More Germans use homeopathic medicines

New market data shows that over half the German population has used homeopathic medicines and that the number of users has gone up from 53% of the population in 2009 to 60% in 2014.

This report paints a rich picture of the use of these medicines in Germany with some interesting highlights:
·        73% of German women have used homeopathy and 48% of German men.
·        95% of West Germans know of homeopathic medicines, and this number has increased from 76% in 1975.
·        67% of users first decided to use homeopathy because of a recommendation from a friend or relative.
·        The most popular use is for colds and ‘flu, followed by ‘to strengthen the immune system,’ and for sun burn and insect bites. Other popular uses are headaches, indigestion, sleeplessness and stomach ache.
·        The main reason for choosing homeopathic medicines is the very low side incidence of effects.

This data is the result of a survey of about 1500 people in the whole of Germany in May and June this year, by the Institut  für Demoskopie Allensbach. A similar survey was last carried out in 2009.