Does Homeopathy Work?

This week Reactions pits homeopathy and alternative medicine against science and chemistry to answer the question--does it work?

Homeopathy is a category of “alternative medicine” that emerged some 200 years ago. But does it work? Well, we've done our research. While a growing number of people are turning to such remedies to treat a range of health conditions, the majority of data in peer-reviewed scientific literature does not support its effectiveness.

Clarifications:
0:23: This example more accurately describes allergen immunotherapy, rather than homeopathy.
3:46: Not all homeopaths and homeopathic manufacturers promote homeopathic products as alternatives to conventional medicines to treat or avoid life threatening acute health conditions.
3:57: In the U.S., homeopathic medicine manufacturers are subject to FDA oversight with regards to their production facilities. However, unlike for conventional medications, homeopathic products are not reviewed by FDA for efficacy or safety.

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Producer:
Kirk Zamieroski

Writer:
Sam Lemonick

Executive Producer:
Adam Dylewski

Scientific consultants:
Paul Glasziou, Ph.D.
Darcy Gentleman, Ph.D.
Sophia Cai

Music:
Smidi - Cadillac Candy
Sam Leopard - Secret Bass

Sources:

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Reactions is produced by the American Chemical Society.

[mriftiii]

I don't understand the mechanism of action behind this medication, but it has successfully treated me in nearly 90% of cases.

[jahirulahmed]

I had severe pain in my thumb finger. Visited a lot of Allopathic doctors and took medicines according to their advice but nothing worked. Finally consulted a homeopathic doctor who gave me some medicines and after 1 week my finger pain had gone.

[prasanth]

I still can't believe that many people still say homeo doesn't work. I used to have piles that bleed everyday.. Just 2 drops of homeo Arsenic 200x stopped the bleeding almost instantly. I can also say that homeo is NOT free from side side effects. It is the best choice for chronic illness that are not life threatening, like body pains, anxiety depression, piles, respiratory issues that doesn't require inhaler.

[gauravashq]

I was ill with Allergy and Chronic Sinusitis and got cured by Homeopathy. Earlier with Allopathy, it was a nightmare. Homeopathy helped me with swollen liver too and now, after getting better, I believe in Homeopathy. :)

[MsPsychobanana]

homeopathy helped my kid's acne. NOT the acne cream, or the acne face wash, or the anti-acne pads. Helped my friend's coldsores from growing and blistering as long as she took them when she fist felt it coming. They disappeared before the filled with liquid. Cured my bronchitis - nearly overnight even though i did not think it would. I did have a lot of faith in the antibiotics I took and that took weeks and the bronchitis came back anyway a month later. Haven't been on antibiotics for about 5 years now, not have my kids. Garlic, vitamins, and rest, and homeopathy. TRY IT BEFORE YOU KNOCK it.

[malikathueler]

In Switzerland, homeopathy has the same status in the healthcare system that conventional medicine... When we already have such expensive healthcare. Makes me sick

[kishoreasrani]

I had double vision after an accident.I tried all the allopathic medicines and doctors but became worse because of steroids given. I got cured through homeopathy. I think both allopathy and homeopathy have their limitations.

[magitawesome]

I am taking homeopathic medicine right now. I got it from Mexico and it reslly works! Its helping my anxiety, which causes me really bad chest pain. All the doctors from the regular clinic and the hospital said that I have nothing wrong. All they give me is pain pills. Thats it.. I had to get this medicine out of the country and I am feeling better. I still have a minor amount of chest pain, but lets see how this homeopathic medicine helps me. P.S. Try it yourself.

[rokibulalam]

Don't forget, Dr.Hahnemann was not an ordinary man as like others.from Bangladesh.

[anujpratimdas]

Homeopathy works if the practitioner is right. My mom's gal stone got dissolved after 3 months of medicine, she would need surgery otherwise according to the doctor. We did tests later on and they show that the stones got dissolved.

[jadestella]

I'm taking ignatia amara 30c for grief after getting out of a relationship with someone who hurt me tremendously. It works well, it doesn't take away the grief but it lifts the stabbing pain and hurt in the chest that one wakes up with and feels throughout the day. I've had friends who took it when their dog died, or when their child passed away and it decreased the symptoms of grief for them too. This stuff works, just not in accordance to 'traditional science's' expectations.

[diegodoumecq]

Also, if the FDA starts regulating homeopathic remedies ... what should they test for? That there is no a single molecule of active ingredient?

[N--D]

well in my case, allopathy did not cure my disease then after a year i switched to homeopathy. I am fine now.

[kinghunter]

Stupidity is when u have seen it, its working and u r cured by it but still not believing. RIP wisdom

[bijuvarghese]

Dr Hahnemann himself was an allopathic doctor and then he started researching homoeopathic system of medicine. There are millions of people who have been benefitted by the system .

[abdurrasheed]

When I took 6 day dose of my homeopathic medicine as a single dose at night, I took acidic like inflammation in right side of my throat when I wake up at
Inflammation was gone off slowly in a week at it's
But, after this I was afraid of homeopathy very
After many years, I used a mixture of
1:Corboveg 30
2: China 30
3: argentum nitricum 30
4:aurum met 30
With 15 days of this treatment, I cured my one year old chronic illness of urticaria and
(Note: I am not a homeopath, I am only a self

[TheGargalon]

Whenever I get ill I spend a lot of time on my computer, so we can safely conclude that browsing the internet can cure a lot of diseases.

[Savvy]

Thank god water has memory, coz my hard disk is almost full.

[abhisheksoni]

I experimented on myself with homeopathic meds from homeopathic med i didn't get any results but from another med i got an effective result. If it was a placebo then both med should should work.

[ExhaustedPenguin]

Never tried homeopathy, but I've been several times to see my 'normal' doctor about some skin issues, and it's never really helped. Tbh he barely seems interested. He spends most of his time staring at his computer screen every time I'm there. Once, he gave me antihistamines for skin rashes, but it had no effect.