Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Developed in the late 1700s in Germany, homeopathy uses tiny amounts of natural substances, such as plants and minerals, to trigger the healing process.
But there’s not much evidence that homeopathy works as a treatment for any specific health condition.
How Does Homeopathy Work?
A basic belief behind homeopathy is “like cures like.” In other words, something that causes symptoms in a healthy person can — in a very small dose — treat an illness with similar symptoms. This is meant to trigger the body’s natural defenses.
For example, red onions can make your eyes water and your nose run. So, it’s used in homeopathic remedies for allergies and colds. Treatments for other ailments are made from stinging nettle, poison ivy, white arsenic, crushed whole bees, and an herb called arnica.
Homeopathic doctors (who are also called “homeopaths”) weaken these ingredients by adding water or alcohol. Then, they shake the mixture as part of a process called “potentization.” They believe this step transfers the healing essence.
What do homeopathic products look like?
In homeopathy, many people believe that the lower the dose, the more powerful the medicine. In fact, many of these remedies no longer have any molecules of the original substance. They come in a variety of forms, such as:
- Sugar pellets
- Eye drops
- Syrups or liquids
- Nasal sprays
- Creams
- Suppositories
- Gels
- Tablets
Homeopathic products are often tailored to each person. In other words, two people who have the same condition may get totally different products and recommendations.
You can also buy over-the-counter homeopathic products at drugstores and health food stores. The dosage and quality of these products depend on the drugmaker.
What Conditions Can Homeopathy Treat?
There isn’t enough reliable evidence to say that homeopathy works as a treatment for any health condition. But people have used it in hopes of treating a wide variety of health issues, including:
- Allergies
- Migraine
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Premenstrual syndrome
People also use it for issues such as:
- Bruises
- Scrapes
- Toothaches
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Coughing
- Colds
Never use homeopathic medicine for life-threatening conditions, such as asthma, cancer, heart disease, or in medical emergencies. You should also avoid using it in place of vaccines. Some homeopathic products called “nosodes” are sold as an alternative to vaccines, but there’s no research to prove they’re effective.
Does Homeopathy Work?
We need more research to know if homeopathy works as a treatment. Researchers and experts who have reviewed the evidence say there’s no evidence that suggests homeopathy works for any health condition.
Plus, some of the theories behind homeopathy don’t line up with the principles of chemistry and physics. Scientists argue that a medicine with no active ingredient shouldn’t affect the body.
What Are the Risks of Homeopathy?
The FDA oversees homeopathic remedies. But it doesn’t check to see if they’re safe or effective. In general, most are so watered down that they don’t cause any side effects. But there are exceptions. Homeopathic products can have a large amount of an active ingredient, such as a heavy metal, that can be dangerous.
For example, in 2017, the FDA issued a warning against using homeopathic teething tablets and gels because of possible health risks to babies and children.
If you’re thinking about trying homeopathic treatments, talk to your doctor. They can make sure they’re safe and won’t interact with any other medications you’re taking.
Should You Try Homeopathy?
Because homeopathic products are often very watered down, they’re not considered harmful on their own. But they can be dangerous if you rely on them as treatment for medical conditions.
Only try homeopathy and homeopathic products after talking to your doctor. They can tell you how safe it is and give you alternatives if needed.
Takeaways
Homeopathy is a kind of alternative medicine. People who use it believe homeopathic products can encourage the body to heal itself from infections and other health conditions. But there isn’t enough evidence to support this.
Always talk to your doctor before trying homeopathy.
Homeopathy FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about homeopathy.
Is naturopathy the same as homeopathy?
No, naturopathy and homeopathy are different. Homeopathy aims to treat conditions with diluted natural substances to encourage the body to heal itself. With naturopathy, the idea is to fix the problem at the root cause while also including things like exercising and getting enough nutrients.
Is holistic medicine the same thing as homeopathic medicine?
No, holistic medicine isn’t the same thing as homeopathic medicine. But they can be related. Holistic medicine is a broader term — it focuses on the entire person instead of just one aspect. So, for example, a holistic medicine approach considers the mind, body, and spirit. Homeopathic products could be part of a holistic medicine approach.
Are homeopathic remedies regulated?
No, the FDA doesn’t regulate homeopathic remedies or products for safety or effectiveness. That means no homeopathic product is FDA-approved to treat conditions.
