Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Frequently Asked Questions
11. What is homeopathic medicine?
Homeopathy originated in Europe and has been practiced in the United States since the early 19th century. Its goal is to help the body heal itself by using very small doses of highly diluted substances that in larger doses would produce illness or symptoms. Most homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals, or animals.
A homeopathic practitioner selects treatments based upon a total picture of a person's health. The practitioner evaluates not only physical symptoms but the emotions, psychological state, body type, genetic and personal health history, and other aspects. In homeopathy, different people with the same symptoms may receive different homeopathic remedies.
