The NIH actually has an alternative medicine center called the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine so obviously they do believe in it.

http://nccam.nih.gov/

Apparently you missed the fact that the quote about homeopathic remedies came from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website? (http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy)

There's a difference between holistic herbal remedies (e.g., chewing willow bark, whose active ingredient was then extracted to make aspirin) and the principles of homeopathic remedies.

As noted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website, "Several key concepts of homeopathy are inconsistent with fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics."

Anonymous wrote:

As for homeopathic medicines. Some are good. I once read an article from NIH about how aspirin used to be considered holistic because it came from the willow bark tree, but now it's considered a regular medication. So I wouldn't sleep on homeopathic medicines, some do work quite well.

NIH says there is no evidence that homeopathic remedies are better than placebo.

From http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy

(emphasis mine)

- There is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for any specific condition.

- Although people sometimes assume that all homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and therefore unlikely to cause harm, some products labeled as homeopathic can contain substantial amounts of active ingredients and therefore could cause side effects and drug interactions.

- Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, FDA does not evaluate the remedies for safety or effectiveness.

- Several key concepts of homeopathy are inconsistent with fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics.

- There are significant challenges in carrying out rigorous clinical research on homeopathic remedies.

All you have to do is look at the history of aspirin:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10763200

Yes it used to be considered a holistic medicine and now it's accepted as a widely used drug.

The NIH actually has an alternative medicine center called the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine so obviously they do believe in it.

http://nccam.nih.gov/

As for homeopathic medicines. Some are good. I once read an article from NIH about how aspirin used to be considered holistic because it came from the willow bark tree, but now it's considered a regular medication. So I wouldn't sleep on homeopathic medicines, some do work quite well.

NIH says there is no evidence that homeopathic remedies are better than placebo.

From http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy

(emphasis mine)

- There is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for any specific condition.

- Although people sometimes assume that all homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and therefore unlikely to cause harm, some products labeled as homeopathic can contain substantial amounts of active ingredients and therefore could cause side effects and drug interactions.

- Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, FDA does not evaluate the remedies for safety or effectiveness.

- Several key concepts of homeopathy are inconsistent with fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics.

- There are significant challenges in carrying out rigorous clinical research on homeopathic remedies.

Anonymous wrote:I know a doctor who is an M.D., with specialty in family practice. She runs what is basically a naturopathic practice. Best of both worlds, though some of her tests are wacky.

Same here, my M.D. is also a naturopath. She practices holistic medicine mainly. I spent over a year trying to get well and for me seeing 'regular' type doctors was a waste of money and time. You have to do your research with anyone that you are entrusting your health too.

As for homeopathic medicines. Some are good. I once read an article from NIH about how aspirin used to be considered holistic because it came from the willow bark tree, but now it's considered a regular medication. So I wouldn't sleep on homeopathic medicines, some do work quite well.

Naturopaths cannot prescribe meds in Maryyland.

My family uses one. I think it's mostly placebo effect. Some changes to diet have been helpful, but that's it