This much is indisputable: Homeopathy, an increasingly popular form of alternative medicine, inspires passion. Supporters — and there are many — swear by it. They tout its effectiveness for a long list of illnesses and conditions and promote it as a far safer, less expensive alternative to traditional medicines.
Detractors — and there are many — say there's little scientific proof that homeopathy works. They dismiss it as a placebo that may actually harm people by causing them to delay getting treatment for a serious condition.
Homeopathy isn't new. It was named in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, but has been practiced for hundreds of years in civilizations throughout the world.
Treatment is based on the idea that a substance that produces symptoms of an illness in healthy people can be used to cure people who are suffering from that condition. This is referred to as "like cures like."
A common example is allium cepa (red onion). In healthy people, red onion can trigger watery eyes and a runny nose; therefore, allium cepa may be used to treat people who suffer those same symptoms due to allergies.
Homeopathic medications (called remedies) are diluted dramatically through a process called potentization. The belief is that this procedure, which involves vigorous shaking, or succussion, of the remedy actually increases the potency of the final product.
Critics quickly point to this dilution as evidence of homeopathy's worthlessness: By the end of the process, the remedy may not contain even a single molecule of the original ingredient. Many remedies cannot even list ingredients as "active" because the dosage is so small. Detractors say it is no more than a placebo.
Dr. Edzard Ernst, professor of Complementary Medicine at the University of Exeter in England and longtime critic of homeopathy, calls it the "worst example of faith-based medicine."
Dr. Tim Fior, director of the Center for Integral Health in Illinois, says just because something can't be explained doesn't mean it isn't effective. Even aspirin's benefits were inexplicable for a long time, he said.
‘‘Homeopathy challenges the belief in the molecular paradigm of medicines,’’ said Fior. ‘‘Conventional pharmacology is based on — and profits immensely from — the idea that you can synthesize a molecule, patent it and produce it in bulk and then have a monopoly selling it. Homeopathic medicines are so dilute that they work more according to a biophysical or energetic paradigm.’’
Licensing for the practice of homeopathy in the U.S. varies from state to state. In Colorado, the National Center for Homeopathy, the organizing body for the practice, lists 21 licensed homeopaths — none in this region.
Homeopaths must spend significant time with their patients in order to determine what physical and emotional issues are present, as both are considered vital to a proper diagnosis. This initial evaluation takes place before any remedy is prescribed.
Puebloan Bill Grannell and his wife, Barbara, started clinics in Mexico that are based entirely on homeopathic medicine, which is practiced much more in that country than in the U.S. In his opinion, money and control are at the heart of much of the opposition to homeopathy. "Profit usually trumps logic, sad to say," said Grannell. "I will say this for the (American Medical Association): They've erected incredible barriers to head off any competition. They've done a terrific job."
Studies have been mixed. Supporters of homeopathy tout their own studies as proof of its worth; critics point to their own as evidence of its uselessness. According to information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, "Most analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for any specific condition; although, some studies have reported positive findings."
Grannell says he only knows what he has seen in Mexico and experienced personally. The doctor at the Grannells' first clinic in the Mexican state of Yucatan recorded more than 65,000 patient visits.
"I was on the ground," he said. "I didn't see all the 65,000 visits, but I've certainly seen a lot. . . . I don't know what classic medical studies you need to have, but I would think 65,000 patients ought to be pretty good empirical evidence."He described patients who were helped with conditions such as kidney stones, arthritis, parasites and asthma.
"If (the placebo effect) is true, I'd rather take a placebo than I would the kind of toxic cocktails allopathic (traditional) medicine cooks up for you," he said.
In the U.S., homeopathic remedies must comply with FDA guidelines. They are regulated just like other over-the-counter, nonprescription drugs and must meet FDA standards for strength, purity and packaging, according to the NIH.
The debate will not lessen in the near future. If anything, it may grow: In 2009, sales of homeopathic treatments in the U.S. topped $870 million, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. That was a 10 percent increase over 2008 figures.
What Grannell laments most is the lack of cooperation between traditional and alternative practitioners.
"The great thing I found in Mexico is that homeopathic doctors and allopathic doctors, particularly surgeons, work very well together," he said. "Wouldn't that be nice, if all the healing arts could get together? How much we could advance the cause of health care!"