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Recommendations To Consumers Be aware that homeopathic products and services are marketed in a
"buyer beware" situation at present. Homeopathic products are not required to meet the standards of
effectiveness of drugs. Homeopathic services are poorly regulated. Physicians who practice
homeopathy operate below the standards of responsible medicine. Some have backgrounds that raise
serious questions about their honesty. Be aware that in some states that have homeopathic licensing
boards the "foxes are guarding the chicken coops." Consumers should not entrust their health to
physicians or nonphysicians who practice homeopathy. To Basic Scientists Homeopathy conflicts more
with basic laws of physics, chemistry and pharmacology than with clinical medicine. Pharmacologists
should be more proactive in opposing the marketing of homeopathic remedies. Because homeopathic
theories contradict known physical laws, tests of homeopathic remedies require controls beyond those
normally required of double-blind clinical trials including additional measures to show that fraud
was not possible. To the U.S. Food & Drug Administration
(1) Require that labels of homeopathic products indicate the precise amounts of ingredients in
milligrams, micrograms, etc. (2) Require homeopathic products to meet the efficacy standards of
all other drugs. To the U.S. Federal Trade Commission
(2) Review advertising of homeopathic products in publications aimed at the public for false and
misleading claims. (2) Monitor and take action against advertisements in trade publications used
to indoctrinate salespeople, who will in turn deceive consumers about the value of homeopathic
products. To U.S. Postal Inspectors Prosecute distributors of homeopathic mail-order products
that make unproven medical claims for mail fraud. To State Legislators Because homeopathy is
scientifically indefensible: (1) Enact laws requiring that medical products sold within your
state meet the standards of accurate labeling, truthful advertising, and premarketing proof of
safety and effectiveness. (2) Abolish state licensing boards for homeopathy. (3) Do not allow
homeopathy in the scope of practice of any health care provider. To State Food & Drug Regulators
Take prompt regulatory action against manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of homeopathic
products who violate the law. To Medical Licensing Boards
(3) Discipline homeopathic practitioners for unprofessional conduct. (2) Prosecute nonphysicians
engaging in homeopathy for practicing medicine without a license. Because homeopathy is
scientifically indefensible: (1) Enact laws requiring that medical products sold within your
state meet the standards of accurate labeling, truthful advertising, and premarketing proof of
safety and effectiveness. (2) Abolish state licensing boards for homeopathy. (3) Do not allow
homeopathy in the scope of practice of any health care provider.