Homeopathic remedies are safe and economical, simple to use, and act very gently as a rule, with notably few side effects. The curative reaction, when it occurs, is prompt, thorough, and long–lasting, requiring infrequent repetition of the dose, and with minimal risk of chronic drug dependence. Homeopathy thus allows patients to assume greater responsibility for their own healing than is ordinarily possible with more drastic methods.

On the other hand, it is also an art, requiring years of study and practice to master, such that even a qualified practitioner may need to try several different remedies before relief or obvious benefit is obtained. In other cases, despite the most conscientious efforts, there is little or no benefit at all. Moreover, we do not really understand how the dilute remedies act, so that we cannot reliably predict exactly how a given patient will respond to them, which symptoms will be affected, or in what order. Finally, the remedies are somewhat delicate, and may be inactivated (antidoted) rather easily.