Homeopathy
Alternate names: Homeopathic, Homeopathic Medicine, Homeopathic Nosodes, Homeopathic Remedies, Homeopathie, Homéopathique, Homeopatía, Homeoprophylaxis, Maladie Semblable, Médecine Homéopathique, Nosodes, Remède Homéopathique, Similar Disease
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
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 & Warnings:
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.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- 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.
Dosing & administration
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.
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/09/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 05/12/2021 11:34:59. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
