Use of homeopathy worldwide

A new study confirms that each year a significant percentage of the general population uses homeopathy, including visits to homeopaths and purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines.

A new systematic review, Prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide (Homeopathy, May 2017), looks at the prevalence of use of homeopathy by the general population in eleven countries worldwide. It is based on a review of  24 surveys meeting defined quality criteria.

In the countries surveyed, adults receiving treatment by a homeopath and/or purchasing over-the counter homeopathic medicines ranged from 0.7-9.8%. The highest use reported by a survey was in Switzerland where homeopathy is covered by mandatory health insurance. Countries included are USA, UK, Australia, Israel, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, South Korea and Japan. The survey excludes research in languages other than English.

The review concludes that each year a significant percentage of the general population uses homeopathy, including visits to homeopaths and purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines.

For further information

• Prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide: a systematic review, Homeopathy, May 2017 Volume 106, Issue 2, Pages 69-78, Relton et al