How Does It Work?

A basic belief behind homeopathy is “like cures like.” In other words, something that brings on symptoms in a healthy person can — in a very small dose — treat an illness with similar symptoms.

For example, red onion makes your eyes water. . Then they shake the mixture as part of a process called “potentization.” They believe this step transfers the healing essence.

Homeopaths also believe that the lower the dose, the more powerful the medicine. In fact, many of these remedies no longer contain any molecules of the original substance. They come in a variety of forms, like sugar pellets, liquid drops, creams, gels, and tablets.

You can also buy over-the-counter homeopathic remedies at drugstores and health food stores. The dosage and quality of these products depend on the manufacturer.

What Conditions Does Homeopathy Treat?

It’s used for a wide variety of health issues, including some chronic illnesses:

• Allergies
• Migraines
• Depression
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Premenstrual syndrome

It can also be used for minor issues like bruises, scrapes, toothaches, headaches, nausea, coughs, and colds.

Don’t use homeopathic medicine for life-threatening illnesses, like asthma, cancer, and heart disease