About 200 million people use homeopathy worldwide. For a long time, it was available in the national health care system. However, in 2017 the national health care center in England told GPs to avoid prescribing it. The move followed the 2010 House of Commons study. It showed no proof that homeopathic treatments performed better than placebos.
What Is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a medical philosophy and practice. Its main idea is that the body can heal itself. Homeopathy was founded in Germany at the end of the 1700s, and it has wide practice throughout Europe. Homeopathic medicine considers illness symptoms to be normal reactions of the body.
Giving a tiny quantity of the same drug to a person will cure a disease. Theoretically, a homeopathic dose improves the routine healing and self-regulation processes of the body.
Homeopathic medicine practitioners (homeopaths) use tablets or liquid mixtures (solutions). It contains just a small amount of the active ingredient (usually a plant or mineral) to treat several diseases. Homeopaths define them as highly diluted or “potentiated” substances. There is no clear scientific evidence to prove that homeopathic drugs are beneficial for any specific condition.
How Does It Work?
The basic idea behind homeopathy is like cures. In other words, a medication that causes symptoms in a healthy person can—at a tiny dose—treat a disease with similar symptoms. It tries to activate the natural defenses of the body.
Red onion, for example, makes your eyes water. That’s why homeopaths use it in allergy homeopathic remedies. Homeopaths make other ailments from:
- Poison ivy
- White arsenic
- Crushed whole bees
- A herb called arnica
Homeopathic practitioners weaken these ingredients by adding water or alcohol. Then they shake the mixture as part of a method called “potentization.” They believe the healing essence of this step is transferred. Homeopaths also claim that the lower the dosage, the more effective the medicine is. In fact, many of these remedies no longer contain molecules of the original substance. They come in various ways, such as sugar balls, liquid drops, creams, gels, and tablets.
During your consultation, a homeopath will ask you various questions about your mental, emotional, and physical health. They will recommend a treatment that best matches all of the symptoms. Then they’re going to tailor the remedy for you.
What Conditions Does Homeopathy Treat?
People use it for a wide range of health problems, including certain chronic diseases:
- Allergies
- Migraines
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Premenstrual syndrome
People may also use it for minor problems such as:
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Toothaches
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Coughs
- Colds
You should not use homeopathic medicine for life-threatening diseases such as:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Emergency circumstances
You should also avoid this in place of vaccines. Because some homeopathic drugs called “nosodes” claims to be an alternative to vaccinations. But there is no research to prove that they are effective.
Is There Any Science To Show Homeopathy Works?
A growing body of study shows the possible benefits – take a look at the Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI). Some smaller studies have shown that homeopathy has similar success rates to conventional medicine. As Carolyne Hallet, homeopath and soul therapist, adds, “Homeopathy is widely accepted in the world as a reputable therapy that is part of dozens of national health systems, including Brazil, Chile, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Switzerland. Moreover, Usain Bolt, David Beckham, and the Royal family have long been vocal supporters. As Hallet notes, “Homeopathy has been criticized by the western medical community, like all other natural treatments, as those who attack homeopathy tend to dismiss evidence. So they seem to fail to accept how it works.”
What the Science Says About Safety and Side Effects of Homeopathy
- Though some homeopathic products are heavily diluted, some products sold or branded homeopathic may not be. Hence, they may contain large quantities of active ingredients, which can cause side effects or drug interactions.
- A systematic review of case reports and case series in 2012 concluded that using certain homeopathic products or replacing effective conventional therapy with ineffective homeopathic therapy might cause adverse effects, some of which may be serious.
- Liquid homeopathic products contain alcohol. The FDA allows for higher levels of alcohol in these drugs than in conventional drugs.
- Homeopathic professionals expect some of their patients to experience “homeopathic aggravation.” Homeopathic aggravation is a temporary worsening of existing symptoms after taking a homeopathic prescription. In clinical trials, researchers have not found any proof of this reaction. However, research into homeopathic aggravations is scarce. Therefore, always discuss changes to your symptoms with your healthcare professional.
- The FDA warned consumers about different products labeled as homeopathic. For example, in 2017, the FDA warned the consumers that certain homeopathic teeth tablets had large amounts of the toxic substance belladonna. Also, it warned customers in 2015 not to focus on over-the-counter asthma medications branded as homeopathic. It is because the FDA does not evaluate them for safety and effectiveness.
Is Homeopathy Safe?
The USA has regulated homeopathic remedies since 1938. In most cases, researchers thought them to be safe. However, some of these products may cause some side effects. Others may interact with the medicines you are taking. And there is no evidence to show that you can safely use homeopathic products instead of receiving recommended shots or vaccines.
There is very little active substance in the solution. So, some homeopathic critics believe that any benefit from medication is not because of the substance but because of the placebo effect.
It is important to inform your doctor if you wish to use homeopathic remedies. He or she should have full knowledge of your wellbeing. Homeopathic therapies should not replace conventional treatments with serious health problems.
You can purchase some homeopathic medicines in health food stores without a doctor’s prescription. However, preparations from different suppliers and practitioners can vary.
Talk to the doctor about any complementary health practices that you would like to pursue or are already using. Your doctor will help you better manage your health if he or she knows all about your health habits.
The Bottom Line
To supplement proven traditional care, do not use homeopathy. If you consider using homeopathic medicine, bring it with you when you visit your health care provider. Because the provider will help you decide if the medication may pose a risk of side effects or drug interactions. Take care of your health with your health care professionals about any complementary health approaches you use. You can make shared, well-informed decisions together.
