients, the number of
times the active ingredient was diluted, and directions for use. If a homeopathic remedy
claims to treat a serious disease such as cancer, it must be sold by prescription. Only
products for minor health problems, like a cold or headache, which go away on their own,
can be sold without a prescription.
Licensing
Laws regulating the practice of homeopathy in the United States vary from state to state.
Usually, individuals who are licensed to practice medicine or another health care
profession can legally practice homeopathy. In some states, non-licensed professionals
may practice homeopathy.
Arizona, Connecticut, and Nevada are the only states with homeopathic licensing boards
for doctors of medicine (holders of M.D. degrees) and doctors of osteopathic medicine
(holders of D.O. degrees). Arizona and Nevada also license homeopathic assistants, who
are allowed to perform medical services under the supervision of a homeopathic
physician. Some states explicitly include homeopathy within the scope of practice of
chiropractic, naturopathy, and physical therapy.
If You Are Thinking About Using Homeopathy
 Do not use homeopathy as a replacement for proven conventional care or to

postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
 If you are considering using a homeopathic remedy, bring the product with you
when you visit your health care provider. The provider may be able to help you
determine whether the product might pose a risk of side effects or
drug interactions.
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 Follow the recommended conventional immunization schedules for children and
adults. Do not use homeopathic products as a substitute for
conventional immunizations.
 Women who are pregnant or nursing, or people who are thinking of using
homeopathy to treat a child, should consult their (or their child’s) health
care providers.
 Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you
use. Give them a full picture of all you do to manage your health. This will ensure
coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers
about complementary and alternative medicine, see the National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s (NCCAM)

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Homeopathy: An Introduction

 There is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for any

Use in the United States

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a

Homeopathy is a controversial topic in complementary medicine research. A number of

Side Effects and Risks

 Certain homeopathic products (called “nosodes” or “homeopathic

Regulation of Homeopathic Treatments

If You Are Thinking About Using Homeopathy

 Do not use homeopathy as a replacement for proven conventional care or to

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