Homeopathy

Written by Emily Whitton
Emily Whitton
Therapy Directory Content Team

Last updated 1st December 2023 | Next update due 30th November 2026

Homeopathy is a holistic therapy that looks at the person as a whole. This means it looks at emotional, physical and mental illness together. This is because homeopaths believe the mind and body are linked, so you cannot address one part of the body without affecting the whole.

Working on the theory that 'like cures like', the treatment involves highly diluted substances. The aim of this is to trigger the body's natural healing system. Looking at every patient as an individual, homeopathy takes a variety of factors into consideration.

On this page, we'll look at homeopathy in more depth. We'll look at what to expect when you see a homeopath, homeopathic remedies and how to find a qualified homeopath.

What is homeopathy?

The key belief behind homeopathy is that you can treat 'like with like'. So, a substance that in large doses can cause symptoms, can in theory be used in much smaller doses to address symptoms. The concept is occasionally used in conventional medicine. For example, those with pollen allergies may be treated with small doses of the allergens to desensitise them.

Homeopathic medicines (or remedies) are created through a process of dilution and vigorous shaking, called succussion.

Clinical trials have yet to provide evidence as to how or if this therapy works and it has been reported as performing no better than placebos. Experiments have however demonstrated that remedies can cause biological effects. This makes them distinct from 'pure water', something some sceptics have suggested.

Research is ongoing to establish how homeopathy affects the body.

Find a verified homeopath today

What can it help with?

Due to its holistic, natural and gentle nature, many homeopaths say the therapy is ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to well-being. If you are looking for homeopathy to support you with a medical condition, it is important to note that this therapy should not be used as a substitute for conventional medicine. If you are suffering from a medical condition, it is important to visit your GP for advice. Homeopathy is a complementary therapy that can be used alongside conventional treatment.

What to expect when you see a homeopath

Seeing a practitioner generally follows this format:

  • the initial consultation
  • prescription
  • follow-ups.

In this video, homeopath and craniosacral therapist, Amal Alaoui, discusses what you can expect in a homeopathic session. 

Below we go into more depth about each stage.

Initial consultation

As with most therapists, homeopaths will invite you for a consultation before treatment begins. This may take one to two hours and allows the practitioner to understand your health clearly.

During this process, the practitioner will ask questions about your current state of health. They will also ask about other aspects of your lifestyle. This could include your diet and past medical history. As homeopathy looks at people individually, the more information they can gain about your specific circumstances, the better.

Prescription

Once they have enough information, your homeopath will be able to choose a remedy that most closely matches your pattern of symptoms.

As these remedies are natural, there should be no side effects and can be taken alongside conventional medicine. Be sure to tell your homeopath and doctor about the different medications you are taking. If you experience any negative effects or are worried about a change in symptoms, speak to a medical professional (and your homeopath).

Follow-ups

To monitor progress and adjust medication, homeopaths will ask you to return for follow-up appointments. Usually, the first follow-up takes place four weeks after the first prescription, however, all cases differ.

This session will likely be shorter than your initial consultation. Your homeopath will ask about any changes you've noticed in symptoms and in yourself generally. They will then decide what the next step in your treatment should involve.

Should I still see my doctor?

You are recommended to stay in contact with your GP. Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional treatment. If your conventional medication changes whilst taking homeopathic remedies, be sure to inform your homeopath and GP.


Homeopathic medicine

Also referred to as homeopathic remedies, this treatment is natural and non-toxic, making it safe for all ages. The remedies are prepared by specialist homeopathic pharmacies. The preparation involves a process of dilution and succussion - a vigorous type of shaking.

Remedies are most commonly prescribed in tablet, liquid or powder form. As they are different from conventional medication, be sure you fully understand how to take them.

What are homeopathic medicines made from?

Remedies are made from plant, mineral, animal or chemical sources. Whatever the original source, it will be diluted and shaken vigorously. Homeopaths believe that the more times this process is carried out, the more potent the remedy is.

As the remedies are so diluted, some sceptics say they are nothing but water. Research has suggested that shaking during the process changes the properties of the water. This leads to biological activity.

How this affects the human body has, however, yet to be proven in clinical trials.

Are homeopathic remedies licensed?

Most homeopathic remedies sold in the UK are made by specialist pharmacies. Although they are prepared to quality standards, the majority of these medicines are unlicensed. They are prepared according to the standards of official homeopathic pharmacopoeia, which provide safety and quality assurance.

The homeopathic pharmacies are regulated by the General Pharmacy Council. There are a small number of licensed homeopathic medicines with specific purposes (for example, for hay fever). These can be purchased in health food shops and clinics.

If you purchase remedies outside of the UK that aren't from an established homeopathic pharmacy, be sure to check the remedy is of good quality. One way to do this is to check that the pharmacy you're purchasing from is regulated by the relevant medicines agency in that country.


How can I find a qualified homeopath?

Currently, there are no laws in place to stipulate a level of training a person must have in order to call themselves a homeopath. For this reason, it is important to ensure they have received the necessary training. There are a number of regulatory bodies that require members to have achieved a certain level of training and adhere to a code of ethics.

Here at Therapy Directory, we ensure all members provide us with proof of training or membership with a recognised body. This is to give you peace of mind that our members are sufficiently qualified when browsing the site. To find out more, read our proof policy

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