Overview

Homeopathy is a practice based on the idea that symptoms can be treated by using very dilute amounts of a substance that can cause these same symptoms in high doses.

The creator of homeopathy believed in the law of similars, meaning "like cures like." Homeopathic preparations contain extreme dilutions of herbs, minerals, and other substances. They're often so dilute that they no longer contain detectable amounts of the original ingredient.

People use homeopathy for measles, mumps, tetanus, acne, back pain, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, flu, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using homeopathy for COVID-19.

In the US, homeopathic products are legally sold as a unique category of drug. But the FDA regulates these products much less strictly than conventional drugs. Review details on common ingredients in homeopathic products, such as arnica, arsenic, belladonna, luffa, oscillococcinum, poison ivy, sulfur, and zinc, to learn more about safety and effectiveness. It varies between products.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Measles. Homeopathic vaccines known as homeopathic nosodes do not seem to prevent measles.
  • Mumps (parotitis). Homeopathic vaccines known as homeopathic nosodes do not seem to prevent mumps.
  • Tetanus. Homeopathic vaccines known as homeopathic nosodes do not seem to prevent tetanus.

There is interest in using homeopathy for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Homeopathy is likely safe when used appropriately. Most homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredient. Because of this, they aren't likely to cause harmful effects. But keep in mind that not all products are labeled correctly. Some products have been found to contain large amounts of chemicals that can cause serious side effects.

When applied to the skin: Homeopathy is likely safe when used appropriately. Most homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredient. Because of this, they aren't likely to cause harmful effects.

When sprayed into the nose: There isn't enough reliable information to know if homeopathic products are safe. Some of these products contain zinc, which might reduce the sense of smell when sprayed into the nose.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Homeopathy is likely safe when used appropriately. Most homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredient. Because of this, they aren't likely to cause harmful effects. But keep in mind that not all products are labeled correctly. Some products have been found to contain large amounts of chemicals that can cause serious side effects.

When applied to the skin: Homeopathy is likely safe when used appropriately. Most homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredient. Because of this, they aren't likely to cause harmful effects.

When sprayed into the nose: There isn't enough reliable information to know if homeopathic products are safe. Some of these products contain zinc, which might reduce the sense of smell when sprayed into the nose.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Since homeopathic preparations contain little or no active ingredient, it's unlikely that most products would have any harmful effect. But because there isn't enough reliable information to know if homeopathic products are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding, it's best to stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Homeopathy overview.

Dosing

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine practice based on the law of similars, meaning "like cures like." This theory suggests that symptoms can be be treated by using very diluted substances that can cause the same symptoms when used in larger doses. Most homeopathic products are so dilute that they contain little or no active ingredient.

Homeopathic preparations indicate how dilute they are using specific letters and numbers. Dilutions of 1/10 are signified by "X." So, 1X = 1/10, 2X = 1/100, 3X = 1/1000, and so on.

Dilutions of 1/100 are signified by "C." So, 1C = 1/100, 2C = 1/10,000, 3C = 1/1,000,000, and so on.

Dilutions of 1/50,000 are signified by "Q". So, Q1 = 5/1,000,000,000.

Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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