Frequently Asked Questions
How popular are homeopathic medicines in the U.S. and throughout the world?
Thousands of healthcare professionals in the U.S. use homeopathic medicines, including family physicians, pediatricians, plastic surgeons, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, veterinarians, and osteopathic and naturopathic doctors. Today, homeopathy is used by millions of patients in more than 80 countries and is recommended by more than 400,000 healthcare providers.
Is there any scientific research on homeopathic medicines?
An increasing number of scientific studies on homeopathy are being conducted and published in peer-reviewed journals. In recent years, 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.
The indication on the label of the multi-dose tube does not match the symptom for which my physician prescribed it. Why?
The same single medicine may be useful for several different conditions. For example, Gelsemium 30C can be indicated for stress or fever; Sepia 30C can be indicated for mood swings or symptoms of hot flashes. Due to the small size of the container, we print the most common indication for each medicine on the label. Therefore, the condition for which your doctor prescribed the medicine may not be listed on the label.
Can homeopathic medicines be taken in conjunction with other medications?
Micro-dosed homeopathic medicines above 4C are safe and have no known side effects or contraindications. They can be safely taken with other conventional medicines and are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments.
Can I give homeopathic medicines to my children?
Homeopathic medicines are generally safe for children. The dosage is usually the same for adults and children since the activity of homeopathic medicines does not depend on weight. However, please see package labeling for specific drug facts and dosage recommendations. If you are considering giving any type of medicine to a child under the age specified on the label, please check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
How frequently can I or should I take homeopathic medicines?
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or on the product label. When it comes to single medicines packaged in multi-dose tubes, general dosage instructions are five pellets, three times a day.
As a general rule in a self-medicating situation, you can increase the frequency when the symptom is sudden and acute, and then decrease frequency with improvement. For example, upon twisting your ankle, you can take Arnica montana every 10 minutes three to four times, and then three times a day as needed.
How do I know I have selected the right homeopathic medicines?
Improvements are usually seen quite rapidly, particularly in acute conditions and when treatment is started at the onset of symptoms. Individual product labels will provide you with more specific information and directions for use. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor. Chronic conditions will require the attention of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in homeopathy and may require more time for improvement.
Do homeopathic medicines act quickly?
Yes. When used for acute, occasional conditions, homeopathic medicines can take effect very quickly, especially if they are taken as soon as symptoms appear. For chronic disorders such as asthma, migraines and allergies, longer treatments are needed for sustained relief.
Can homeopathic medicines be used to treat recurring illnesses?
For patients with chronic illnesses, homeopathic treatment aims to reduce the intensity and frequency of episodes or outbreaks, as with allergies or herpes.
Can homeopathic medicines prevent certain diseases?
Homeopathic medicines are indicated for the relief of symptoms – not for prevention.
Can homeopathic medicines be taken in conjunction with other medications?
Micro-dosed homeopathic medicines above 4C are safe and have no known side effects or contraindications. They can be safely taken with conventional medicines and are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments.
Can I use homeopathic medicines by myself, without a doctor's supervision?
Homeopathic medicines may be used for self-diagnosable conditions that do not require a doctor’s supervision. Homeopathic medicines are clearly labeled with warnings and directions for use. Always read and follow label directions.
How are homeopathic medicines prescribed?
A homeopathic physician recommends a homeopathic medicine after considering the patient’s symptoms, medical history and constitution.
Are homeopathic medicines safe to use when pregnant?
As with any medicine, pregnant women should seek their physician’s or pharmacist’s advice before use.
How can I treat my baby using homeopathic medicines?
For treating children older than 2 years of age, follow label directions. For children younger than 2 years of age, consult a physician. Homeopathic medicines may be dissolved in water for easier administration to small children.
Should I try not to touch the pellets with my hands?
It is recommended that you use the pellet dispenser to avoid touching the pellets.
How much sugar is in homeopathic medicines?
Pellets contain sugar and lactose (milk sugar). 5 pellets taken 4 times a day (20 pellets) contain 1 gram of sugar (or 1/5 of a teaspoon). One unit-dose contains 1 gram of sugar (or 1/5 of a teaspoon).
How much alcohol is in homeopathic medicines?
Mother tinctures contain alcohol, as do the orally administered drops prepared in an alcohol solution. One hundred drops of 65 percent mother tincture contain 1.026 grams of pure ethanol. In comparison, one glass of 12 percent wine contains 9.5 grams of pure ethanol.
Do homeopathic medicines have an expiration date?
Most homeopathic medicines have an expiration date between three and five years.
Can animals be treated with homeopathic medicines?
For more than 150 years, homeopathic medicines have been used to treat pets, farm animals, competitive animals and even wild animals. More and more breeders and animal lovers use it every day. For more information, consult a veterinarian or a homeopathic veterinary reference book.
