Homeopathy: What It Is and What the Evidence Shows
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Homeopathy?
A homeopathic practitioner, a person trained in homeopathy, offers it. Usually, a person licensed in medicine or another health care field can offer it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Homeopathy began in Germany more than 200 years ago. It is a medical system. It is based on two unconventional theories.
One idea is that like cures like. A substance that causes symptoms in healthy people is thought to cure a disease with similar symptoms. Another idea is that a lower dose of a medicine works better. This is called the law of minimum dose.
Many of its products are so diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain.
What people use it for
Homeopathic products come from plants, minerals, or animals. They are often made as sugar pellets to be placed under the tongue. They may also come as ointments, gels, drops, creams, and tablets.
How to prepare
These steps may help you get ready.
- Bring any homeopathic product with you when you visit your health care provider.
- The provider may be able to tell if the product could cause side effects or drug interactions.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, talk with your health care provider first.
- Do the same before using it to treat a child.
- Do not use homeopathy in place of proven care.
- Do not use it to delay seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
What happens during it
Treatments are tailored to each person. People with the same condition often get different treatments.
Recovery
Practitioners expect some people to feel worse for a short time after taking it. Studies have not found much evidence of this reaction. Always discuss changes in your symptoms with your health care provider.
What the research shows and safety concerns
There is little evidence that it works for any specific health condition. In 2015, the Australian government reviewed the evidence. It found no reliable evidence that homeopathy works for any health condition. Some key ideas behind homeopathy do not fit with basic science.
There are no FDA-approved products labeled as homeopathic. The FDA has not reviewed these products for safety or effectiveness.
Many products are highly diluted, but some are not. These can contain large amounts of active ingredients, which may cause side effects or drug interactions. In 2017, the FDA warned about some homeopathic teething tablets. They had too much of a toxic substance called belladonna.
Using a homeopathic product in place of a treatment that works can cause side effects. Some of these side effects may be serious. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
Homeopathy laws vary from state to state in the United States. In some states, people without a license may practice it.
Common questions
Does homeopathy work?
There is little evidence that homeopathy works for any specific health condition.
Is homeopathy safe?
It depends on the product. Some products are highly diluted, but others may contain large amounts of active ingredients. These may cause side effects or drug interactions.
Can homeopathy replace vaccines?
No. Do not use homeopathic products as a substitute for vaccines. The CDC says there is no credible science to support homeopathic vaccines. Follow the recommended vaccine schedules for children and adults.
Should I tell my doctor that I use homeopathy?
Yes. Talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. You can bring the product with you to your visit.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Homeopathy: What You Need To Know
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Homeopathic Products
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
