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Writer's pictureA'shanti' Anderson

Junk Medicine or Medical Alternative: The Pros and Cons of Homeopathy



Homeopathic medicine is an alternative to modern medicine, derived from pseudoscience, that promotes the use of natural minerals and elements in treatment and cure of ailments. It is referred to as a “holistic” approach to medicine because it focuses on the patient as a whole rather than just the diseased part. Homeopathy stimulates the person’s own healing power by using natural “remedies” made from vegetable, mineral, and animal sources to target areas all over the body (https://www.homeopathycenter.org/).


However, because the treatment is based on a low dosage system and homeopathic medicines undergo extreme dilution. Therefore, some scientists do not think they have any effect on treating conditions. Also, recently, news surrounding homeopathic medicine says that the FDA is recalling many of their products because of microbial contamination (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/homeopathic-products).


Some of the drugs used in homeopathic treatment include Apis mellifica, Diaralia, and Arnicare. Apis mellifica is used to treat insect stings or allergies, Diaralia like its name is used to treat diarrhea and intestinal issues, and Arnicare is known to provide temporary relief for arthritis and chronic pain conditions (https://www.homeopathicology.com/homeopathic-medicines-list/).


Pictured above: Apis Mellifica (a homeopathic medicine that comes in tablet form used to treat insect stings or allergies) The homeopathic remedy Apis mellifica is prepared from the Western or European honey bee.


There are positive benefits to homeopathy as it is an inexpensive route of treatment and homeopathic specialists tend to be more personable adhering to the principles of homeopathic medicine that supports forming a family or friend like relationship with patients.


However, the cons far outweigh the benefits. First, there is no substantial evidence that any of the drugs or “remedies” used in homeopathic treatment have any health benefit at all. Studies done are few in number concerning homeopathic treatments and the field overall. Secondly, homeopathy has yet to be considered a reliable alternative to traditional medicine since the medical community still views it as a “quack medicine”. Third, with low dosages being a focus in treatment and most medications are diluted in water, it is quite difficult to obtain a significant effect. This means that because concentration of the medications is so low there is no possible way to measure if the drugs administered are working at all.


I once believed in the benefits of homeopathic medicine because I believed natural alternatives would be more effective. But after researching I have changed my mind. Little evidence suggests that homeopathic medicine is an effective treatment. More and more people still choose it is as a medical alternative yet remain unaware of the controversy surrounding it but are attracted to its inexpensive benefits. And it is more popular now than ever, more and more students decide to study homeopathy, yet job placement in the field is quite dismal. I believe as people living in today’s society where things are getting more and more expensive, we are always searching for a way to cut costs and save money. Although we may not have all the facts behind it, we get drawn in because it sounds good. When it comes to America, it is known fact that our health care system is one of the most costly and expensive in the world. This means people who have a low income or not enough income to afford health insurance cannot get the treatment they need. This causes people to look elsewhere, disregarding any negatives that may come with the less expensive option.


Homeopathy sounds good at first glance, but I highly recommend anyone seeking to partake in the treatment to do your research and weigh out the pros and cons before making a final decision because your health might depend on it.


Link to my infographic that provides an overview of Homeopathy: https://infograph.venngage.com/ps/30Fme7xmUV4/homeopathy


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