What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of therapeutics that operates on the idea that “similia similibus curantur” or “like cures like.” It was developed at the end of the 17th century by a German doctor named Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathic practitioners believe that exposing your body to tiny amounts of specific plants and minerals can help it repair itself.

For example, let’s say you have a toothache. A homeopath would create a mixture of natural remedies (like belladonna, antimonium crudum and chamomilla) and dilute it a hundred times over. They believe that diluted mixtures will promote healing and reduce that tooth pain.

That’s the theory. Now, let’s explore the practice.

How homeopathy is believed to work

Homeopaths choose an ingredient that they believe both causes and cures your specific symptoms. The ingredient is diluted (weakened) by adding water or alcohol. The homeopath then shakes the product to activate its properties — a process known as “potentization.” Then, the mixture is diluted again, with more water or alcohol. This process is repeated until the ingredient reaches the desired potency.

Many homeopathic remedies are mixed to a potency of 200c. That means one part of the tincture (the extract of the ingredient) is mixed with 99 parts water or alcohol. This process is repeated 200 times. This is such a high level of dilution that there may not be any of the material left at the end of the process.

“Some homeopaths suggest that homeopathic remedies work as nanomedicine,” says integrative medicine specialist Yufang Lin, MD. “They believe the original ingredient is broken down through potentization into nanoparticles, even if it’s below the level of detection.”

But very few scientific studies have found that this is an effective treatment. Those that have suggested homeopathy is promising have mostly been of poor quality. Critics of homeopathy suggest that any positive results or outcomes are due to the placebo effect.

Advocates disagree, arguing that there’s not enough research on homeopathy to dismiss the practice’s claims. They believe that more rigorous study will prove these therapies are effective.

Conditions homeopathy claims to treat

Homeopathy hasn’t been proven effective in treating any medical conditions. And critics argue that these therapies focus on treating symptoms, instead of their underlying causes.

If you’re considering homeopathy as an addition to (not a replacement for) conventional medicine, be sure to consult with your provider before adding a new remedy to your health routine.

Homeopathy is sometimes used alongside conventional medicine to address health concerns, like:

• Allergies
• Bruises
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Colds
• Coughs
• Depression
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Migraines
• Nausea
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Scrapes
• Toothaches

Is homeopathy safe?

Although the vast majority of homeopathic medicines are likely harmless, it depends on where you get them, how they’re made and how you use them. Whether the potential benefits are worth the risk is a personal decision.

Here’s some information to consider as you weigh your options...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved a homeopathic product for use. And they don’t handle homeopathic remedies the same way they do pharmaceuticals. Instead, they take a “risk-based” approach.

Instead of testing every homeopathic product on the market, the FDA focuses on those that come with the highest risk. Think homeopathic products marketed to vulnerable groups (like children), products that claim to prevent or cure life-threatening conditions (like cancer) and injectables.

If the FDA has serious safety concerns about a homeopathic medicine — if it’s contaminated or includes undeclared allergens, for example — the FDA sends a warning letter to the manufacturer.

The FDA has way more remedies to test than resources to actually do it. That means (as is the case for vitamins and supplements) you can’t be sure whether a homeopathic remedy is safe, properly prepared or even that it contains what it says it does on the label.

Unlike vitamins and supplements, third-party testing is still rare for homeopathic products. Always check to see whether the product you’re considering using is among those the FDA has flagged for quality or safety violations. And talk to your provider or pharmacist to ensure the products you’re considering won’t interact with other meds you’re taking.

Homeopathic medicines can be dangerous if you use them as a replacement — instead of a complement — to conventional medicine. And, despite marketing that advertises it as an alternative to vaccines, Dr. Lin emphasizes that homeopathy should not be used as a replacement for standard immunizations.

Should you try homeopathy?

Again, whether you try homeopathy is a personal decision. But it’s still important to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using a homeopathic product, just like you would for vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medicines.

Homeopathy shouldn’t replace conventional care — so don’t put off a visit to your doctor if you have a medical concern.