Facts Sheet

The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the homeopathic industry in the United States. Founded in 1923, the AAHP represents a significant portion of the homeopathic market, promoting excellence in manufacturing, marketing, and distribution while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. With a growing membership and a proactive approach to regulatory challenges, the AAHP plays a pivotal role in providing safe, effective homeopathic medicines to consumers, retailers, and healthcare practitioners. This article delves into the AAHP’s mission, membership, business volume, activities, organizational structure, products, distribution, regulation, and labeling practices, offering a comprehensive overview as of May 2025.

Mission

The AAHP is committed to promoting excellence in the practice of homeopathic pharmacy, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. It supports the requirements, criteria, and guidelines outlined in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS), the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and other industry standards to ensure the delivery of safe and effective homeopathic medicines. By fostering high standards, the AAHP aims to protect consumers while advancing the integrity of the homeopathic industry, as outlined on their official website.

Membership

The AAHP’s membership includes a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, and marketers of homeopathic medicines, as well as individual pharmacists and allied organizations interested in the development of homeopathy in the United States. As of 2013, the AAHP represented 36 companies—over half of the active homeopathic companies in the U.S.—and 8 individual members, a significant growth from the 20 companies and 3 individuals reported in 2006. Today, the AAHP accounts for nearly 80% of the U.S. homeopathic market share, reflecting its continued expansion and influence, according to their membership page.

Business Volume

The combined annual product sales of AAHP members are substantial, reflecting the growth of the homeopathic market. In 2013, member sales were estimated at just under $1 billion, a marked increase from the $200 million reported in 2006. Given the industry’s expansion to a nearly $3 billion market by 2021, as reported by the FDA, it’s estimated that AAHP member sales now exceed $2 billion in 2025, underscoring the economic impact of their contributions to the homeopathic sector.

Activities

The AAHP engages in a variety of activities to support its mission and members:

  • Newsletter: Publishes *NetworkNews*, a monthly electronic newsletter with member-exclusive articles on regulatory updates, compliance, and industry trends.
  • Educational Webinars: Offers training on topics like cGMP compliance, product labeling, and FDA inspections, helping members stay compliant and competitive, as detailed on their webinar resources page.
  • Advocacy: Works with the FDA and FTC to shape regulations, including proposing label disclosures during a 2015 FTC workshop and responding to FDA safety reports in 2024, as noted on their regulatory page.
  • Technical Support: Provides the “Ask AAHP” service for members to receive expert advice on labeling and compliance issues.

Organization

The AAHP is managed by a board of directors, elected by its members, which oversees the work of several committees, including Legal & Regulatory and Publicity. Key board members include Mark Land (President) and Mary Borneman (Treasurer), ensuring strategic direction and industry representation, as listed on their leadership page.

Products

Homeopathic medicines supported by AAHP members address a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including:

  • Allergies, colds, and flu
  • Muscle pains, joint discomfort, and leg cramps
  • Digestive issues, such as indigestion and diarrhea
  • Skin conditions, like acne and insect bites
  • Menopause, teething, and stress-related symptoms

These products are designed to offer a gentle, natural approach to healing, though recent regulatory scrutiny has emphasized the need for clear, substantiated claims, as noted by the FDA.

Distribution

Homeopathic products are widely available across the U.S., found in over 30,000 outlets, including drug stores, health food stores, mass merchandise retailers, and doctors’ offices. This extensive distribution network ensures accessibility for consumers seeking homeopathic remedies, as confirmed on the AAHP’s overview page.

Regulation

Since the passage of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938, homeopathic medicines have been regulated as drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2019, the FDA introduced a draft guidance proposing a risk-based enforcement approach, prioritizing action against unapproved homeopathic products posing safety risks, such as those marketed for serious conditions without evidence, as detailed on the FDA’s website. The AAHP has actively engaged in this evolving regulatory landscape, advocating for balanced policies that protect consumer access while ensuring safety.

Labeling

As regulated drugs, homeopathic medicines must adhere to strict labeling requirements, distinguishing them from dietary supplements. Labels must specify the conditions for use, concentration of active ingredients, recommended dosage, and mode of application, ensuring clarity for consumers and retailers. The AAHP supports these standards, emphasizing compliance with HPUS and FDA guidelines, and has proposed enhanced label disclosures to address regulatory concerns, as noted on their labeling guideline page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists?
    The AAHP is a non-profit organization founded in 1923 to promote excellence in homeopathic pharmacy, manufacturing, and distribution.
  2. What is the AAHP’s mission?
    To ensure safe, effective homeopathic medicines by supporting HPUS, CFR, and FDA standards.
  3. Who can join the AAHP?
    Manufacturers, distributors, marketers, pharmacists, and allied organizations in the homeopathic field.
  4. What is the business volume of AAHP members?
    Estimated at over $2 billion in annual sales, representing nearly 80% of the U.S. homeopathic market.
  5. What activities does the AAHP undertake?
    Publishes newsletters, offers webinars, advocates with regulators, and provides technical support.
  6. What products do AAHP members offer?
    Homeopathic medicines for conditions like allergies, colds, muscle pains, and digestive issues.
  7. Where are homeopathic products distributed?
    In over 30,000 outlets, including drug stores, health food stores, and doctors’ offices.
  8. How are homeopathic medicines regulated?
    As drugs under the FDCA since 1938, with a risk-based FDA enforcement approach introduced in 2019.
  9. What are the labeling requirements for homeopathic medicines?
    Labels must list conditions, active ingredient concentrations, dosage, and application mode.
  10. How can I learn more about AAHP initiatives?
    Visit their website for newsletters, webinars, and regulatory updates.

Conclusion

The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists remains a cornerstone of the homeopathic industry in the United States, representing nearly 80% of the market and advocating for safe, effective medicines since 1923. With a membership that has grown significantly, estimated sales exceeding $2 billion, and a proactive approach to regulatory challenges, the AAHP ensures that homeopathic medicines are accessible and compliant with federal standards. Through newsletters, webinars, advocacy, and support services, the AAHP empowers its members to navigate a complex landscape while maintaining high standards. As the industry evolves, the AAHP’s commitment to excellence positions it as a vital resource for consumers, retailers, and healthcare practitioners seeking reliable homeopathic solutions.