Homeopathy might be only as effective as a placebo

Homeopathy, an alternative to traditional medicine has this morning been slammed in new evidence that suggests it has no healing benefits and is as effective as a placebo.

The practise is often confused with herbal remedies or the broader field of alternative and natural medicine – homeopathy is instead comprised on a sophisticated system that uses plant, mineral and chemical substances and works to strengthen the body’s defence system. In simpler terms, homeopathic practitioners highly dilute molecules of an illness in the belief that it will treat those symptoms, ala hair of the dog. But now there is scientific evidence to suggest this is not helping.

After assessing over 1800 papers on the efficacy of the alternative medicine, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found that homeopathy was not any more effective than a placebo in treating common medical conditions such as headaches, asthma, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and ulcers.

There was not one study in the papers researched that had a substantial case study to support homeopathy’s benefits, particularly when compared with other medical treatments.

NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson said, “NHMRC’s review shows that there is no good quality evidence to support the claim that homeopathy works better than a placebo”.

He also warned that those who choose homeopathy may be putting their health at risk and should ask for advice from a registered health practitioner and keep taking prescribed medications.

Australian Homoeopathic Association spokeswoman Ana Lamaro told ABC that the NHMRC had already “made up its mind” about homeopathy before the results of the review. “Homeopathy is a holistic form, meaning we are taking into account the psychosocial, the physical, the emotional state of the person in assessing what they might need medicinally”.

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