10 Q&A on Homeopathy
Complied here is a brief fact sheet that AAHP uses when introducing homeopathy to Congressional health staff on Capitol Hill. More robust information can be found on TheAAHP.org’s frequently asked questions (FAQ) webpages, which is one of the most popular sections on the association’s website. We hope this language helps you answer FAQs.
- 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).
- 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.
- How are homeopathic medicines regulated?
Homeopathic products are classified as drugs under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act of 1938. As such the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the manufacturing and labeling of homeopathic medicines as drugs. Manufacturers must comply with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS), which the FD&C Act recognizes as the authority for the manufacturing of homeopathic drugs; Manufacturers are required to register with FDA and are subject to FDA facility inspections to ensure compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR §210 and §211). Manufacturers must report any serious adverse reactions to FDA. Labels must comply with 21 CFR §201. FDA’s 2022 “Homeopathic Drug Products Guidance” describes the agency’s risk-based enforcement priorities and intended regulatory actions. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission regulates advertising for all drugs.
- Are homeopathic medicines safe?
Homeopathic medicines have been used for more than 225 years and have established a remarkable safety record over that time. Homeopathic medicine offers some of the safest choices for self-treatment.
- What is the evidence of efficacy for homeopathic medicines?
The efficacy of homeopathic medicines is supported by more than 225 years of clinical observation. An increasing number of scientific studies on homeopathy are being conducted and, in recent years, more than 150 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.
- 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 that is then incorporated into dosage forms.
- How popular is homeopathy in the United States?
Sales of homeopathic medications in the United States are estimated by AAHP at about $1.5 billion per year at retail.
- Is homeopathy practiced outside of the United States?
Today, homeopathy is used by millions of patients in more than 50 countries and is recommended by more than 400,000 health care providers worldwide.
- In what dosage form are homeopathic medicines prepared and available to consumers?
Like other drugs, homeopathic medicines are available in a variety of well-established dosage forms familiar to consumers. The most common forms are pellets, tablets (compressed and soft triturates), and liquids. Homeopathic medicines are also on the U.S. market in the form of topicals (creams, gels, ointments, oils, and sprays), capsules, cough syrups, lozenges, powders, and suppositories.
- Can homeopathic medicines be taken in conjunction with other medications?
Unless the product label provides any warnings to the contrary, homeopathic medicines can be safely taken with conventional medications, herbal remedies and supplements, and are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments. Always read and follow label directions.