The idea that low-dose adaptive effects as described in hormesis can be used clinically has been discussed for hundreds if not thousands of years. Paracelsus famous adage that ;the dose makes the poison' and the common folk saying that one can be cured by ;the hair of the dog that bit you' speak to this idea. So why has so little research been done on the possible clinical utility of hormesis? What areas of clinical hormesis seem to be the most promising to explore? This article examines these concepts and proposes some initial areas or research where the possible utility of hormeiss might be investigated.