International Study Confirms Use of Homeopathy throughout the World
A new quantitative study conducted by Toluna Harris Interactive shows the popularity of homeopathy internationally, its positive perceptions, and use in the future. In the 16 countries studied, initial results published in July 2024 show 57% of the 16,334 people polled say they have used homeopathy sometime in the past and 55% plan to use it in the future; they believe that homeopathic medicines are more natural and have significantly less risk of side effects. This report provides a new opportunity to promote homeopathy and highlight its benefits.
Key Findings:
- 83% of users are satisfied with homeopathy (8 out 10 users).
- 57% of people have used homeopathy sometime in the past (6 out 10).
- 48% have used homeopathy in the last 12 months.
- 55% plan to use homeopathy in the future.
Usage Varies Between Countries
The study was conducted on four continents, polling more than 1,000 people per country*: Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and the United Kingdom); North America (Canada and the United States); South America (Brazil and Colombia); and Asia (India).
Use of homeopathy in these 16 countries over the last 12 months range from 27% (Canada) to 78% (India). These variations can be linked to: the history of homeopathy in the country; the supply offered by the number of homeopathic pharmaceutical manufacturers; the demand by the population for complementary medicine; the county’s healthcare system; and the presence of healthcare professionals practicing homeopathy.
According to the high usage rates shown in the study, homeopathy is well-established in India (78%), Colombia (71%), and France (59%). Other European countries included in the study that have more than a 50% usage rate are Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, and Romania.
High Satisfaction Rate
Homeopathy has a large base of regular and occasional users who are satisfied with the therapy’s results. The survey shows that an overall average of 83% (8 out of 10) users of homeopathy are satisfied. Satisfaction ranges between 81–91% in all but one of the 11 European countries surveyed. On the other side of the Atlantic, the scores are very high in Brazil, Colombia and the United States where 9 out of 10 users are satisfied with homeopathy. India shows the highest rate of satisfaction at 95%.
A Wide Range of Uses Throughout Life
Homeopathy can be used in nearly everyone to treat a wide variety of self-treatable conditions, and by more populations for more conditions if used under the supervision of a healthcare provider trained in homeopathy.
The study shows three main reasons why people in all countries choose to use homeopathy in their lives:
- As a follow-up therapy after an ineffective treatment.
- To manage a chronic illness (e.g., allergies).
- To treat a child.
Additionally, homeopathy is also a very popular to promote recovery from sports and workouts in Columbia, Italy, Spain, and the United States.
A Promising Future
More than 1 in 2 people plan to use homeopathy in the future and its anticipated use corresponds to a form of continuity. France, India, and Colombia rank among the top 5 countries resolutely committed to choose a homeopathic option in the future.
The rate of anticipated future use is higher (74%) among regular and occasional homeopathy users — a sign of strong preference for this therapy.
Motivation for Future Use of Homeopathy
The top reason why people intend to use homeopathy in the future is that it is more natural and perceived to have significantly less risk of side effects. These potential users see other benefits, including safety, greater respect for their health, and good therapeutic results. These expectations fully align with the principle of homeopathy.
Top reasons for future use given by people intending to use homeopathy:
- 52% cite homeopathy being more natural, underlining the desire to avoid known side effects.
- 43% say they want to avoid chemical medications.
- 36% affirm that homeopathic medicines are better for their health.
- 39% highlight the good therapeutic results from use of homeopathic medicines.
Healthcare Professionals are Key to Providing Advice
In almost 80% of cases, people planning to use homeopathy in the future will turn first to their healthcare professionals (pharmacist, general practitioner or homeopathic doctor) for advice.
Pharmacist
France 59%
Slovakia 54%
Czech Republic 52%
Germany 47%
General Practitioner
Romania 58%
Bulgaria 52%
Poland 47%
Italy 45%
Homeopathic Doctor
Colombia 65%
India 64%
Brazil 62%
The United States is an exception where homeopathy users are 50% likely to obtain information or buy homeopathy from the Internet.
Methodology
The Toluna Harris Interactive opinion polling institute conducted an international survey for Laboratories Boiron to evaluate how homeopathy is perceived and used around the world.
This quantitative survey was conducted online over 18 months from August 2022 to December 2023 in 16 countries on 4 continents: Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and the United Kingdom); North America (Canada and the United States); South America (Brazil and Colombia); and Asia (India). Data for Brazil and the United Kingdom were added to the original study.
A total of 16,334 people were surveyed, or more than 1,000 people per country (except in India*). To representative of each country’s population, the people surveyed were selected based on gender, age (older than 18 years of age), and socio-professional category.
* Sample of people older than 18 years of age who speak fluent English and live in urban areas.
For More Information
This article was edited for U.S. audiences by Alissa Gould, Communications Chair for the American Association for Homeopathic Products and Director of Corporate Communications at Boiron USA.
The original summary available in both French and English was posted July 17, 2024 on the website Harris Interactive website (https://harris-interactive.fr/opinion_polls/lusage-de-lhomeopathie-dans-le-monde-2/) and on its LinkedIn account.
For questions, contact Emeline Guiraud-Boisson in Boiron’s External Relations Department in Lyon, France by emailing emeline.guiraud-boisson@boiron.fr or phoning +33 (0)6 77 48 87 70.