Is Homeopathy New in America?

In the early 1800’s homeopathy spread quickly in Europe and then to the United States as other physicians became interested in the work of Samuel Hahnemann.  Homeopathic physicians with their excellent results attracted considerable attention in treating epidemics of scarlet fever and cholera.  In the early 1800’s, the average mortality rate from cholera for patients treated with homeopathy was under 9%, compared to over 40% for those treated with conventional allopathic medicine. 

Interest in homeopathy grew in 1900 and nearly 20% of doctors in America practiced at least some homeopathy.  In 1846 alarmed conventional doctors formed the American Medical Association specifically to oppose homeopathy.  Pharmaceutical companies afraid of losing also used their influence against homeopathy.  The promise of “miracle cures” by “wonder drugs” like penicillin which were easier for physicians to prescribe put additional pressure on homeopathy.  By the 1950’s only a handful of dedicated physicians continued to practice in America, although homeopathy remained popular in Europe, Indian, and South America throughout this time.  Since the 1970’s there has been a considerable resurgence of interest in homeopathy.