Why Homeopathy is So Well Accepted and Popular in India: The Role of Education and Training
Homeopathy is a culturally well accepted system of medicine that has gained widespread popularity in India and plays an essential role in the country’s healthcare system. With a growing body of homeopathy research supporting its efficacy, homeopathy has become a trusted treatment option for millions of the Indian population. However, its success is not just due to its research and cultural relevance, but also due to the excellent training that homeopaths receive in India. The university based educational programs and hands-on clinical intern experience ensure that homeopathy students are well-equipped to handle complex medical cases.
The Historical and Cultural Foundation of Homeopathy in India
India’s relationship with homeopathy dates back to the early 19th century, when German missionaries first introduced the system of medicine in 1810. The practice gained considerable momentum in 1839 when Dr. John Hoenigberger, a disciple of Samuel Hahnemann (the founder of homeopathy), was called to treat Maharaja Ranjit Singh for paralysis and oedema. His success in treating the Maharaja helped homeopathy establish its place in Indian medicine.
Over the decades, homeopathy’s popularity grew partly because it was already aligned with many of the cultural beliefs embedded in the Indian way of looking after health. The fundamental homeopathy concept of similia similibus curantur (like cures like) resonated with ancient Indian healing traditions that emphasise balance and harmony in the body. Homeopathy’s holistic approach, which treats the whole person rather than just the disease, was not foreign to the ancient yoga philosophy that health is not just the absence of disease.
Homeopathy in India’s Healthcare System
By 1973, the Indian government officially recognised homeopathy as a system of medicine, and it has since become an integral part of the national healthcare system. Today, India has the largest number of homeopathic practitioners globally, with over 300,000 qualified homeopaths, making it one of the fastest-growing systems of medicine worldwide.
Homeopathy’s recognition in India is partly due to its wide-ranging applications and there is an increasing amount of research validating it’s effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory issues, otitis media, skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and paediatric conditions. Carefully written case histories boost the reputation for homeopathic remedies being safe, non-invasive, and free of side effects, making it an option for those seeking holistic treatment. Examples are found in these cases from India including: molluscum contagiosum, spina bifida occulta, vitiligo, Bell’s palsy, autism, speech delay, bedwetting, a man who battled psoriasis for thirteen years before using homeopathy, a rare childhood development delay and childhood epilepsy.
Moreover, India’s government has played a crucial role in promoting the growth of homeopathy with the establishment of the Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH) which set educational standards for homeopathic training and practice. Since then, homeopathy has been integrated into India’s AYUSH system (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), which is considered a vital part of the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
In the annual report 2022 – 2023 from the Ministry of AYUSH a mandate is declared to develop AYUSH systems further. Their vision is for AYUSH systems to be the preferred healthcare and way of living to have a healthy India. It is little wonder then that the Indian government attaches the highest importance to Homeopathy research and this is reflected in its continued funding and government support. In this way Homeopathy in India is a notable exception in the global marginalisation of homoeopathy.
Indian government support for research
The Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) has supported numerous clinical trials validating the role of homeopathy in treating acute and chronic conditions.
- In May 2024, Homeopathy journal published The Patient Population at Homeopathic Outpatient Clinics across India. This study was conducted across 14 homeopathy outpatient clinics in India that are affiliated with CCRH. This data collection study of 2,811 patients found that the most common complaints were musculoskeletal, skin and
respiratory problems. Remedies such as Sulphur, Rhus tox, Natrum mur and Nux vomica were the most prescribed homeopathic medicines. A detailed patient outcome assessment was done on every follow-up to compare the patient’s present state with the baseline consultation. Of the 868 patients who visited for at least one follow-up, 86% witnessed some sort of symptom relief with the homeopathic treatment (11% reported large improvement, 35% moderate and 40% reported small improvement); 14% witnessed no improvement. There were no responses for the categories “Remedy did not act as expected” or “Not sure”.
Map of study sites of Homeopathic OPD’s in Kaur et al. study
- In October 2024, a pragmatic randomised controlled trial in October 2024 was published in the European Journal of Pediatrics. It compared the difference between homoeopathic and conventional paediatric care in treating acute illnesses in children in their first 24 months of life. It was concluded that Homoeopathy (using conventional medicine as a safety backdrop) was more effective than conventional treatment in preventing sick days, sickness episodes, and respiratory illnesses in the first 24 months of life. It necessitated fewer antibiotics and its overall cost was lower. This study supports homoeopathy, as a safe and cost-effective primary care modality during the first 2 years of life. This study is perhaps the first trial to offer a comparison of two medical paradigms rather than individual interventions in a real-life setting. Participation came from homoeopaths and paediatricians who were regular hospital staff, postgraduates by education, and were not specifically selected for the study. This would tend to counter claims of a consultation bias created by attraction to well-known paediatricians or homoeopaths.
Almost every second person in India uses AYUSH healthcare system
The Indian Government conducted a nation wide survey on Ayush to collect information on:
- Awareness of people about traditional systems of healthcare
- Uses of AYUSH for prevention or treatment of ailments and for pre-natal and post-natal care
- Awareness of households about home remedies, medicinal plants, local health tradition/folk medicine.
This was the first exclusive all-India survey on AYUSH and was conducted by the National Sample Survey Office from July 2022 to June 2023. This survey covered the entire country, excluding a few inaccessible villages in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The students study a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (B.H.M.S.), a 5-year course that culminates in recognition as a doctor.
Key findings of the survey:
- Approximately 95% of rural and 96% of urban respondents are aware of AYUSH.
- At least one member is aware of Medicinal Plants/Home remedies/Local Health Tradition/Folk medicine in about 85% of rural and 86% of urban households.
- Around 46% of rural and 53% of urban individuals used AYUSH for prevention or treatment of ailments in the past 365 days.
Wellness Centres and Homeopathic Camps in Rural areas
Numerous government-run Wellness Centres offer homeopathic treatments as well as yoga and other health promotion methods. These centres are vital for managing both acute and chronic diseases, especially in rural areas. These Wellness Centres alleviate the burden on India’s healthcare system, particularly in regions with limited conventional medical resources.
One example of homeopathy camps in rural areas comes from Dr Sujata Naik and her team who have been visiting the B.K.L Walawalkar Hospital in Dervan, in rural Maharashtra, to conduct regular homeopathic camps. Hundreds of patients from surrounding districts arrive at the camp for homeopathic treatment, for many different health conditions.
Another example of homeopathy in rural areas comes from the two villages of Khejuri, and Kakdwip which have been visited by the doctors and staff of Bengal’s Allen Homeopathy College, once a month for more than 30 years. The team also attend slum clinics in Kolkata and provide a mobile dispensary and milk provision service to the outer regions whilst running their main inner-city clinic from the college.
Homeopathic Training in India
One of the key reasons for homeopathy’s success in India lies in the high standards of education and training that homeopathic doctors receive. India is home to over 208 homeopathy colleges (figures for 2024/2025), collectively producing tens of thousands of homeopaths each year. The students study a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (B.H.M.S.), a 5-year course that culminates in recognition as a doctor. The curriculum includes: anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, pharmacology, materia medica (the study of homeopathic remedies), philosophy, clinical practice and internship. The internships are in hospitals, dispensaries, and wellness centres, where the students treat real patients under the supervision of experienced practitioners. This exposure to clinical settings allows students to gain invaluable experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions.
Homoeopathic medical education has developed seven specialties in post-graduate teaching, which are Materia Medica, Organon of Medicine, Repertory, Practice of Medicine, Paediatric, Pharmacy and Psychiatry.
Integrating Homeopathy into Emergency Medicine
Homeopathic training in India also applies to acute care and emergency medicine even though it may appear that traditionally, homeopathy has been seen as a system for treating chronic conditions. A prime example is the use of Aconite, a homeopathic remedy used to treat panic attacks and physical symptoms accompanied by acute anxiety. It may be used to manage symptoms of angina, particularly when the onset is sudden and accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, or a sense of impending doom.
Homeopaths may be placed as interns in emergency departments, where they are trained to handle acute cases alongside their conventional medical counterparts. This integration allows homeopaths to apply their knowledge of remedies like Aconite and other treatments in real-time situations.
Late night, at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital emergency department, New Delhi. It is a teaching hospital with an OPD which sees around 6,000 patients a day. It includes a homeopathic OPD.
Dr. Ratera and the Success of Homeopathy in Emergency Care
India is not the only country where homeopathy may be used in emergency medical practice. In Spain, Dr. Manuel Mateu Ratera, who was an emergency specialist and homeopathic doctor, demonstrated the benefits of homeopathy in urgent care. Dr. Ratera used homeopathic remedies to successfully treat conditions like angina, panic attacks, injuries, and especially trauma. His work has shown that homeopathy can complement conventional emergency treatments, improving patient outcomes. He included this experience into his book written for nurses and Doctors with conventional medical training on the topic First Aid with Homeopathy.
A Personal Story: Sapnaa Parmar’s Journey in Homeopathy
Over the past few decades, a significant number of homeopaths have moved to Australia, bringing their skills to the global stage. One such homeopath is Dr. Sapnaa Parmar, a BHMS graduate from Bharati Vidyapeeth University (BF University), India, who now works through the Harbord Homeopathic Clinic in Sydney.
The BF University runs its own 100-bed homeopathic hospital, giving students access to valuable clinical exposure through its outpatient and inpatient departments. Sapnaa recalls one memorable case from her time at college: “I remember a young girl who came to our college OPD with severe exam-related anxiety, presenting with headaches and shivering. We treated her with Gelsemium 200c, and she not only passed her exams but did so with much less stress. It was an excellent example of the clinical experience I gained during my training.”
Another story close to Sapnaa’s heart is from her own family. “When my sister fractured her leg, she was told it would take over six weeks to heal. But after consulting with my professors, we treated her with a combination of Arnica, Ruta, and Calc Carb remedies. Within two weeks, the pain had subsided, and after four weeks, an X-ray showed complete healing. She was able to attend her important conference as planned. This was a prime example of how well-rounded the training I received was—able to handle both acute and chronic cases with confidence.”
Conclusion: The Future of Homeopathy in India and Beyond
Homeopathy’s popularity in India is a result of a combination of cultural relevance, scientific validation, government support, and comprehensive homeopathic training. Homeopathy’s growing role in emergency medicine highlights its ability to adapt and thrive in modern medical practice.
With continued advancements in education, research, and integration into mainstream healthcare, homeopathy is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of global healthcare. As more people recognise the benefits of homeopathy, not just for chronic conditions but also in acute care, it has the capacity to provide safe, effective, and affordable healthcare to millions.
References
Central Council of Homeopathy, India. Origin and Growth of Homeopathy in India. Available: https://homeopathy.delhi.gov.in/homeopathy/about-homoeopathy
https://gtbh.delhi.gov.in/gtbh/general-information
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978924151536
