Homeopathy is regulated by the FDA, though we all know how much that's worth. The FDA approves homeopathic remedies not based on efficacy but rather on safety. They are different from herbal supplements in that they are subject to some standards.
Some homeopathic remedies do work, and some have scientific evidence to back it up. It depends on the remedy. I buy pillules from Boiron and Nelsons, as well as lozenges from Boiron. Boiron's Coldcalm lozenges are really great for getting rid of the ookies, and they really help with scratchy throats. I got my SO some drosera rotundifolia pillules to help with a cough that he had. Drosera rotundifolia is a documented anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum
Regardless, there is something to be said for the power of possible placebo effect.