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.
Is It Effective?
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.
- 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.
Is it Safe?
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 & 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.
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.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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, Homeopathic Medicine, Homeopathic Nosodes, Homeopathic Remedies, Homeopathie, Homéopathique, Homeopatía, Homeoprophylaxis, Maladie Semblable, Médecine Homéopathique, Nosodes, Remède Homéopathique, Similar Disease.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.