Homeopathy for Vegetarians and Vegans
Some homeopathic remedies are simply incompatible with vegetarian and vegan ways of living. This likely isn't going to change in the short term. However, there are alternatives for vegetarians (remedies not made from animals) and vegans (100% animal product free; including lactose-free). It is my belief that appropriate vegetable or mineral remedies can be identified to replace most (if not all) traditional animal remedies. Information below regarding traditional uses comes from Kent's Repertory and Materia Medica unless otherwise specified.
Disclaimer: This site is provided for your information and education purposes only and is not a replacement for advice from a health professional. Before beginning any course of homeopathic treatment it is recommended to consult with a qualified homeopath. The intention of this review is not to criticize any maker of homeopathic remedies or the homeopath or client who chooses to use remedies made with animal products. This review is provided as a guide for those who wish to avoid consuming animal products for any reason. Remedies indicated as possible alternatives are provided for consideration only and do not replace homeopathic repertorization of symptoms, which may yield different results depending on the individual. No guarantees are provided regarding the accuracy of the information below nor should this be considered an exhaustive review of vegan/vegetarian homeopathy remedies. Information is current and accurate to the best of my knowledge at the date of publication.
Lactose and Lactose-Free
Unfortunately, many homeopathy remedy manufacturers in the United States still make remedies using lactose. Those made with lactose but without other animal products are acceptable for vegetarians but not vegans. Vegans should stick to remedies that do not contain lactose or any other animal products. Preferably this information will be stated explicitly by the maker on the product or in accompanying literature (example).
Fortunately, some manufacturers do offer lactose-free remedies. Among these are Ollois and Helios, both of which offer remedies in the familiar and convenient small white pellets. (*NOTE: Both companies do still make remedies that contain animal products. If you are concerned about animal products, be sure to verify the contents of any remedy before purchasing.)
Bach flower remedies are also traditionally vegan and are currently made by several manufacturers.
Other Preparations
Creams (such as Arnica preparations) can be easily prepared without lactose. Be sure to check for other animal products in cream-based preparations.
Liquid preparations (potentized) and Mother Tinctures can be made (and administered) without lactose or other animal products. As always, it is important to check the methods by which the remedies were prepared.
Homeopathic Remedy Notes
Common homeopathic remedies that are sourced from animals are described below along with ratings for their suitability for vegetarians and vegans. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of animal-derived remedies. I am starting with the most common remedies. For a quick list of common animal kingdom homeopathy remedies, check Helios Homeopathy's website (note that fish, spiders, and snakes are listed separately). Remember: the selection of any homeopathic remedy will depend on a patient's individual symptoms and generalities and should be completed by a qualified homeopath. This review is growing and will be updated. (Version: 12-29-19)
Apis Mellifica
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Apis is inappropriate remedies for vegans/vegetarians. While powerful, Apis is traditionally made from the whole bee (not honey or venom). This is unfortunate, as it is a powerful remedy and is frequently indicated for homeopathy first aid (stings, burns, and more). *Remember, it is not recommended to use only homeopathy for stings, especially when severe allergic reactions are a concern.
Possible replacement remedies include:
Anas Barbariae
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
This remedy is derived from a duck, most commonly its heart and liver. Anas Barbariae is commonly used to treat the flu and is the key component of "A Popular Flu Remedy (R)" made by a top homeopathy remedy manufacturer. Ducks are killed to make this remedy, thus it is not appropriate for vegetarians or vegans.
Possible alternative remedies include:
Cantharis
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Cantharis, which comes from the Spanish Fly, is traditionally made from the whole fly. This is technically an animal product and therefore unsuitable for vegans.
Possible replacement remedies include:
Calcarea Carbonica
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Calcarea Carbonica is made from oyster shells. Harvesting the product requires killing the oyster. Oysters are members of the animal kingdom and come from several different taxonomic groups. Oysters do have hearts, blood, nervous systems, and kidneys.
Possible replacement remedies include:
Lachesis
Vegetarian Rating: MORE INFORMATION NEEDED
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Lachesis is made from snake venom (traditionally the South American bushmaster). This is technically an animal product and therefore unsuitable for vegans. Suitability for vegetarians depends on whether or not any other part of the snake were used and if the snake was killed in the process. Venom extraction from live snakes is common (example) and in most cases does not involve killing the snake. Vegetarians who consume eggs and/or dairy may find venom extraction acceptable. More information should be sought from individual manufacturers about how any given Lachesis remedy is made.
Possible replacement remedies include:
Sepia
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Sepia is made from squid or cuttlefish ink. This is technically an animal product and therefore unsuitable for vegans. Based on my research, squid / cuttlefish ink is traditionally harvested from the creature after it has been killed. The ink sac is located inside the animal, thus it must be killed to retrieve the ink (which may then be dried). For more information, see this Instructable (with pictures) about the process of collecting squid ink.
Possible replacement remedies include:
Spongia Tosta
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
The whole body of sea sponge is traditionally used to make Spongia Tosta. Several Google-able debates have transpired on the internet (with varying degrees of scientific accuracy) regarding whether or not vegans can use products made from sea sponge. While it lacks a nervous system sea sponge is a member of the animal kingdom. It is thus technically not vegan or vegetarian.
Possible replacement remedies include:
Some homeopathic remedies are simply incompatible with vegetarian and vegan ways of living. This likely isn't going to change in the short term. However, there are alternatives for vegetarians (remedies not made from animals) and vegans (100% animal product free; including lactose-free). It is my belief that appropriate vegetable or mineral remedies can be identified to replace most (if not all) traditional animal remedies. Information below regarding traditional uses comes from Kent's Repertory and Materia Medica unless otherwise specified.
Disclaimer: This site is provided for your information and education purposes only and is not a replacement for advice from a health professional. Before beginning any course of homeopathic treatment it is recommended to consult with a qualified homeopath. The intention of this review is not to criticize any maker of homeopathic remedies or the homeopath or client who chooses to use remedies made with animal products. This review is provided as a guide for those who wish to avoid consuming animal products for any reason. Remedies indicated as possible alternatives are provided for consideration only and do not replace homeopathic repertorization of symptoms, which may yield different results depending on the individual. No guarantees are provided regarding the accuracy of the information below nor should this be considered an exhaustive review of vegan/vegetarian homeopathy remedies. Information is current and accurate to the best of my knowledge at the date of publication.
Lactose and Lactose-Free
Unfortunately, many homeopathy remedy manufacturers in the United States still make remedies using lactose. Those made with lactose but without other animal products are acceptable for vegetarians but not vegans. Vegans should stick to remedies that do not contain lactose or any other animal products. Preferably this information will be stated explicitly by the maker on the product or in accompanying literature (example).
Fortunately, some manufacturers do offer lactose-free remedies. Among these are Ollois and Helios, both of which offer remedies in the familiar and convenient small white pellets. (*NOTE: Both companies do still make remedies that contain animal products. If you are concerned about animal products, be sure to verify the contents of any remedy before purchasing.)
Bach flower remedies are also traditionally vegan and are currently made by several manufacturers.
Other Preparations
Creams (such as Arnica preparations) can be easily prepared without lactose. Be sure to check for other animal products in cream-based preparations.
Liquid preparations (potentized) and Mother Tinctures can be made (and administered) without lactose or other animal products. As always, it is important to check the methods by which the remedies were prepared.
Homeopathic Remedy Notes
Common homeopathic remedies that are sourced from animals are described below along with ratings for their suitability for vegetarians and vegans. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of animal-derived remedies. I am starting with the most common remedies. For a quick list of common animal kingdom homeopathy remedies, check Helios Homeopathy's website (note that fish, spiders, and snakes are listed separately). Remember: the selection of any homeopathic remedy will depend on a patient's individual symptoms and generalities and should be completed by a qualified homeopath. This review is growing and will be updated. (Version: 12-29-19)
Apis Mellifica
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Apis is inappropriate remedies for vegans/vegetarians. While powerful, Apis is traditionally made from the whole bee (not honey or venom). This is unfortunate, as it is a powerful remedy and is frequently indicated for homeopathy first aid (stings, burns, and more). *Remember, it is not recommended to use only homeopathy for stings, especially when severe allergic reactions are a concern.
Possible replacement remedies include:
- Stings: Hypericum; Ledum; Staphysagria; Urtica Urens (source: Lee Health).
- Burns: Causticum; Urtica urens (source: National Center for Homeopathy).
Anas Barbariae
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
This remedy is derived from a duck, most commonly its heart and liver. Anas Barbariae is commonly used to treat the flu and is the key component of "A Popular Flu Remedy (R)" made by a top homeopathy remedy manufacturer. Ducks are killed to make this remedy, thus it is not appropriate for vegetarians or vegans.
Possible alternative remedies include:
- Influenza-like Illness: Gelsemium; Baptisia; Eupatorium perfoliatum; Arsenicum album (Source: British Homeopathic Association)
- Respiratory Problems / Bronchitis: Bryonia; Causticum; Pulsatilla (Source and Read More: Kaiser Permanente)
Cantharis
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Cantharis, which comes from the Spanish Fly, is traditionally made from the whole fly. This is technically an animal product and therefore unsuitable for vegans.
Possible replacement remedies include:
- Burns: Causticum; Urtica urens (source: National Center for Homeopathy).
- Blisters: Carboneum Sulphuratum; Graphites; Sulphur (source: Jurj, 2011)
- Urinary Issues: Nux Vomica; Sarsaparilla (Source: Kaiser Permanente)
Calcarea Carbonica
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Calcarea Carbonica is made from oyster shells. Harvesting the product requires killing the oyster. Oysters are members of the animal kingdom and come from several different taxonomic groups. Oysters do have hearts, blood, nervous systems, and kidneys.
Possible replacement remedies include:
- Obesity: Graphites, Natrurum Muriaticum
Lachesis
Vegetarian Rating: MORE INFORMATION NEEDED
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Lachesis is made from snake venom (traditionally the South American bushmaster). This is technically an animal product and therefore unsuitable for vegans. Suitability for vegetarians depends on whether or not any other part of the snake were used and if the snake was killed in the process. Venom extraction from live snakes is common (example) and in most cases does not involve killing the snake. Vegetarians who consume eggs and/or dairy may find venom extraction acceptable. More information should be sought from individual manufacturers about how any given Lachesis remedy is made.
Possible replacement remedies include:
- Hot flashes: Graphites or Sulphur (source: Peace Health).
Sepia
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
Sepia is made from squid or cuttlefish ink. This is technically an animal product and therefore unsuitable for vegans. Based on my research, squid / cuttlefish ink is traditionally harvested from the creature after it has been killed. The ink sac is located inside the animal, thus it must be killed to retrieve the ink (which may then be dried). For more information, see this Instructable (with pictures) about the process of collecting squid ink.
Possible replacement remedies include:
- Menstrual Issues: Lycopodium; Natrum Muriaticum; Pulsatilla; Veratrum Album (Source: Peace Health).
Spongia Tosta
Vegetarian Rating: AVOID
Vegan Rating: AVOID
The whole body of sea sponge is traditionally used to make Spongia Tosta. Several Google-able debates have transpired on the internet (with varying degrees of scientific accuracy) regarding whether or not vegans can use products made from sea sponge. While it lacks a nervous system sea sponge is a member of the animal kingdom. It is thus technically not vegan or vegetarian.
Possible replacement remedies include:
- Dry Cough: Bryonia, Phosphorus, Rumex Crispus (Source: Kaiser Permanente).