FAQs
Are Homeopathic products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration?
How do I use Similasan products?
What are the side effects of Similasan products?
Can I use Similasan eye drops with my contact lenses?
Can I use Similasan products while pregnant/nursing?
My doctor isn't familiar with Similasan products or how they work. Where can I find a doctor who is?
Does Similasan have a satisfaction guarantee?
Does Similasan perform animal testing?
Will Similasan products cause dependence or "the rebound effect?"
Where and by whom are Similasan products formulated and manufactured?
Below you will find a list of the questions most frequently asked about our products. If you would like additional information please contact Similasan customer service at 1-800-426-1644, ext. 1 or getinfo@similasanUSA.com.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is a whole medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago and has been practiced in the United States since the early 19th century. Homeopathy is used for wellness and prevention and to treat many diseases and conditions.
The term homeopathy comes from the Greek words homeo, meaning similar, and pathos, meaning suffering or disease. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances. This therapeutic method was developed by German physician Samuel Christian Hahnemann at the end of the 18th century. Hahnemann articulated two main principles:
• The principle of similars (or "like cures like") states that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people. This idea, which can be traced back to Hippocrates, was further developed by Hahnemann after he repeatedly ingested cinchona bark, a popular treatment for malaria, and found that he developed the symptoms of the disease. Hahnemann theorized that if a substance could cause disease symptoms in a healthy person, small amounts could cure a sick person who had similar symptoms.
• The principle of dilutions (or "law of minimum dose") states that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. In homeopathy, substances are diluted in a stepwise fashion and shaken vigorously between each dilution. This process, referred to as "potentization," is believed to transmit some form of information or energy from the original substance to the final diluted remedy. Most homeopathic remedies are so dilute that no molecules of the healing substance remain; however, in homeopathy, it is believed that the substance has left its imprint or "essence," which stimulates the body to heal itself (this theory is called the "memory of water").
Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals, or animals.
For more information on Homeopathy, please visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Are Homeopathic products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration?
Yes, Homeopathic remedies are prepared according to the guidelines of the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS), which was written into law in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Homeopathic remedies are regulated in the same manner as nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. However, because homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredients, they do not have to undergo the same safety and efficacy testing as prescription and new OTC drugs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does require that homeopathic remedies meet certain legal standards for strength, purity, and packaging. The labels on the remedies must include at least one major indication (i.e., medical problem to be treated), a list of ingredients, the dilution, and safety instructions. In addition, if a homeopathic remedy claims to treat a serious disease such as cancer, it needs to be sold by prescription. Only products for self-limiting conditions (minor health problems like a cold or headache that go away on their own) can be sold without a prescription.
For more information, please visit The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States or The U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
How do I use Similasan products?
Please refer to the product pages for directions and a video on how to use Similasan products.
What are the side effects of Similasan products?
The 100% natural active ingredients in Similasan products cause no known side effects or drug interactions.
Can I use Similasan eye drops with my contact lenses?
While Similasan eye drops work wonderfully for relieving irritation from contact lenses, we recommend that you first remove your contact lenses before using any of our eye drop products.
Can I use Similasan products while pregnant/nursing?
As with all OTC products, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should check with your health care provider before using any product. If possible, check with a health care provider who is familiar with homeopathic products.
My doctor isn't familiar with Similasan products or how they work. Where can I find a doctor who is?
We recommend visiting a doctor who has received training in homeopathy. The National Center for Homeopathy publishes a list of homeopathic practitioners on its website.
Does Similasan have a satisfaction guarantee?
Yes. If you are not satisfied with Similasan products for whatever reason, simply take the product back to the store with your receipt for a full refund.
Does Similasan perform animal testing?
No. Similasan products are never tested on animals.
Will Similasan products cause dependence or "the rebound effect?"
While conventional OTC medicines (i.e. antihistamines, lubricants and vasoconstrictors) clear up, or "mask," symptoms temporarily, the same symptoms often come back with shorter periods of relief in between doses. For this reason, many people develop a dependency on OTC eye drops and nasal mists. Similasan Original Swiss Formulas address the immune system, stimulating the body to heal on its own. There is no worry of toxic build-up or the rebound effect with any Similasan product.
Where and by whom are Similasan products formulated and manufactured?
For over 25 years Similasan products have been formulated and bottled at the Similasan, AG headquarters in Jonen, Switzerland. Swiss druggists formulate and test the remedies with the utmost attention to detail and quality. In the U.S., Similasan products are imported and distributed by Similasan Corporation, Highlands Ranch, CO.
How can I contact Similasan?
From the U.S., call 1-800-426-1644 or e-mail us. If you are interested in learning more about Similasan products and services outside North America, visit www.similasan.com.