Homeopathy is much more popular in Europe than in the United States. French pharmacies are required to make homeopathic remedies available along with conventional medications.
Homeopathic hospitals and clinics are part of the national health system in Britain. It is also practiced in India and Israel, among other countries.
Homeopathy has been scientifically developed and studied for centuries, with much documentation and success.
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Homeopathy around the world
There are estimated to be more than 100,000 physicians practicing homeopathy worldwide, with an estimated 500 million people receiving treatment.
More than 12,000 medical doctors and licensed health care practitioners administer homeopathic treatment in the UK, France, and Germany.
Britain In Britain, homeopathic remedies are sold over the counter.
There is support for it, including from the Prince of Wales, and many other members of the royal family.
Rumour has it, that it was after homeopathy was used in treating King George V for seasickness in the 1920s or 1930s, that the British royal family became firm devotees of this medical system.
India India has the largest homeopathic infrastructure in the world, with 300,000 qualified homeopaths, 180 colleges, 7500 government clinics, and 307 hospitals. The Association of Qualified Homoeopaths in India (IHMA) is the largest of its kind.
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The popularity of Homeopathy
Numbers of people receiving homeopathic treatment
Data from 1985-92:
Country
Percentage of population using homeopathy
Belgium
56%
Denmark
28%
France
32%
Netherlands
31%
Sweden
15%
UK
16%
USA
3%
The number of people using homeopathy is also increasing in Europe, with the British market increasing by about 20% per year, with even higher rates of growth in Germany and Portugal.
Interestingly, while in Europe alternative medicine is usually regarded as complementary to conventional medical treatment, in India, 10% of the population are estimated to use homeopathy exclusively for their medical needs.
It is estimated that "over 30% of French physicians and 20% of German physicians prescribe homeopathic medicines, that over 40% of British physicians refer patients to homeopathic doctors, and that 45% of Dutch physicians consider homeopathic medicines to be effective."
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Sales of homeopathic medicine
In the USA, in 1995, retail sales of homeopathic medicines were estimated at $201 million, and growing at 20% per year, according to the American Homeopathic Pharmaceutical Association.
<http://www.healthy.net/nch/> National Center for Homeopathy.
<http://www.ayurveda.com>. Ayurvedic Institute
<http://www.homeopathy.org>. North American Society of Homeopaths.
