Abstract
Attacks on homeopathy have intensified since the early 21st century. Homeopathy is
being attacked because of its success; it is the second most used type of medicine
in the world. It is an important healing modality in many developing countries, and
its use is also expanding in affluent nations. Its growth has caused moral panic amongst
many in orthodox medicine, which is threatened by new scientific findings supporting
homeopathy, and wants to protect its reputation and profits. The attacks consist of
claims that homeopathy is unethical and ineffective, cuts in funding in the United
Kingdom and increased regulation of homeopathy. They have been particularly evident
in affluent English-speaking countries. To counter the attacks, homeopaths should
continue to offer high-quality homeopathy, and the homeopathic community, working
together through homeopathic and health freedom organisations, should fight biomedical
monopoly and the ‘harmonisation’ of homeopathy.
Keywords
attacks on homeopathy - medical monopoly - moral panic - harmonisation
