faq
A homeopath is a health practitioner who specializes in the practice of homeopathy. Homeopaths undergo two or more years of training and clinical experience to develop expertise in the practice of homeopathy. A homeopath uses homeopathic medicines as their primary form of treatment. The first consultation seeks to understand the nature of the disease as well as the patient with the disease. An initial consultation generally lasts one to two hours and follow up appointments are usually shorter in length. For more information about the benefits of homeopathic treatment, see our About Homeopathy page.
Apart from homoeopaths, there are many different healthcare practitioners who use homeopathy. These include physicians, midwives, veterinarians, naturopaths, pharmacists, and dentists. Some of these practitioners have extensive training in homeopathy and integrate it into their everyday practice. Others have basic training in homeopathy and may simply prescribe the occasional homeopathic medicine.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a form of holistic medicine that uses specially prepared natural substances which work with your body’s own healing system to relieve symptoms and restore health.
Why choose homeopathy?
Homeopathic medicines have been used by generations of physicians around the world for more than 200 years. Millions of patients rely on homeopathy to help relieve symptoms of influenza, allergies, coughs, colds, muscle pain, teething and other common conditions.
Homeopathy is a safe and effective treatment choice for common, self-limiting ailments as well as many chronic conditions. You may already be using homeopathic medicines to care for your family as they are available in most health food stores and pharmacies.
Homeopathy is the second-largest system of medicine in the world, with over 200 million people and 400,000 healthcare professionals using it on a regular basis. Nearly 4.9 million Canadians use homeopathy with a more than 70% satisfaction rating.
How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathy works on the principle of ‘like cures like’: a substance that can cause symptoms when taken in large doses, can be used in small medicinal doses to treat those same symptoms. For example, you may have experienced watering eyes, runny nose and sneezing when cutting onions. The homeopathic medicine called Allium cepa is made from the red onion. It is used to treat hayfever or colds that present with watering eyes, runny nose and sneezing.
What is Homeopathy’s track record?
Homeopathy has an excellent and extensive track record spanning over 200 years. There are over 400,000 practitioners and more than 200 million users of homeopathy worldwide. Homeopathy is fully integrated into public health care, medical schools and universities in many parts of Europe, South America and India. Homeopathy continues to grow in popularity in North America.
Are there any scientific studies on homeopathic medicines?
Hundreds of scientific studies published in peer reviewed journals show that homeopathy is effective and safe. Clinical research provides evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic medicines, and laboratory research is confirming the biological activity of highly diluted substances and helping the scientific community better understand their mechanism of action. Scientific research is available online: https://www.hri-research.org/
What do people say about their experience with homeopathy?
Seventy percent of people experienced positive health changes in their chronic condition according to one UK study, which researched more than 6500 people over a six year period. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16296912)
To read some Canadian experiences visit our Testimonial page: Homeopathy Works for Me!
“My homeopath actually takes the time to listen to me as an individual and not just a number.” – Freni Bajina
“It was such a breath of fresh air to actually spend time with a doctor who wanted to know about you and not just your symptoms.”
– Pat Millership“Emotionally, mentally and physically homeopathy has helped me become a happier healthier person in mind, body and soul.” – Jade Kimberley
Can I use homeopathic medicines at home?
Homeopathy is a safe and effective medicine. You can use homeopathic medicines at home for common self-limiting ailments, such as cough, cold and flu symptoms, bruising, teething, colic, sleeping issues and more. For recurring or long-standing health conditions, such as frequent colds, allergies, digestive issues, migraines and chronic inflammation, it is best to seek professional homeopathic care. To learn more about self-care, go to the Resources page. To find a homeopath near you, go to the Find a Homeopath page.
When should I seek the advice of a homeopath?
Homeopathy can safely be used at home for first aid and self-limiting ailments. For any condition which is recurring, chronic or complex in nature, it is best to consult a professional homeopath. To find a homeopath near you, go to the Find a Homeopath page.
Where do I purchase homeopathic medicines?
Homeopathic medicines are widely available. They can be purchased at your local health food store, specialized independent pharmacies, most chain pharmacies, grocery stores and online. Go to the Retailers page to find a retailer near you.
Can I take homeopathic medicines while on prescription medication?
Yes. There are no known drug interactions between homeopathic medicines and conventional medications.
Are there any known risks of side effects or allergy using homeopathic medicines?
No. There are no known side effects. Allergic reactions to homeopathic medicines are rare.
Is homeopathy safe for use in children and pregnant women?
Yes. 94.5% of French pharmacists surveyed recommend homeopathic medicines to pregnant women because of their exceptional safety record.
Read: Drug counselling in pregnancy: an opinion survey of French community pharmacists.
How soon can I expect homeopathic medicines to work?
Response times vary depending on the individual and the medical condition being treated. In general, acute conditions respond quickly (sometimes within the hour). Chronic conditions require more time to restore health.
What is the difference between "homeopathy" and "naturopathy"?
Although both homeopathy and naturopathy share a belief in the body’s ability to heal itself, they are actually two different systems of natural medicine.
Homeopathy is a distinct system of medicine that employs homeopathic medicines almost exclusively, along with possible lifestyle recommendations. Homeopaths have extensive training in the principles and practice of homeopathy.
Naturopathy encompasses many different natural therapies. Naturopaths are trained in nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, manipulation, and the basics of homeopathy. Some naturopaths take post-graduate training to further specialize in homeopathy.