Chapter 6 - FAQ about Homeopathy

By what mechanism does homeopathy actually work?
Homeopathy "works" in the same manner as other similarly administered placebos. Placebos work by triggering a release of dopamine which can temporarily improve certain conditions. It is important to note that the treatment benefits of dopamine are short-lasted and notoriously difficult to produce consistently.

How can millions of accounts of the healing capabilities of homeopathy be wrong?
Millions of anecdotal accounts are meaningless compared to the multiple peer-reviewed and double-blind studies showing homeopathy's ineffectiveness when compared to actual medications.

If Homeopathy doesn’t work, why has it been accepted by the FDA?
The criteria by which the FDA decides on whether or not to allow a substance for sale is a matter of whether the substance causes harm as opposed to cures a condition. Because homeopathic remedies are made of starch, and thus biochemically inert, the FDA considers homeopathic remedies to pose no threat to the public.

Can homeopathic remedies be taken with conventional medicines?
Homeopathic remedies can safely be taken with conventional medications as there is currently no known mechanism by which homeopathic remedies could have an effect on conventional medications.

How long are homeopathic remedies taken for?
The length of a remedy varies based on the specific condition attempting to be cured. A crude approximation would dictate about one month of treatment for every year of illness.

Are there conditions homeopathy isn't prescribed for?
Homeopathy is never administered for serious conditions, such as stroke, or injuries, such as a compound fractured tibia. Homeopathy is most often prescribed for chronic conditions, such as headaches or other frequent pains.

How can I be sure the medication I've received is not a homeopathic remedy?
Medications with active ingredients are required by the FDA to disclose that ingredient somewhere on the packaging, while homeopathic remedies are not held to the same standard as they contain no active ingredients. Many homeopathic remedies can be found for sale directly next to their conventional medicine counterparts in chain pharmacy stores so an amount of consumer discretion is advised.

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