Many notable figures throughout history and into modern times have used homeopathy and shared their thoughts on its effectiveness. Below is a list of some famous individuals who embraced homeopathy, along with quotes or statements attributed to them reflecting their views. These insights are drawn from their public declarations, writings, or documented experiences.

John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937) The American industrialist and philanthropist who lived to 98 was a lifelong advocate of homeopathy. He reportedly had a homeopath travel with him and is quoted as saying, “Homeopathy is a progressive and aggressive step in medicine.” His longevity and reliance on homeopathic care underscored his belief in its value over conventional methods of his era.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) The Indian leader and advocate for nonviolence, praised homeopathy’s gentle approach. He said, “Homeopathy cures a larger percentage of cases than any other form of treatment and is beyond doubt safer and more economical.” Gandhi saw it as aligning with his principles of simplicity and natural healing.

Charles Darwin (1809–1882) The naturalist who developed the theory of evolution used homeopathy during periods of chronic illness, including digestive issues and fatigue. Darwin consulted Dr. James Manby Gully, a homeopathic physician, at the Malvern spa in 1849, undergoing hydrotherapy alongside homeopathic treatments. In a letter to a friend, he noted, “The water cure and homeopathy have done me good; I have more vigour.” While not an outspoken advocate, his pragmatic use and improvement suggest a level of trust in its effects, though he remained skeptical of its mechanisms given his scientific rigor.

Sir William Osler (1849–1919) Often called the “father of modern medicine,” this Canadian physician and scientist acknowledged the value of homeopathy. Osler, who shaped medical education at John Hopkins, wrote in his essays that homeopathy’s rise forced allopathic doctors to improve their practices. He noted, “The success of homeopathy in many cases cannot be denied; it has taught us to observe the patient more closely.”

Artists & athletes

Paul McCartney (b. 1942) The legendary Beatles musician has been vocal about his dependence on homeopathy. He stated, “I can’t manage without homeopathy. In fact, I never go anywhere without homeopathic remedies. I often make use of them.” His endorsement reflects a practical trust in its utility for everyday health.

Tina Turner (1939–2023) The iconic singer credited homeopathy with aiding her recovery from tuberculosis. In her autobiography, she wrote, “Life in the fast lane wore me down, changes in my diet and homeopathy saved me. Thanks to my homeopathic physician for bringing me back to health.” She highlighted its role in restoring her vitality.

Catherine Zeta-Jones (b. 1969) The Academy Award-winning actress turned to homeopathy during a physically demanding film shoot. She told Entertainment Weekly in 2003 about using Arnica, a common homeopathic remedy, for a hamstring injury while filming Chicago: “The pain wasn’t there when I was doing it… I had that sticky stuff glued to me for months.” She reportedly called Arnica her “best friend” on set.

Cindy Crawford (b. 1966) The supermodel shared her family’s reliance on homeopathy on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She said, “I am the doctor of our family, and I’m a big fan of homeopathy… I also turn to homeopathic remedies for the treatment of indigestion, travel sickness, insomnia, and hay fever, just to name a few. Homeopathy offers a safe, natural alternative that causes no side effects or drug interactions.” Her practical use spans a range of ailments.

David Beckham (b. 1975) The soccer superstar used homeopathy to recover from a foot injury before the 2002 World Cup. He publicly credited it, particularly Arnica, for speeding his healing, stating it worked wonders when conventional treatments alone weren’t enough. His experience brought homeopathy into the sports spotlight.

Writers

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) The creator of Sherlock Holmes was a trained physician who later embraced alternative practices, including homeopathy. While better known for his interest in spiritualism, Doyle used homeopathic treatments and supported its principles. In his medical practice before writing fame, he encountered homeopathy’s popularity in Britain, and his wife, Louisa, relied on it during her tuberculosis battle. He didn’t write quotable endorsements, but his biographers note his practical use.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) The German literary giant (Faust) explored homeopathy in its early days, influenced by its founder, Samuel Hahnemann, a fellow German. Goethe’s letters show curiosity about the “like cures like” principle, and he reportedly used homeopathic remedies for his recurring illnesses. He wrote to a friend, “There is something in this homeopathy that merits attention,” reflecting his intellectual openness to new ideas in medicine and science.

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) The English novelist behind A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations was a proponent of homeopathy, especially later in life. Dickens carried a homeopathic medicine kit on his travels and used remedies like Arnica for injuries. In a letter to a friend, he praised its efficacy, saying, “I have a little stock of homeopathic remedies, which I find wonderfully effective.” His interest aligned with Victorian England’s growing acceptance of alternative medicine.

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) The Irish playwright and Nobel laureate (Pygmalion) was an outspoken supporter of homeopathy, viewing it as a rational counterpoint to allopathic overreach. Shaw wrote, “Homeopathy is the only system of medicine which proceeds on the principle that like cures like, a principle as scientific as vaccination.” A vegetarian and skeptic of conventional medicine, he used homeopathy for his chronic ailments and championed it in debates about healthcare reform.

Mark Twain (1835–1910) The American humorist and author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer supported homeopathy, both personally and in his writings. Twain appreciated its challenge to conventional medicine, famously stating, “The introduction of homeopathy forced the old school doctor to stir around and learn something of a rational nature about his business. You may honestly feel grateful that homeopathy survived the attempts of the allopaths to destroy it.” He used homeopathic remedies himself and saw it as a progressive alternative during his lifetime, when it was widely practiced in the U.S.

American Presidents

Several American presidents are known or believed to have used homeopathy, reflecting its popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries when it was a mainstream medical practice in the United States. Below is a list of presidents associated with homeopathy, based on historical records, their personal actions, or the influence of their administrations. Evidence comes from biographies, letters, and contemporary accounts rather than modern speculation.

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865, President 1861–1865) Lincoln didn’t personally use homeopathy extensively, but he supported its practitioners. In 1861, he appointed Dr. Lewis D. Steiner, a homeopathic physician, as an assistant surgeon in the Union Army, signaling acceptance of homeopathy during the Civil War. His wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was a more direct user, consulting homeopaths for her health issues, including headaches and emotional distress after their son Willie’s death in 1862. Lincoln’s exposure likely came through her, though he himself leaned toward conventional medicine.

Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885, President 1869–1877) Grant’s connection to homeopathy is tied to his family. His wife, Julia Grant, reportedly used homeopathic remedies, and during his presidency, homeopathy was widely practiced among the elite. While no specific records confirm Grant’s personal use, his administration operated in an era when homeopathic hospitals and schools thrived, suggesting familiarity and tacit approval.

James A. Garfield (1831–1881, President 1881) Garfield was assassinated just months into his term, but during his brief presidency and earlier life, he was exposed to homeopathy through his wife, Lucretia, and his physician, Dr. Silas Boynton, a known homeopath. Boynton treated Garfield after his shooting in July 1881, though conventional doctors also intervened. Garfield’s short tenure limits evidence, but his association with Boynton ties him to the practice.

Chester A. Arthur (1829–1886, President 1881–1885) Arthur was a documented user of homeopathy. Suffering from Bright’s disease (a kidney condition), he sought treatment from homeopathic physicians, including Dr. Lewis A. Sayre, during and after his presidency. Arthur’s reliance on homeopathy was notable in an era when it rivaled allopathic medicine, and his health struggles made him a high-profile case.

William McKinley (1843–1901, President 1897–1901) McKinley’s wife, Ida Saxton McKinley, was a prominent user of homeopathy. She suffered from epilepsy and chronic illness, and homeopathic doctors treated her throughout McKinley’s political career. McKinley himself likely supported her choice, as he was known to be deeply involved in her care. During his presidency, homeopathy remained influential, and Ida’s treatments were well-known in Washington circles.

Warren G. Harding (1865–1923, President 1921–1923) Harding is linked to homeopathy through his wife, Florence Harding, who was an avid proponent. Florence consulted homeopaths for her kidney issues and other ailments, and during Harding’s presidency, she reportedly had a homeopathic physician, Dr. Charles Sawyer, attend to the family. Sawyer’s influence extended to Harding, who tolerated and possibly used homeopathic remedies himself, though his own health declined rapidly in office.

Herbert Hoover (1874–1964, President 1929–1933) Hoover’s connection is less direct but noteworthy. His wife, Lou Henry Hoover, was interested in alternative medicine, including homeopathy, and during his pre-presidential years as a public figure, homeopathy still had a foothold in American healthcare. No explicit records show Hoover’s personal use, but his era and family inclinations suggest exposure.