Homeopathy is considered the second most popular mode of treatment in the world, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Its demand and popularity are growing day by day globally. No matter how much the critics of Homeopathy argue about its principles and any perceived benefits, Homeopathy remains popular in many parts of the world and continues to be used by millions of people as an alternative or complementary form of medicine.

Homeopathy is popular for several reasons. Here's a breakdown of the factors behind its popularity:

  • Efficacy: Homeopathic remedies are effective for most of the medically treatable problems. Not only this sometimes it also seems effective for problems that are otherwise called "surgical".

  • Treatment of Chronic Conditions: Homeopathy is often sought after for chronic conditions that have not responded well to conventional treatments. Some individuals find relief from conditions such as allergies, migraines, arthritis, and digestive disorders through homeopathic remedies.

  • Holistic Approach: Homeopathy considers the individual as a whole, taking into account physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health. This holistic approach resonates with many people who prefer treatments that address all aspects of their well-being.

  • Personalized Treatment: Homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on an individual's unique symptoms and constitution. Practitioners conduct detailed consultations to understand a person's overall health and tailor treatment accordingly. This personalized approach can make patients feel heard and cared for.

  • Natural Remedies: Homeopathic remedies are often derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and animals. For individuals seeking natural and gentle treatments, homeopathy can be an appealing option compared to conventional medicine, which sometimes involves synthetic drugs with potential side effects.

  • Safety: Homeopathic remedies are diluted forms of natural substances and are generally considered very safe. This can be appealing compared to allopathic medicines that have potential side effects.

  • Philosophical Appeal: Homeopathy's core principle of "like cures like" resonates with treating chronic diseases permanently, which are incurable in conventional treatment. It emphasizes stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

  • Historical Context: In the 19th century, when conventional medicine often relied on ineffective and harmful practices like bloodletting, homeopathy not just offered a seemingly better alternative but also showed the world (esp. European countries) for the first time about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, diet and personal hygiene.

  • Availability and Cost: In some regions, particularly developing countries like India, Homeopathy may be more accessible and affordable than conventional medicine.

  • Growing Interest in Alternative Medicine: With increasing interest in alternative and complementary therapies, Homeopathy has gained popularity as part of a broader trend toward seeking natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness.


The use of Homeopathy is very common in most countries, but the most controversial thing about Homeopathic remedies is that they are often so diluted that there's little to no detectable amount of the original substance remaining. Because of this unveiled mystery, many mainstream medical organizations view homeopathy with skepticism. This raises questions about their effectiveness and regulation varies from country to country. There is increasing scrutiny and demand for regulation and evidence. Hence it is important to know about the legal status of Homeopathy globally.

There are no specific legal regulations when it comes to the use of homeopathy in some countries, while licenses or degrees in conventional medicine from accredited universities are required to practice homeopathy in others. Therefore, the Legal status of Homeopathy also varies widely from regulated and accepted in some countries to restricted in others based on efficacy and safety evaluations. Some countries embrace it as part of traditional or complementary medicine very well, while others are increasingly skeptical and impose restrictions.

While there are no such countries where Homeopathy is completely banned, the use of homeopathy does have certain restrictions in a few countries. Usually, most countries have regulated homeopathy, allowing its practice under certain conditions and standards.

In Europe, the regulations vary depending on the country. 

• Austria: There are no specific regulations.

• Belgium: Practice of Homeopathy is legalized in Belgium. As per law, it can only be practiced by doctors, dentists, and midwives. It should only be used for those indications for which the exercise is shown to be effective as per evidence-based medicine. Homeopathy is not covered under national insurance.

• Czech Republic: Homeopathy is not covered under national insurance.

• Denmark: Licenses are needed to diagnose or dispense any product whose purpose is to treat any illness. Homeopathy is covered under national insurance.

• France: Licenses are needed to diagnose or dispense any product whose purpose is to treat any illness. Homeopathy is not covered under national insurance. Moreover, public healthcare system has limited the reimbursement for homeopathic treatments.

• Germany: There are no specific regulations, however, Homeopathy is facing significant scrutiny and demands for proof of efficacy.

• Spain: Moves towards stricter regulation due to health professionals’ campaigns for evidence-based medicine.

• Sweden: It has imposed certain restrictions on its practice and sale.

• Switzerland: Covered by public health insurance, despite debates over efficacy.

• United Kingdom: In some parts of the UK and Luxembourg, national insurance covers homeopathic treatment. However, NHS stopped funding homeopathy due to lack of scientific evidence, according to it.



Other countries of the world, where Homeopathy is famous and is practiced are:

• Russia: Homeopathy is practiced but there are restrictions on homeopathy in medical institutions.

• United States: Certain states have strict regulations on the practice of homeopathy, while others are more liberal.

• Brazil: Regulated and recognized Homeopathy as a major complementary treatment.

• Canada: Health Canada imposes strict labelling and efficacy requirements.

• Australia: It has imposed significant restrictions on its practice and sale after 2015.

• Africa: A lot of countries in African continent like Tanzania etc. have recognized and acknowledged Homeopathy as an important system of treatment.

• India: Homeopathy is particularly popular in India. India has a unique relationship with Homeopathy. When Homeopathy was introduced in India around the first half of the 19th century (1810) and some eminent people started practicing and propagating it, the common Indians very soon accepted it because they found that the basic principle of Homeopathy - 'Law of Similia, i.e., Similia Similibus Curentur ', which was recently discovered (1796) by Dr Samuel Hahnemann of Germany, was actually a part of our ancient medicine. 

There is a shloka mentioned in 'Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran ', (Canto 1, SB 1.5, verse 33), which says:

 आमयो यश्च भूतानां जयते येन सुव्रता 

तदेव याम्यहम द्रव्यं न पुनाति चिकित्सितम्

"O good soul, does not a thing, applied therapeutically, cure a disease which was caused by that very same thing?"

Our sages knew since ancient times the secret of this 'principle of similarity' inherent in nature. The principles of 'Samah Sam, Shamyati ' (‘समः समं, शमयति ’) i.e., treatment from the same or 'Vishasya Vishamashadham' ('विषस्य विषमौषधम् ') i.e., poison is the medicine of poison or ‘Kantke Naiv Kantkam’ ('कण्टके नैव कण्टकम् ') i.e., thorn removes the thorn, were known to us for centuries.


It is evident that the hidden hypothesis mentioned in our ancient sacred text was scientifically established by Hahnemann. If we carefully look all through the medical history, from time to time this hypothesis was enunciated or demonstrated in greater or lesser degree in many cultures and civilizations but it was only Hahnemann who was so convinced by this law that he declared it to be universal or Nature's Law of Cure and he developed the most complete and amazing system of healing the world has ever known i.e., Homeopathy which was entirely based upon it. From a crude law of nature, it became an applied principle of a system of healing. It is therefore conclusive that this nectar seed, which was sown in the glorious past of India, sprouted, blossomed and bloomed in Germany by Hahnemann.

This is the reason why Homeopathy enjoys significant popularity and government support in India. The Indian government recognizes Homeopathy as a national system of medicine and provides funding for research and education. A ministry was made in 2014 known as "Ministry of AYUSH", which is constantly working for the upliftment of Homeopathy and other popular modes of treatment native to India. There's a well-established large infrastructure of over 195 undergraduate and 43 postgraduate Homeopathic medical colleges in India recognized by the government.

There is a central body specifically dedicated for some good research work in Homeopathy which is running since 1978 known as Central council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH). It is an apex research organization under Ministry of AYUSH, which undertakes, coordinates, develops, disseminates and promotes scientific research in Homoeopathy. Also, there is National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH) and esteemed institutions like National Institute for Homeopathy (NIH) in Kolkata.


In order to promote Homeopathy, following measure should be taken:

  • Ensuring high standards in the education, training and practice of homeopathy
  • Harmonizing professional standards in homeopathic practice across the world
  • Promoting research in Homeopathy, thus ensuring scientific development of homeopathy
  • Integrating high-quality homeopathic care into modern healthcare


If you are planning to visit another country, don't forget to take your 'Homeopathic Kit' along with you. You can take homeopathic remedies for personal use into countries with restrictions or sometimes with the prescriptions of the physician. However, it is advisable to check the specific country’s custom regulations first.