Homeopathy in cancer care: Part II--Continuing the practice of "like curing like".

Digital Object Identifier: 10.1188/04.CJON.327-330 Homeopathy is a comprehensive system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to induce the body’s self-healing mechanisms to bring about symptom or disease resolution (Jonas & Jacobs, 1996). Homeopathic medicine has spread in use throughout the United States and the world as a complement to other systems of medicine. Part I of this article (see page 324) introduced principles and practices, preclinical and clinical research, controversies, and methodologic issues associated with homeopathy research and practice. Part II describes the homeopathic evaluation process, safety and efficacy, regulation of homeopathy, training and licensure, and access of reliable information. Oncology nurses should be familiar with homeopathic medicine because patients use these interventions in addition to conventional interventions for cancer-related side effects.