Homeopathic Medicine and Professionals in Cancer Care
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Homeopathic medicine: an overview ›
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Homeopathy: an overview
Homeopathy is a practice based on the theory of “like cures like”—the idea that a small dose of a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person may help treat similar symptoms in someone who is ill. Homeopathic remedies are derived from plant, mineral, or animal substances, which are repeatedly diluted in water until there is little to no detectable amount of the original substance left. Practitioners believe that the process leaves a molecular imprint in the water, which then stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms. These remedies are typically prepared as drops, pills, or creams.1Cancer Research UK. Homeopathy. Viewed April 8, 2022.
What do homeopathic practitioners offer?
Homeopathic practitioners work with cancer patients and others to provide personalized remedies that align with the principles of homeopathy. While homeopathy is sometimes integrated into complementary cancer care, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in cancer treatment is limited.2Milazzo S, Russell N, Ernst E. Efficacy of homeopathic therapy in cancer treatment. European Journal of Cancer. 2006 Feb;42(3):282-9; Kassab S, Cummings M, Berkovitz S, van Haselen R, Fisher P. Homeopathic medicines for adverse effects of cancer treatments. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009 Apr 15;(2):CD004845; Ernst E. Homeopathy: what does the “best” evidence tell us? Medical Journal of Australia. 2010 Apr 19;192(8):458-60. Some studies have reviewed the use of homeopathy in cancer care, but findings have generally been inconclusive. There is preliminary evidence supporting the use of two homeopathic treatments: topical calendula for preventing acute dermatitis during radiotherapy and Traumeel S mouthwash for reducing chemotherapy-induced mouth inflammation (stomatitis).
Who are homeopathic practitioners?
Homeopathic practitioners come from a variety of training backgrounds. Some are naturopathic doctors (NDs) or physicians who receive homeopathy training as part of their education. Others may be trained in independent homeopathic schools or programs. Certification in homeopathy is available to validate a practitioner’s knowledge and skills, but it is important to note that homeopathy is regulated differently across states, with state licensing boards setting specific standards for practice.3National Center for Homeopathy. Training & Practice. Viewed April 8, 2022.
Find a homeopathic medicine practitioner
National Center for Homeopathy: Find a Homeopath ›
Yes to Life: Homeopathy ›
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Reviewers of selected sections
Dr. Rao is a medical oncologist, the medical director of integrative oncology at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, and director of medical oncology for genitourinary cancer at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. He is the 2022-23 president-elect of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Dr. Rao is also the host of the podcast Integrative Oncology Talk, with support from the Society for Integrative Oncology.
After graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School and completing a residency program in internal medicine at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Rao completed a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona and later obtained a board certification in integrative medicine through the American Board of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Rao has trained in Ayurveda and Healing Touch. He also attended the Leadership Program in Integrative Medicine at Duke University. His research interests include genitourinary oncology, sleep, and integrative medicine implementation and program development.
Erin Price, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C, was driven to help others facing cancer shortly after her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2010 at the age of 27. Erin currently serves as the Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs Director at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC, where she manages various programs and serves as a therapist and integrative patient navigator. Her areas of expertise include cancer survivorship, adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer, and integrative cancer care. She is also a graduate of the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s Project LEAD scientific research advocacy training, an experienced grant reviewer for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and a member of the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates. She has presented at several national conferences and been published in peer-reviewed journals. In 2021, she was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Rising Star and Emerging Leader in Cancer.
Christine has a dynamic background in the life sciences, public health, and program operations. Her career began at the lab bench with a Gates Foundation-funded HIV Vaccine research group, which led her to graduate studies in public health epidemiology at UC Berkeley. Her research experience spans clinical epidemiology research to evaluating the impacts of community nutrition programs in Los Angeles, the Central Valley, and Oakland. Most recently she has worked in executive operations for a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Personally, Christine is passionate about holistic health and wellness. She is a clinical herbalist and Reiki master, and she has been practicing yoga for 15+ years. She brings a breadth of experiences to her work leading the CancerChoices program.
Last update: October 31, 2024
Last full resource review: August 2021
CancerChoices provides information about integrative in cancer care, a patient-centered approach combining the best of conventional care, self care and evidence-informed complementary care in an integrated plan cancer care. We review complementaryin cancer care, complementary care involves the use of therapies intended to enhance or add to standard conventional treatments; examples include supplements, mind-body approaches such as yoga or psychosocial therapy, and acupuncture therapies and self-care lifestyle actions and behaviors that may impact cancer outcomes; examples include eating health-promoting foods, limiting alcohol, increasing physical activity, and managing stress practices to help patients and professionals explore and integrate the best combination of conventionalthe cancer care offered by conventionally trained physicians and most hospitals; examples are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy and complementary therapies and practices for each person.
Our staff have no financial conflicts of interest to declare. We receive no funds from any manufacturers or retailers gaining financial profit by promoting or discouraging therapies mentioned on this site.
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