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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
1   Division of General Internal Medicine and Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Gloria Y. Yeh
2   Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
› Author Affiliations Funding Michelle L. Dossett was supported by K23AT009218 from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the NIH.
Further Information

Publication History

05 August 2017

01 November 2017

Publication Date:
22 December 2017 (online)

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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
 

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