Herbal and homeopathic medicine: understanding the difference

Abstract

Homeopathy is frequently confused with holistic medicine and with herbal products. The latter is particularly problematic when homeopathic medicines are made from herbs with which they share the same nomenclature. However, homeopathy differs in both toxicity and therapeutic paradigm with important implications for use and future research. The article illustrates this with cases and a review of the history of homeopathy.