Homeopathy is a complementary health practice that often stimulates lively discussion among its proponents and skeptics. The debate stems from the use of ultra-diluted homeopathic medicines, which many skeptics believe contain no active ingredients, leading critics to attribute any therapeutic benefits to the placebo effect. Proponents of homeopathy believe that it is a holistic system of medicine that works to support the body’s innate healing abilities.

The growing global use of homeopathic products presents an opportunity for pharmacy professionals to expand their knowledge of homeopathy to meet increasing consumer demand for information and ensure its safe use. This article aims to introduce scientific foundations of homeopathy and provide pharmacy professionals with the key educational insights needed to effectively counsel patients and address consumer questions about this complementary therapy.

 

This activity has been supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Boiron, USA. The company played no role in the development of this CE activity.

Kate O'Dell

Faculty

Kate M. O’Dell, PharmD, BCPS
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
University of the Pacific

Dr. O'Dell has no relevant affiliations or financial relationships with a commercial interest to disclose

Sachin A. Shah

Faculty

Sachin A. Shah, PharmD, FACC, FAHA
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
University of the Pacific

Dr. Shah serves as the CEO of both Pill Clarity, Inc and Pill Clarity Foundation.

Peer Reviewers

Meagan Garza, PharmD, MPH(c), currently serves as a consultant and speaker for Boiron USA.

Pam Tarlow, PharmD, currently serves as a consultant and speaker for Boiron USA; consultant for Euromedica; and is an employee of Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy.

Acknowledgement: The authors extend our thanks to the peer reviewers. We are grateful to the pharmacy students, faculty, and staff from the Innovative Clinical and Outcomes Research Center at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.

Accreditation


Target Audience: Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians

Activity Type: Knowledge-Based

Date: March 13, 2026 - March 13, 2029

Credits: 1.0 hours (0.10 CEUs)

Fee Information: There is no fee for this educational activity.


The University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This program has been accredited for up to 1.0 contact hours (0.1 CEUs) for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and are numbered 0006-0000-26-001-H99-P and 0006-0000-26-001-H99-T.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the program, participants will gain knowledge to properly answer patient questions about homeopathic medicines and their use. The CE will provide an introduction to the science of homeopathy, its regulatory framework, clinical evidence, when available, and key patient counseling points to support safe and informed decision making in practice.

Learning Objectives

Pharmacists Objectives
At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Explain the central principles of homeopathy, including "the law of similars" and "the law of minimum dose."
2. Distinguish homeopathic medicines from other complementary therapies.
3. Give examples of common homeopathic medicines and their uses.
4. Explain the potentization process, including dilution scales, serial dilution, and succussion.
5. Describe the regulatory standards for homeopathic drug products.
6. Discuss the current state of basic and clinical homeopathy research.
7. Apply essential knowledge to effectively counsel patients and consumers on the appropriate use of homeopathic drug products.
 

Pharmacy Technicians Objectives
At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Explain the central principles of homeopathy, including "the law of similars" and "the law of minimum dose."
2. Distinguish homeopathic medicines from other complementary therapies.
3. Give examples of common homeopathic medicines and their uses.
4. Describe the regulatory standards for homeopathic drug products.

Program Requirements

Participants must 1) read the learning objectives and faculty disclosures; 2) view the educational activity; 3) complete the post-test (score 70% or higher) and evaluation form directly after the activity, and 4) provide your date of birth (MM/DD) and NABP number, in order to receive credit. All credit information will be uploaded into CPE monitor within 30 days.

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iCOR Education at icor@pacific.edu