What is Homeopathy?

1. What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a therapeutic method that uses natural substances in micro-doses to relieve symptoms. The active
ingredients in homeopathic medicines are diluted plants, animals and minerals that relieve the same symptoms they
cause at full strength (i.e. a micro-dose of a coffee bean helps nervousness).

2. What conditions are treated using homeopathic medicines?

Homeopathic medicines can be used to relieve symptoms of a wide range of acute health conditions such as
allergies, coughs, colds, flu, stress, arthritis pain, muscle pain, teething, etc. They can also be used by trained
physicians to relieve symptoms of more serious conditions and many chronic diseases.

3. How are homeopathic medicines regulated?

Homeopathic medicines have been regulated by FDA as drugs since 1938. FDA regulatory policy for homeopathic
medicines is outlined in FDA's Compliance Policy Guide: Sec 400.400 Conditions Under Which Homeopathic Drugs
May be Marketed (CPG7132.15), available at: www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/cpg/cpgdrg/cpg400-400.html.

4. Are homeopathic medicines safe?

Homeopathic medicines have been used for more than 200 years and have established a remarkable safety record
over that time. Homeopathic medicines offer some of the safest choices for self-treatment.

5. What is the evidence of efficacy for homeopathic medicines?

The efficacy of homeopathic medicines is supported by 200 years of clinical observation. An increasing number of
scientific studies on homeopathy are being conducted and, in recent years, more than 1100 of these studies have
been published in medical journals. Clinical research is providing evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic medicines,
and basic laboratory research is confirming the biological activity of highly diluted substances and helping the
scientific community better understand their mechanism of action.

6. How are homeopathic medicines made?

Homeopathic medicines are manufactured according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States
(HPUS) and drug Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Beginning in a concentrated solution or solid each
homeopathic medicine is subject to successive dilution steps. Between each dilution step the resulting product is
vigorously shaken in a process known as succussion. The dilution/succussion process is carried out up to the desired
level of dilution. The resulting product is the homeopathic active ingredient which is then incorporated into dosage
forms for administration.

7. How popular is homeopathy in the United States?

Sales of homeopathic medications in the United States are estimated to exceed $1.5 billion per year (at retail), costs
that are un-reimbursed (Mintel, 2012).

8. Is homeopathy practiced outside of the United States?

Today, homeopathy is used by millions of patients in more than 80 countries and is recommended by more than
400,000 healthcare providers worldwide.

9. How are homeopathic medicines provided to consumers?

Like other medicines, homeopathic medicines are available in a variety of common and well-established dosage forms:
tablets, pellets, liquids, gels, ointments, creams, syrups, eye drops, suppositories and injectables.

10. Can homeopathic medicines be taken in conjunction with other medications?

Homeopathic medicines can be safely taken with conventional medications, herbal remedies and supplements, and
are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments.