Homeopathy Use in the United States and Implications for Public Health: A Review

Michelle L. Dossett; Gloria Y. Yeh

doi:10.1055/s-0037-1609016

Homeopathy, Table of Contents

Homeopathy 2018; 107(01): 003-009
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1609016

Homeopathy and Public Health

The Faculty of Homeopathy

Homeopathy Use in the United States and Implications for Public Health: A Review

Michelle L. Dossett

¹Division of General Internal Medicine and Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

,

Gloria Y. Yeh

²Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Homeopathy is used by just over 2% of the U.S. population, predominantly for respiratory, otorhinolaryngology, and musculoskeletal complaints. Individual users who see a homeopathic provider for care are more likely to perceive the therapy as helpful than those who do not; however, only 19% of users in the United States see a provider. The rest presumably rely upon over-the-counter products. Recent clinical trials highlight several areas in which homeopathy may play a role in improving public health, including infectious diseases, pain management, mental health, and cancer care. This review examines recent studies in these fields, studies assessing costs associated with homeopathic care, safety, and regulations in the United States. Data suggest the potential for public health benefit from homeopathy, especially for conditions such as upper respiratory infections and fibromyalgia.

Keywords

homeopathy - public health - review - respiratory tract infections - fibromyalgia

Full Text

References

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