Re: Homeopathy-FYI -Evidence post 1

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/3/2006 9:29:06 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time,

drowell@... writes:

Stuart <_stuart@..._ (mailto:stuart@...)

<mailto:stuart%mailto:stuartmai> >

wrote: It is difficult to understand how anyone with even the most basic

chemistry education could, even for one moment, take homeopathy as

anything but the most laughable case of medical anti-science of all

time. Given that chemically and physically (that is, if you chose to

live in the universe that exists) there is nothing in it, it is

therefore a placebo, which is why it is no suprise that it is therefore

no more effective than a placebo which, by the way, can be quite

effective, but I certainly wouldn't go around charging people money for

one.

And, WHY do you insist it is just placebo? Check out these abstracts. I

cannot say I've reviewed them all, but a pretty impressive list.

Jan Patenaude, RD

K. Linde, N. Clausius, G. , et al., " Are the Clinical Effects of

Homeopathy Placebo Effects? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled

Trials. " Lancet, September 20, 1997, 350:834-843.

This state of the art meta-analysis reviewed 186 studies, 89 of which

fit pre-defined criteria. Rather than count and compare the number of

trials which show efficacy of treatment, the researchers pooled the

data from the various studies to assess data. The results showed that

patients taking homeopathic medicines were 2.45 times more likely to

experience a positive therapeutic effect than placebo.

J. Kleijnen, P. Knipschild, G. ter Riet, " Clinical Trials of

Homeopathy. " British Medical Journal, February 9, 1991, 302:316-323.

This is the most widely cited meta-analysis of clinical research prior

to 1991. This meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies of homeopathic

medicines, 81 of which (or 77%) showed positive effect. Of the best 22

studies, 15 showed efficacy. The researchers concluded: " The evidence

presented in this review would probably be sufficient for establishing

homeopathy as a regular treatment for certain indications. " Further,

" The amount of positive evidence even among the best studies came as a

surprise to us. "

C. N. Shealy, MD, R.P. Thomlinson, V. Borgmeyer, " Osteoarthritic Pain:

A Comparison of Homeopathy and Acetaminophen. " American Journal of Pain

Management, 1998;8:89-91

A double-blinded study to document the relative efficacy of homeopathic

remedies in comparison to acetaminophen for the treatment of pain

associated with osteoarthritis (OA) among 65 patients. An IRB approved

protocol. Results of the study documented better pain relief in the

homeopathic group (55% achieved measured relief from homeopathy as

compared to 38% from acetaminophen); however, the superiority of this

treatment, in comparison with the acetaminophen group, did not reach

statistical significance. The investigators conclude that homeopathic

treatments for pain in OA patients appear to be safe and at least as

effective as acetaminophen, and are without its potential adverse

effects including compromise to both liver and kidney function. Many of

the patients asked to continue with the homeopathic treatment.

M. Weiser, W. Strosser, P. Klein, " Homeopathic vs. Conventional

Treatment of Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical

Study. " Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, August, 1998,

124:879-885.

This was a study with 119 subjects with various types of vertigo, half

of whom were given a homeopathic medicine (a combination of four

homeopathic medicines) and half were given a leading conventional drug

in Europe for vertigo, betahistine hydrochloride. The homeopathic

medicines were found to be similarly effective and significantly safer

than the conventional control.

D. Reilly, M. , N. Beattie, et al., " Is Evidence for Homoeopathy

Reproducible? " Lancet, December 10, 1994, 344:1601-6.

This study successfully reproduced evidence from two previous

double-blinded trials all of which used the same model of homeopathic

immunotherapy in inhalant allergy. In this third study, 9 of 11

patients on homeopathic treatment improved compared to only 5 of 13

patients on placebo. The researchers concluded that either homeopathic

medicines work or controlled studies don’t. Their work has again be

recently replicated and is submitted for publication.

J. s, L. Jimenez, S. Gloyd, " Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea

with Homeopathic Medicine: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Nicaragua. "

Pediatrics, May 1994, 93,5:719-25.

This study was the first on homeopathy to be published in an American

medical journal. The study compared individualized high potency

homeopathic preparations against a placebo in 81 children, between ages

6 mo. and 5 yrs., suffering with acute diarrhea. The treatment group

benefited from a statistically significant 15% decrease in duration.

The authors noted that the clinical significance would extend to

decreasing dehydration and postdiarrheal

K. Linde, N. Clausius, G. , et al., " Are the Clinical Effects of

Homeopathy Placebo Effects? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled

Trials. " Lancet, September 20, 1997, 350:834-843.

This state of the art meta-analysis reviewed 186 studies, 89 of which

fit pre-defined criteria. Rather than count and compare the number of

trials which show efficacy of treatment, the researchers pooled the

data from the various studies to assess data. The results showed that

patients taking homeopathic medicines were 2.45 times more likely to

experience a positive therapeutic effect than placebo.

J. Kleijnen, P. Knipschild, G. ter Riet, " Clinical Trials of

Homeopathy. " British Medical Journal, February 9, 1991, 302:316-323.

This is the most widely cited meta-analysis of clinical research prior

to 1991. This meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies of homeopathic

medicines, 81 of which (or 77%) showed positive effect. Of the best 22

studies, 15 showed efficacy. The researchers concluded: " The evidence

presented in this review would probably be sufficient for establishing

homeopathy as a regular treatment for certain indications. " Further,

" The amount of positive evidence even among the best studies came as a

surprise to us. "

C. N. Shealy, MD, R.P. Thomlinson, V. Borgmeyer, " Osteoarthritic Pain:

A Comparison of Homeopathy and Acetaminophen. " American Journal of Pain

Management, 1998;8:89-91

A double-blinded study to document the relative efficacy of homeopathic

remedies in comparison to acetaminophen for the treatment of pain

associated with osteoarthritis (OA) among 65 patients. An IRB approved

protocol. Results of the study documented better pain relief in the

homeopathic group (55% achieved measured relief from homeopathy as

compared to 38% from acetaminophen); however, the superiority of this

treatment, in comparison with the acetaminophen group, did not reach

statistical significance. The investigators conclude that homeopathic

treatments for pain in OA patients appear to be safe and at least as

effective as acetaminophen, and are without its potential adverse

effects including compromise to both liver and kidney function. Many of

the patients asked to continue with the homeopathic treatment.

M. Weiser, W. Strosser, P. Klein, " Homeopathic vs. Conventional

Treatment of Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical

Study. " Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, August, 1998,

124:879-885.

This was a study with 119 subjects with various types of vertigo, half

of whom were given a homeopathic medicine (a combination of four

homeopathic medicines) and half were given a leading conventional drug

in Europe for vertigo, betahistine hydrochloride. The homeopathic

medicines were found to be similarly effective and significantly safer

than the conventional control.

D. Reilly, M. , N. Beattie, et al., " Is Evidence for Homoeopathy

Reproducible? " Lancet, December 10, 1994, 344:1601-6.

This study successfully reproduced evidence from two previous

double-blinded trials all of which used the same model of homeopathic

immunotherapy in inhalant allergy. In this third study, 9 of 11

patients on homeopathic treatment improved compared to only 5 of 13

patients on placebo. The researchers concluded that either homeopathic

medicines work or controlled studies don’t. Their work has again be

recently replicated and is submitted for publication.

J. s, L. Jimenez, S. Gloyd, " Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea

with Homeopathic Medicine: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Nicaragua. "

Pediatrics, May 1994, 93,5:719-25.

This study was the first on homeopathy to be published in an American

medical journal. The study compared individualized high potency

homeopathic preparations against a placebo in 81 children, between ages

6 mo. and 5 yrs., suffering with acute diarrhea. The treatment group

benefited from a statistically significant 15% decrease in duration.

The authors noted that the clinical significance would extend to

decreasing dehydration and postdiarrheal malnutrition and a significant

reduction in morbidity.

E. Ernst, T. Saradeth, and K.L. Resch,

" Complementary Treatment of Varicose Veins: A Randomized

Placebo-controlled, Double-Blind Trial. " Phlebology, 1990, 5:157-163.

This study of 61 patients showed a 44% improvement in venous filling

time in the homeopathic treated group when compared with placebo.

P. Fisher, A. Greenwood, E.C. Huskisson, et al.,

" Effect of Homoeopathic Treatment on Fibrositis. " British Medical

Journal, August 5, 1989, 299:365-66.

This trial was double-blind with a crossover design, comparing Rhus

toxicodendron to a placebo in 30 patients all suffering from an

identical syndrome identified as the admission criteria. It showed a

significant reduction in tender spots, by 25%, when patients were given

the homeopathic medicine, as compared to when they were given the

placebo.

D. Reilly, M. , C. McSherry,

" Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Controlled Trial of Homeopathic

Potency with Pollen in Hayfever as Model. " Lancet, October 18, 1986,

881-86.

The double-blind study compared a high dilution homeopathic preparation

of grass pollens against a placebo in 144 patients with active hay

fever. The study method considered pollen counts, aggravation in

symptoms and use of antihistamines and concluded that patients using

homeopathy showed greater improvement in symptoms than those on

placebo, and that this difference was reflected in a significantly

reduced need for antihistamines among the homeopathically treated

group. The results confirmed those of the pilot study and demonstrate

that homeopathic potencies show effects distinct from those of the

placebo.

J. Lamont,

" Homeopathic Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A

Controlled Study. "

British Homoeopathic Journal

, October, 1997, 86:196-200.

Forty-three children were randomly assigned to either placebo or

homeopathic treatment groups, and then those initially given a placebo

were given an individualized homeopathic medicine. All subjects

underwent a homeopathic interview to determine which individualized

remedy was appropriate. Results show significant improvement once the

patient began taking the homeopathic medicine.

K.H. Friese, S. Kruse, H. Moeller,

" Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Comparison of Conventional and

Homeopathic Treatment. " Biomedical Therapy, 60,4,1997:113-116,

originally published in German in Hals-Nasen-Ohren (Head, Nose, and

Otolyngarology) August, 1996:462-66.

This study of 131 children allowed parents to choose homeopathic or

conventional medical care from their ear, nose, and throat doctor. 103

children underwent homeopathic treatment, while 28 underwent

conventional care. They found that the total recurrences of the

homeopathic treated group was .41 per patient, while the antibiotic

treatment group was .70 per patient. Of the " homeopathic " children who

did have another earache, 29.3% had a maximum of three recurrences,

while 43.5% of the " antibiotic " children had a maximum of six

recurrences.

Vittorio Elia and Marcella Niccoli,

" Thermodynamics of extremely diluted aqueous solutions. " ls of the

New York Academy of Sciences, June 1999

An extensive thermodynamic study has been carried out on aqueous

solutions obtained through successive dilutions and succussions of 1%

in weight of some solutes up to extremely diluted solutions, (less than

1x10-5 mol kg-1) obtained via several 1/100 successive dilution

processes. The interaction of acids or bases with the extremely diluted

solutions has been studied calorimetrically at 25_C. Measurements have

been performed of the heats of mixing of acid or basic solutions,

having different concentrations, with bidistilled water or with the

extremely diluted solutions. Despite the extreme dilution of the

solutions, an exothermic heat of mixing in excess has been found, in

about the 92% of the cases, with respect to the corresponding heat of

mixing with the untreated solvent. Here [it is shown] that successive

dilutions and succussions may alter permanently the physical-chemical

properties of the solvent water. The nature of the phenomena here

described still remains unexplained, but significant experimental

results are obtained.

J. Dittmann and G. Harisch,

" Characterization of Differing Effects Caused by Homeopathically

Prepared and Conventional Dilutions Using Cytochrome P450 2E1 and Other

Enzymes as Detection Systems. " The Journal of Alternative and

Complementary Medicine 1996 2:2,279-290.

Target of investigation was to ascertain differences in the effects of

homeopathic potencies (D) and equally concentrated conventional

dilutions (V) on p-nitrocatechol formation catalyzed by CYP 2E1.

Arsenicum album and potassium cyanatum (D) were compared to equivalent

dilutions of As203 and KCN (V). Significant differences in enzyme

activity were found. The difference of influence exists and this may be

attributable to the manufacturing process of homeopathic drugs, namely,

the stepwise dilution with intermediate agitation.

K. Linde, W.B. Jonas, D. Melchart, D., et al.,

" Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Serial Agitated Dilutions in

Experimental Toxicology, " Human and Experimental Toxicology, 1994,

13:481-92.

This meta-analysis of 105 studies in toxicology showed that homeopathic

medicines may be useful in treating toxic exposures. This meta-analysis

was conducted by a similar group of researchers who recently published

a meta-analysis on clinical studies in The Lancet.

P.C. Endler, W. Pongratz, G. Kastberg, et al.,

" The Effect of Highly Diluted Agitated Thyroxine on the Climbing

Activity of Frogs. " Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 1994, 36:56.

P.C. Endler, W. Pongratz, R. van Wijk, et al.,

" Transmission of Hormone Information by Non-molecular Means. " FASEB

Journal, 1994, 8, Abs.2313.

These two studies show that a homeopathic medicine can influence the

growth and development of tadpoles in water.

J. Benveniste, P.C. Endler and J. Schulte, (eds.),

" Further Biological Effects Induced by Ultra High Dilutions: Inhibition

by a Magnetic Field. " Ultra High Dilution, Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic,

1994, 35.

J. Benveniste, B. Arnoux, L. Hadji,

" Highly Dilute Antigen Increases Coronary Flow of Isolated Hart from

Immunized Guinea-pigs. " FASEB Journal, 1992, 6: Abs. 1610.

These two studies show that certain magnetic fields can neutralize the

effects of a homeopathic medicine.

E. Davenas, B. Poitevin, and J. Benveniste,

" Effect on Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages of Orally Administered Very

High Dilutions of Silica. " European Journal of Pharmacology, April,

1987, 135:313-319.

This study showed Silica 6C and Silica 10C induced a statistically

significant increase in immune function, as measured in macrophages in

the blood of mice.

Paolo Bellavite and Signorini,

Homeopathy: A Frontier in Medical Science. Berkeley: North Atlantic,

1995.

This is the most notable book on homeopathic research to date. There

are some excellent chapters that present compelling theories on how

homeopathic medicines may work, in the light of new physics,

biophysics, fractals, chaos, and complexity theory.

P.C. Endler and J. Schulte (editors),

Ultra High Dilution: Physiology and Physics. Dordrecht: Kluwer

Academic, 1994.

A compilation of articles on basic science research. A second volume,

entitled Fundamental Research Ultra High Dilutions and Homeopathy,

Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic, was published in 1998.

Roeland van Wijk and Fred A.C. Wiegant,

Cultured Mammalian Cells in Homeopathy Research: The Similia Principle

in Self-Recovery. Utrecht: University of Utrecht, 1994.

This is a technical book which discusses research by cell biologists.

This research verifies the homeopathic principle of similars.

M. Doutremepuich (ed.),

Ultra-Low Doses. Washington, DC/London: and Francis, 1991.

This is a compilation of articles on basic science research.

Economic Benefits of Homeopathic Treatment

Cost Effectiveness of Homeopathic Treatment,

Caisse Nationale de l’Assurance Maladie des Travailleurs Salaris, 1996.

A study of 130,000 prescriptions confirmed the results of the 1991

French Government Report (see below) and suggest further benefit and

savings to the homeopathic approach to care. This survey also noted

that the number of paid sick leave days by patients under the care of

homeopathic physicians were 3.5 times less (598 days/year) than

patients under the care of general practitioners (2,017 days/year).

Although homeopathic medicines in France represent 5% of all medicines

prescribed by physicians, they represent only 1.2% of all drug

reimbursements due to their lower cost per prescription. (Homeopathic

medicines are reimbursable under the French health care system).

s, J, , N.

" Charges, utilization, and practice patterns from a pilot insurance

program covering alternative medical services. " American Public Health

Association Conference, New York City, November 18-21, 1996.

Study conducted in Seattle, WA which compared the utilization and cost

of homeopathic, naturopathic, and acupuncture services. Researchers

concluded that homeopathic care was the least costly and that patient

visits to homeopaths were less often than to other alternative care

professionals. (This study, however, did not compare utilization or

costs against conventional medical care). See also, W.B. Jonas and J.

s, Healing with Homeopathy. New York: Warner, 1996.

" Cost-effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in a dental practice, "

British Homoeopathic Journal. January, 1993;82,1:22-28

This study evaluated a single homeopathic dentist’s practice and

suggested that it was more cost-effective than conventional dental

care.

Swayne, J., W. Feldhaus.

" The cost and effectiveness of homeopathy. " British Homoeopathic

Journal July 1992;81,3:148-150.5H.

This study suggested that doctors practicing homeopathic medicine

issued fewer prescriptions and at a lower cost than their conventional

medical colleagues.

Gerhard, I, G. Reimers, C. Keller, and M. Schmuck,

" Weibliche fertiltitasstorungen. Vergleich homoopathischer

einzelmittel—mit konventioneller hormontherapie. " Therapeutikon.

1991;7:309-315.

A small study of the homeopathic treatment for infertility. This study

showed that homeopathic care for infertility was 30 times less

expensive per successful delivery than the match comparison group given

conventional care.

French Government Report: Social Security Statistics.

CNAM (National Inter-Regulations System) 61, January 1991.

Conducted by the French government in 1991, this study showed a

significantly reduced cost from homeopathic care versus conventional

medical care. The totality of costs associated with homeopathic care

per physician was approximately one-half of the totality of care

provided by conventional primary care physicians. However, because

homeopathic physicians, on average, saw significantly fewer patients,

the overall cost per patient under homeopathic care was still a

significant 15% less. It is also appeared that these savings increase

the longer a physician has been using homeopathy.

History and Current Status of Homeopathic Medicine

Canada

" While isolated homeopathic activities took place in various parts of

Canada, it was in Ontario that the homeopaths gained full legal status,

established several medical institutions and gained the respect of the

regular profession. " (Homeopathy in n Canada, J.T.H. Connor,

Hannah Institute for the History of Medicine, Toronto)

In 1859, the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada passed a bill known

as " An Act Respecting Homeopathy (8 Geo. IV, Chapter 3) " which created

a board of examiners to qualify and license homeopathic physicians.

This right to practice was not granted to allopathic physicians until

1865.

In 1869, Ontario passed the Ontario Medical Act establishing a single

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (COPSO), which included

allopathic and homeopathic physicians and naturopaths. The first

President of the new COPSO was a homeopathic physician, Dr. C.T.

. The Globe & Mail of the day stated: " We have always contended

that there should be nothing exclusive in medicine—that no set of men

should be able to dictate the principles on which disease should be

treated, and to refuse the right of practice to all who do not repeat

their shibboleth. " (Godfrey, MD: Medicine in Ontario, Mika Publishing,

1979)

In addition, the record notes that homeopathic physicians assumed a

disproportionately large number of executive positions on the Ontario

Medical Council and one president of the CMA openly thanked the

homeopaths for their role in strengthening Ontario's medical

profession. (Connor, p. 20-21.)

Dr. Stowe, Canada's first female doctor, was also a homeopathic doctor

and founded the Women's College Hospital in Toronto. Several other

homeopathic hospitals were founded in Toronto and eventually merged

with allopathic hospitals.

Homeopathy has been specifically recognized by law in Ontario as a

system of medicine for more than 100 years until 1974. We invite you to

look at The Medical Act of Ontario [section 3 of The Medical Act of

1950, and section 14 of The Medical Act of 1970]. The door was left

open to the establishment of a homeopathic teaching college, but this

was never acted upon.

On January 1, 1994, Ontario passed the Regulated Health Professions

Act. Under this act, the old system of medical licenses (effectively a

monopoly for allopathic medicine) was revoked and replaced with a

system of the right to practice medicine for all forms of medicine. The

only form of government control is in the form of self-regulation for

those medical disciplines that pose a significant risk of harm to the

public. Of the 23 disciplines currently regulated, almost all involve

the practice of allopathic medicine (exceptions are acupuncture and

naturopathic medicine). Homeopathic medicine is not considered to

represent any risk of harm to the public and therefore does not require

government regulation.

It is currently legal to practice homeopathic medicine in Ontario.

In 1894, the Montreal Homeopathic Hospital opened and operated until

1951, when it became the Queen Hospital.

Under Federal law, homeopathic medicines can be legally prescribed and

sold in Canada.

Homeopathic medicine is prepared based on the official US, German and

French homeopathic pharmacopeias.

Selected Country Survey of the Status of Homeopathic Medicine

India

There are 110 institutes teaching homeopathy, all attached to

universities. In all government hospitals there are homeopathic wings.

The government-sanctioned schools grant a Bachelor and Doctorate of

Homeopathic Medical Science Degree (BHMS and DHMS).

Germany

There are 31 teaching institutions, five manufacturing pharmacies,

seven journals and three homeopathic hospitals.

Holland

There are six schools teaching homeopathy and of 40 health funds

(covering 60 per cent of the population), 14 cover homeopathic medicine

and of the 63 private health insurance schemes, over half cover

homeopathic medicine. The Royal Family uses homeopathic medicine.

Belgium

One fourth of the population uses homeopathy and over 4,000

allopathically trained doctors also have been trained in homeopathic

medicine.

France

Homeopathic remedies are reimbursed by the State Medical system

(Securite Sociale). There are two major homeopathic pharmacies—Boiron

and Dolisos, who also operate in Canada (Quebec). There are eight

medical schools in France with postgraduate courses leading to

specialization in homeopathy. Homeopathy is used by GPs, dentists, and

veterinarians. The homeopathic industry in France has grown from a $94

million industry in 1982 to a $300 million industry in 1994, employing

3,200 people.

Great Britain

Homeopathic medicine is reimbursed under the National Health System and

taught in many schools, including the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital

and the Royal Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow. The Royal Family have

employed a homeopathic physician since 1830. In 1977, more than 86,000

persons had attended outpatient departments of the six homeopathic

hospitals under the U.K. National Health Service.

Historic Evidence for the Efficacy of Homeopathy:

Homeopaths treated cholera successfully. During the 19th century, there

were seven severe epidemics in America, the most serious in 1832. The

death rates of people treated without homeopathy were five times those

of the homeopaths.

In 1854, the British Parliament authorized the London Board of Health

to appoint a commission to see which treatments were best for cholera

victims. They found " regular " hospitals had a death rate of 54 percent;

the homeopathic hospital’s death rate was 16 percent.

In the London Cholera epidemic of 1854, of the 61 cases of cholera

treated [at the London Homeopathic Hospital], 10 died, a percentage of

16.4; of the 331 cases of choleraic and simple diarrhoea treated, one

died. The neighbouring Middlesex Hospital received 231 cases of cholera

and 47 cases of choleraic diarrhea. Of the cholera patients treated 123

died, a fatality rate of 53.2 per cent., amount the victims being one

of the nurses.

Dr. Macloughlin, one of the medical inspectors appointed by the General

Board of Health, visited the wards, examined the cases under treatment,

and watched their progress. His statement, addressed to Mr. Hugh

Cameron [1810-1897], a member of the medical staff, was as follows:

• " You are aware that I went to your hospital prepossessed against the

homeopathic system, that you had in me in your camp an enemy rather

than a friend... and I need not tell you that I have taken some pains

to make myself acquainted with the rise, progress and medical treatment

of cholera, and that I claim for myself some right to be able to

recognise the disease, and to know something of what the medical

treatment ought to be, and that there may, therefore, be no

misapprehension about the cases saw in your hospital, I will add that,

all I saw were true cases of cholera, in the various stages of the

disease, and that I saw several cases which did well under your

treatment which I have no hesitation in saying would have sunk under

other. In conclusion I must repeat to you what I have already told you,

and what I have told everyone whom I have conversed, that although an

allopath by principle, education and practice yet were it the will of

Providence to afflict me with cholera, and deprive me of the power of

prescribing for myself, I would rather he in the hands of a homeopathic

than an allopathic adviser. "

Dr. Macloughlin, as shown by his researches and publications, was

undoubtedly well informed as to the nature of cholera. [Quoted in A

History of the London Homeopathic Hospital, 1914.]

• " ...in Germany homeopaths were highly successful in treating the

typhoid fever that Napoleon’s tattered remnant of an army brought back

with them [in 1812] from Moscow. " [Griggs, 1981, p.179]

" ...a committee was set up...to report on the various methods of

treatment adopted [against cholera]...It was a dismal record of

failure...but...it was completely silent on the two therapies which had

been strikingly successful, those of the medical botanists, and

homeopathic treatment with minute doses of camphor. " [Griggs, 1981,

p.208]

" Homeopathic treatment of cholera proved remarkably successful. Of the

1655 cholera patients treated in Raab [Hungary], for example, only six

of the 154 patients treated homeopathically died, whilst of the

remainder, 821 [almost 50%] treated conventionally, died. " [Cook, 1981,

p.157]

Modern Evidence for the Efficacy of Homeopathy

Jan Patenaude, RD

Director of Medical Nutrition

Signet Diagnostic Corporation

_www.nowleap.com_ (http://www.nowleap.com/)

(toll free)

Fax:

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[Guest guest]

Dineright4@... wrote:

>And, WHY do you insist it is just placebo?

Because there is no active ingredient in it. What else would you call

something which is, chemically, the same as a placebo? I'd call it a placebo.

>Check out these abstracts. I

cannot say I've reviewed them all, but a pretty impressive list.

If you haven't reviewed them, then you can't expect me to either, in which

case you can't be using them as evidence to support the efficacy of homeopathy.

For someone to even sugegst that homeopathy is not so ludicrous that it is

worth testing, I would considerably doubt their objectivity, which is why

homeopathic " studies " are usually conducted by homepathic advocates and

published in homepathy journals. What are the chances that a homeopath, tryign

to prove to the world thaat the impossible is possible (that nothing is better

than nothing) would provide a negative result?

As I'm sure you're aware, the problems associated with individual studies

means that larger systematic reviews would provide the best judgement. There

has, to my knowledge, only been one systematic review of the systematic reviews

of homeopathy, and it was published by Edzard Ernst, who is actually a

professor of CAM himself.

I wonder why you didn't include this one in the list of abstracts which you

didn't read propperly but tried to use them as supporting evidence nonetheless:

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2002 Dec;54(6):577-82

A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy.

Ernst E.

Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Sport & Health Sciences,

University of Exeter, 25 Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT UK.

E.Ernst@...

Homeopathy remains one of the most controversial subjects in therapeutics.

This article is an attempt to clarify its effectiveness based on recent

systematic reviews. Electronic databases were searched for systematic

reviews/meta-analysis on the subject. Seventeen articles fulfilled the

inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six of them related to re-analyses of one

landmark meta-analysis. Collectively they implied that the overall positive

result of this meta-analysis is not supported by a critical analysis of the

data. Eleven independent systematic reviews were located. Collectively they

failed to provide strong evidence in favour of homeopathy. In particular, there

was no condition which responds convincingly better to homeopathic treatment

than to placebo or other control interventions. Similarly, there was no

homeopathic remedy that was demonstrated to yield clinical effects that are

convincingly different from placebo. It is concluded that the best clinical

evidence for homeopathy available to date does not warrant positive

recommendations for its use in clinical practice.

PMID: 12492603 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Jan Patenaude, RD

K. Linde, N. Clausius, G. , et al., " Are the Clinical Effects of

Homeopathy Placebo Effects? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled

Trials. " Lancet, September 20, 1997, 350:834-843.

This state of the art meta-analysis reviewed 186 studies, 89 of which

fit pre-defined criteria. Rather than count and compare the number of

trials which show efficacy of treatment, the researchers pooled the

data from the various studies to assess data. The results showed that

patients taking homeopathic medicines were 2.45 times more likely to

experience a positive therapeutic effect than placebo.

J. Kleijnen, P. Knipschild, G. ter Riet, " Clinical Trials of

Homeopathy. " British Medical Journal, February 9, 1991, 302:316-323.

This is the most widely cited meta-analysis of clinical research prior

to 1991. This meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies of homeopathic

medicines, 81 of which (or 77%) showed positive effect. Of the best 22

studies, 15 showed efficacy. The researchers concluded: " The evidence

presented in this review would probably be sufficient for establishing

homeopathy as a regular treatment for certain indications. " Further,

" The amount of positive evidence even among the best studies came as a

surprise to us. "

C. N. Shealy, MD, R.P. Thomlinson, V. Borgmeyer, " Osteoarthritic Pain:

A Comparison of Homeopathy and Acetaminophen. " American Journal of Pain

Management, 1998;8:89-91

A double-blinded study to document the relative efficacy of homeopathic

remedies in comparison to acetaminophen for the treatment of pain

associated with osteoarthritis (OA) among 65 patients. An IRB approved

protocol. Results of the study documented better pain relief in the

homeopathic group (55% achieved measured relief from homeopathy as

compared to 38% from acetaminophen); however, the superiority of this

treatment, in comparison with the acetaminophen group, did not reach

statistical significance. The investigators conclude that homeopathic

treatments for pain in OA patients appear to be safe and at least as

effective as acetaminophen, and are without its potential adverse

effects including compromise to both liver and kidney function. Many of

the patients asked to continue with the homeopathic treatment.

M. Weiser, W. Strosser, P. Klein, " Homeopathic vs. Conventional

Treatment of Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical

Study. " Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, August, 1998,

124:879-885.

This was a study with 119 subjects with various types of vertigo, half

of whom were given a homeopathic medicine (a combination of four

homeopathic medicines) and half were given a leading conventional drug

in Europe for vertigo, betahistine hydrochloride. The homeopathic

medicines were found to be similarly effective and significantly safer

than the conventional control.

D. Reilly, M. , N. Beattie, et al., " Is Evidence for Homoeopathy

Reproducible? " Lancet, December 10, 1994, 344:1601-6.

This study successfully reproduced evidence from two previous

double-blinded trials all of which used the same model of homeopathic

immunotherapy in inhalant allergy. In this third study, 9 of 11

patients on homeopathic treatment improved compared to only 5 of 13

patients on placebo. The researchers concluded that either homeopathic

medicines work or controlled studies don’t. Their work has again be

recently replicated and is submitted for publication.

J. s, L. Jimenez, S. Gloyd, " Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea

with Homeopathic Medicine: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Nicaragua. "

Pediatrics, May 1994, 93,5:719-25.

This study was the first on homeopathy to be published in an American

medical journal. The study compared individualized high potency

homeopathic preparations against a placebo in 81 children, between ages

6 mo. and 5 yrs., suffering with acute diarrhea. The treatment group

benefited from a statistically significant 15% decrease in duration.

The authors noted that the clinical significance would extend to

decreasing dehydration and postdiarrheal

K. Linde, N. Clausius, G. , et al., " Are the Clinical Effects of

Homeopathy Placebo Effects? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled

Trials. " Lancet, September 20, 1997, 350:834-843.

This state of the art meta-analysis reviewed 186 studies, 89 of which

fit pre-defined criteria. Rather than count and compare the number of

trials which show efficacy of treatment, the researchers pooled the

data from the various studies to assess data. The results showed that

patients taking homeopathic medicines were 2.45 times more likely to

experience a positive therapeutic effect than placebo.

J. Kleijnen, P. Knipschild, G. ter Riet, " Clinical Trials of

Homeopathy. " British Medical Journal, February 9, 1991, 302:316-323.

This is the most widely cited meta-analysis of clinical research prior

to 1991. This meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies of homeopathic

medicines, 81 of which (or 77%) showed positive effect. Of the best 22

studies, 15 showed efficacy. The researchers concluded: " The evidence

presented in this review would probably be sufficient for establishing

homeopathy as a regular treatment for certain indications. " Further,

" The amount of positive evidence even among the best studies came as a

surprise to us. "

C. N. Shealy, MD, R.P. Thomlinson, V. Borgmeyer, " Osteoarthritic Pain:

A Comparison of Homeopathy and Acetaminophen. " American Journal of Pain

Management, 1998;8:89-91

A double-blinded study to document the relative efficacy of homeopathic

remedies in comparison to acetaminophen for the treatment of pain

associated with osteoarthritis (OA) among 65 patients. An IRB approved

protocol. Results of the study documented better pain relief in the

homeopathic group (55% achieved measured relief from homeopathy as

compared to 38% from acetaminophen); however, the superiority of this

treatment, in comparison with the acetaminophen group, did not reach

statistical significance. The investigators conclude that homeopathic

treatments for pain in OA patients appear to be safe and at least as

effective as acetaminophen, and are without its potential adverse

effects including compromise to both liver and kidney function. Many of

the patients asked to continue with the homeopathic treatment.

M. Weiser, W. Strosser, P. Klein, " Homeopathic vs. Conventional

Treatment of Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical

Study. " Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, August, 1998,

124:879-885.

This was a study with 119 subjects with various types of vertigo, half

of whom were given a homeopathic medicine (a combination of four

homeopathic medicines) and half were given a leading conventional drug

in Europe for vertigo, betahistine hydrochloride. The homeopathic

medicines were found to be similarly effective and significantly safer

than the conventional control.

D. Reilly, M. , N. Beattie, et al., " Is Evidence for Homoeopathy

Reproducible? " Lancet, December 10, 1994, 344:1601-6.

This study successfully reproduced evidence from two previous

double-blinded trials all of which used the same model of homeopathic

immunotherapy in inhalant allergy. In this third study, 9 of 11

patients on homeopathic treatment improved compared to only 5 of 13

patients on placebo. The researchers concluded that either homeopathic

medicines work or controlled studies don’t. Their work has again be

recently replicated and is submitted for publication.

J. s, L. Jimenez, S. Gloyd, " Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea

with Homeopathic Medicine: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Nicaragua. "

Pediatrics, May 1994, 93,5:719-25.

This study was the first on homeopathy to be published in an American

medical journal. The study compared individualized high potency

homeopathic preparations against a placebo in 81 children, between ages

6 mo. and 5 yrs., suffering with acute diarrhea. The treatment group

benefited from a statistically significant 15% decrease in duration.

The authors noted that the clinical significance would extend to

decreasing dehydration and postdiarrheal malnutrition and a significant

reduction in morbidity.

E. Ernst, T. Saradeth, and K.L. Resch,

" Complementary Treatment of Varicose Veins: A Randomized

Placebo-controlled, Double-Blind Trial. " Phlebology, 1990, 5:157-163.

This study of 61 patients showed a 44% improvement in venous filling

time in the homeopathic treated group when compared with placebo.

P. Fisher, A. Greenwood, E.C. Huskisson, et al.,

" Effect of Homoeopathic Treatment on Fibrositis. " British Medical

Journal, August 5, 1989, 299:365-66.

This trial was double-blind with a crossover design, comparing Rhus

toxicodendron to a placebo in 30 patients all suffering from an

identical syndrome identified as the admission criteria. It showed a

significant reduction in tender spots, by 25%, when patients were given

the homeopathic medicine, as compared to when they were given the

placebo.

D. Reilly, M. , C. McSherry,

" Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Controlled Trial of Homeopathic

Potency with Pollen in Hayfever as Model. " Lancet, October 18, 1986,

881-86.

The double-blind study compared a high dilution homeopathic preparation

of grass pollens against a placebo in 144 patients with active hay

fever. The study method considered pollen counts, aggravation in

symptoms and use of antihistamines and concluded that patients using

homeopathy showed greater improvement in symptoms than those on

placebo, and that this difference was reflected in a significantly

reduced need for antihistamines among the homeopathically treated

group. The results confirmed those of the pilot study and demonstrate

that homeopathic potencies show effects distinct from those of the

placebo.

J. Lamont,

" Homeopathic Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A

Controlled Study. "

British Homoeopathic Journal

, October, 1997, 86:196-200.

Forty-three children were randomly assigned to either placebo or

homeopathic treatment groups, and then those initially given a placebo

were given an individualized homeopathic medicine. All subjects

underwent a homeopathic interview to determine which individualized

remedy was appropriate. Results show significant improvement once the

patient began taking the homeopathic medicine.

K.H. Friese, S. Kruse, H. Moeller,

" Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Comparison of Conventional and

Homeopathic Treatment. " Biomedical Therapy, 60,4,1997:113-116,

originally published in German in Hals-Nasen-Ohren (Head, Nose, and

Otolyngarology) August, 1996:462-66.

This study of 131 children allowed parents to choose homeopathic or

conventional medical care from their ear, nose, and throat doctor. 103

children underwent homeopathic treatment, while 28 underwent

conventional care. They found that the total recurrences of the

homeopathic treated group was .41 per patient, while the antibiotic

treatment group was .70 per patient. Of the " homeopathic " children who

did have another earache, 29.3% had a maximum of three recurrences,

while 43.5% of the " antibiotic " children had a maximum of six

recurrences.

Vittorio Elia and Marcella Niccoli,

" Thermodynamics of extremely diluted aqueous solutions. " ls of the

New York Academy of Sciences, June 1999

An extensive thermodynamic study has been carried out on aqueous

solutions obtained through successive dilutions and succussions of 1%

in weight of some solutes up to extremely diluted solutions, (less than

1x10-5 mol kg-1) obtained via several 1/100 successive dilution

processes. The interaction of acids or bases with the extremely diluted

solutions has been studied calorimetrically at 25_C. Measurements have

been performed of the heats of mixing of acid or basic solutions,

having different concentrations, with bidistilled water or with the

extremely diluted solutions. Despite the extreme dilution of the

solutions, an exothermic heat of mixing in excess has been found, in

about the 92% of the cases, with respect to the corresponding heat of

mixing with the untreated solvent. Here [it is shown] that successive

dilutions and succussions may alter permanently the physical-chemical

properties of the solvent water. The nature of the phenomena here

described still remains unexplained, but significant experimental

results are obtained.

J. Dittmann and G. Harisch,

" Characterization of Differing Effects Caused by Homeopathically

Prepared and Conventional Dilutions Using Cytochrome P450 2E1 and Other

Enzymes as Detection Systems. " The Journal of Alternative and

Complementary Medicine 1996 2:2,279-290.

Target of investigation was to ascertain differences in the effects of

homeopathic potencies (D) and equally concentrated conventional

dilutions (V) on p-nitrocatechol formation catalyzed by CYP 2E1.

Arsenicum album and potassium cyanatum (D) were compared to equivalent

dilutions of As203 and KCN (V). Significant differences in enzyme

activity were found. The difference of influence exists and this may be

attributable to the manufacturing process of homeopathic drugs, namely,

the stepwise dilution with intermediate agitation.

K. Linde, W.B. Jonas, D. Melchart, D., et al.,

" Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Serial Agitated Dilutions in

Experimental Toxicology, " Human and Experimental Toxicology, 1994,

13:481-92.

This meta-analysis of 105 studies in toxicology showed that homeopathic

medicines may be useful in treating toxic exposures. This meta-analysis

was conducted by a similar group of researchers who recently published

a meta-analysis on clinical studies in The Lancet.

P.C. Endler, W. Pongratz, G. Kastberg, et al.,

" The Effect of Highly Diluted Agitated Thyroxine on the Climbing

Activity of Frogs. " Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 1994, 36:56.

P.C. Endler, W. Pongratz, R. van Wijk, et al.,

" Transmission of Hormone Information by Non-molecular Means. " FASEB

Journal, 1994, 8, Abs.2313.

These two studies show that a homeopathic medicine can influence the

growth and development of tadpoles in water.

J. Benveniste, P.C. Endler and J. Schulte, (eds.),

" Further Biological Effects Induced by Ultra High Dilutions: Inhibition

by a Magnetic Field. " Ultra High Dilution, Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic,

1994, 35.

J. Benveniste, B. Arnoux, L. Hadji,

" Highly Dilute Antigen Increases Coronary Flow of Isolated Hart from

Immunized Guinea-pigs. " FASEB Journal, 1992, 6: Abs. 1610.

These two studies show that certain magnetic fields can neutralize the

effects of a homeopathic medicine.

E. Davenas, B. Poitevin, and J. Benveniste,

" Effect on Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages of Orally Administered Very

High Dilutions of Silica. " European Journal of Pharmacology, April,

1987, 135:313-319.

This study showed Silica 6C and Silica 10C induced a statistically

significant increase in immune function, as measured in macrophages in

the blood of mice.

Paolo Bellavite and Signorini,

Homeopathy: A Frontier in Medical Science. Berkeley: North Atlantic,

1995.

This is the most notable book on homeopathic research to date. There

are some excellent chapters that present compelling theories on how

homeopathic medicines may work, in the light of new physics,

biophysics, fractals, chaos, and complexity theory.

P.C. Endler and J. Schulte (editors),

Ultra High Dilution: Physiology and Physics. Dordrecht: Kluwer

Academic, 1994.

A compilation of articles on basic science research. A second volume,

entitled Fundamental Research Ultra High Dilutions and Homeopathy,

Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic, was published in 1998.

Roeland van Wijk and Fred A.C. Wiegant,

Cultured Mammalian Cells in Homeopathy Research: The Similia Principle

in Self-Recovery. Utrecht: University of Utrecht, 1994.

This is a technical book which discusses research by cell biologists.

This research verifies the homeopathic principle of similars.

M. Doutremepuich (ed.),

Ultra-Low Doses. Washington, DC/London: and Francis, 1991.

This is a compilation of articles on basic science research.

Economic Benefits of Homeopathic Treatment

Cost Effectiveness of Homeopathic Treatment,

Caisse Nationale de l’Assurance Maladie des Travailleurs Salaris, 1996.

A study of 130,000 prescriptions confirmed the results of the 1991

French Government Report (see below) and suggest further benefit and

savings to the homeopathic approach to care. This survey also noted

that the number of paid sick leave days by patients under the care of

homeopathic physicians were 3.5 times less (598 days/year) than

patients under the care of general practitioners (2,017 days/year).

Although homeopathic medicines in France represent 5% of all medicines

prescribed by physicians, they represent only 1.2% of all drug

reimbursements due to their lower cost per prescription. (Homeopathic

medicines are reimbursable under the French health care system).

s, J, , N.

" Charges, utilization, and practice patterns from a pilot insurance

program covering alternative medical services. " American Public Health

Association Conference, New York City, November 18-21, 1996.

Study conducted in Seattle, WA which compared the utilization and cost

of homeopathic, naturopathic, and acupuncture services. Researchers

concluded that homeopathic care was the least costly and that patient

visits to homeopaths were less often than to other alternative care

professionals. (This study, however, did not compare utilization or

costs against conventional medical care). See also, W.B. Jonas and J.

s, Healing with Homeopathy. New York: Warner, 1996.

" Cost-effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in a dental practice, "

British Homoeopathic Journal. January, 1993;82,1:22-28

This study evaluated a single homeopathic dentist’s practice and

suggested that it was more cost-effective than conventional dental

care.

Swayne, J., W. Feldhaus.

" The cost and effectiveness of homeopathy. " British Homoeopathic

Journal July 1992;81,3:148-150.5H.

This study suggested that doctors practicing homeopathic medicine

issued fewer prescriptions and at a lower cost than their conventional

medical colleagues.

Gerhard, I, G. Reimers, C. Keller, and M. Schmuck,

" Weibliche fertiltitasstorungen. Vergleich homoopathischer

einzelmittel—mit konventioneller hormontherapie. " Therapeutikon.

1991;7:309-315.

A small study of the homeopathic treatment for infertility. This study

showed that homeopathic care for infertility was 30 times less

expensive per successful delivery than the match comparison group given

conventional care.

French Government Report: Social Security Statistics.

CNAM (National Inter-Regulations System) 61, January 1991.

Conducted by the French government in 1991, this study showed a

significantly reduced cost from homeopathic care versus conventional

medical care. The totality of costs associated with homeopathic care

per physician was approximately one-half of the totality of care

provided by conventional primary care physicians. However, because

homeopathic physicians, on average, saw significantly fewer patients,

the overall cost per patient under homeopathic care was still a

significant 15% less. It is also appeared that these savings increase

the longer a physician has been using homeopathy.

History and Current Status of Homeopathic Medicine

Canada

" While isolated homeopathic activities took place in various parts of

Canada, it was in Ontario that the homeopaths gained full legal status,

established several medical institutions and gained the respect of the

regular profession. " (Homeopathy in n Canada, J.T.H. Connor,

Hannah Institute for the History of Medicine, Toronto)

In 1859, the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada passed a bill known

as " An Act Respecting Homeopathy (8 Geo. IV, Chapter 3) " which created

a board of examiners to qualify and license homeopathic physicians.

This right to practice was not granted to allopathic physicians until

1865.

In 1869, Ontario passed the Ontario Medical Act establishing a single

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (COPSO), which included

allopathic and homeopathic physicians and naturopaths. The first

President of the new COPSO was a homeopathic physician, Dr. C.T.

. The Globe & Mail of the day stated: " We have always contended

that there should be nothing exclusive in medicine—that no set of men

should be able to dictate the principles on which disease should be

treated, and to refuse the right of practice to all who do not repeat

their shibboleth. " (Godfrey, MD: Medicine in Ontario, Mika Publishing,

1979)

In addition, the record notes that homeopathic physicians assumed a

disproportionately large number of executive positions on the Ontario

Medical Council and one president of the CMA openly thanked the

homeopaths for their role in strengthening Ontario's medical

profession. (Connor, p. 20-21.)

Dr. Stowe, Canada's first female doctor, was also a homeopathic doctor

and founded the Women's College Hospital in Toronto. Several other

homeopathic hospitals were founded in Toronto and eventually merged

with allopathic hospitals.

Homeopathy has been specifically recognized by law in Ontario as a

system of medicine for more than 100 years until 1974. We invite you to

look at The Medical Act of Ontario [section 3 of The Medical Act of

1950, and section 14 of The Medical Act of 1970]. The door was left

open to the establishment of a homeopathic teaching college, but this

was never acted upon.

On January 1, 1994, Ontario passed the Regulated Health Professions

Act. Under this act, the old system of medical licenses (effectively a

monopoly for allopathic medicine) was revoked and replaced with a

system of the right to practice medicine for all forms of medicine. The

only form of government control is in the form of self-regulation for

those medical disciplines that pose a significant risk of harm to the

public. Of the 23 disciplines currently regulated, almost all involve

the practice of allopathic medicine (exceptions are acupuncture and

naturopathic medicine). Homeopathic medicine is not considered to

represent any risk of harm to the public and therefore does not require

government regulation.

It is currently legal to practice homeopathic medicine in Ontario.

In 1894, the Montreal Homeopathic Hospital opened and operated until

1951, when it became the Queen Hospital.

Under Federal law, homeopathic medicines can be legally prescribed and

sold in Canada.

Homeopathic medicine is prepared based on the official US, German and

French homeopathic pharmacopeias.

Selected Country Survey of the Status of Homeopathic Medicine

India

There are 110 institutes teaching homeopathy, all attached to

universities. In all government hospitals there are homeopathic wings.

The government-sanctioned schools grant a Bachelor and Doctorate of

Homeopathic Medical Science Degree (BHMS and DHMS).

Germany

There are 31 teaching institutions, five manufacturing pharmacies,

seven journals and three homeopathic hospitals.

Holland

There are six schools teaching homeopathy and of 40 health funds

(covering 60 per cent of the population), 14 cover homeopathic medicine

and of the 63 private health insurance schemes, over half cover

homeopathic medicine. The Royal Family uses homeopathic medicine.

Belgium

One fourth of the population uses homeopathy and over 4,000

allopathically trained doctors also have been trained in homeopathic

medicine.

France

Homeopathic remedies are reimbursed by the State Medical system

(Securite Sociale). There are two major homeopathic pharmacies—Boiron

and Dolisos, who also operate in Canada (Quebec). There are eight

medical schools in France with postgraduate courses leading to

specialization in homeopathy. Homeopathy is used by GPs, dentists, and

veterinarians. The homeopathic industry in France has grown from a $94

million industry in 1982 to a $300 million industry in 1994, employing

3,200 people.

Great Britain

Homeopathic medicine is reimbursed under the National Health System and

taught in many schools, including the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital

and the Royal Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow. The Royal Family have

employed a homeopathic physician since 1830. In 1977, more than 86,000

persons had attended outpatient departments of the six homeopathic

hospitals under the U.K. National Health Service.

Historic Evidence for the Efficacy of Homeopathy:

Homeopaths treated cholera successfully. During the 19th century, there

were seven severe epidemics in America, the most serious in 1832. The

death rates of people treated without homeopathy were five times those

of the homeopaths.

In 1854, the British Parliament authorized the London Board of Health

to appoint a commission to see which treatments were best for cholera

victims. They found " regular " hospitals had a death rate of 54 percent;

the homeopathic hospital’s death rate was 16 percent.

In the London Cholera epidemic of 1854, of the 61 cases of cholera

treated [at the London Homeopathic Hospital], 10 died, a percentage of

16.4; of the 331 cases of choleraic and simple diarrhoea treated, one

died. The neighbouring Middlesex Hospital received 231 cases of cholera

and 47 cases of choleraic diarrhea. Of the cholera patients treated 123

died, a fatality rate of 53.2 per cent., amount the victims being one

of the nurses.

Dr. Macloughlin, one of the medical inspectors appointed by the General

Board of Health, visited the wards, examined the cases under treatment,

and watched their progress. His statement, addressed to Mr. Hugh

Cameron [1810-1897], a member of the medical staff, was as follows:

• " You are aware that I went to your hospital prepossessed against the

homeopathic system, that you had in me in your camp an enemy rather

than a friend... and I need not tell you that I have taken some pains

to make myself acquainted with the rise, progress and medical treatment

of cholera, and that I claim for myself some right to be able to

recognise the disease, and to know something of what the medical

treatment ought to be, and that there may, therefore, be no

misapprehension about the cases saw in your hospital, I will add that,

all I saw were true cases of cholera, in the various stages of the

disease, and that I saw several cases which did well under your

treatment which I have no hesitation in saying would have sunk under

other. In conclusion I must repeat to you what I have already told you,

and what I have told everyone whom I have conversed, that although an

allopath by principle, education and practice yet were it the will of

Providence to afflict me with cholera, and deprive me of the power of

prescribing for myself, I would rather he in the hands of a homeopathic

than an allopathic adviser. "

Dr. Macloughlin, as shown by his researches and publications, was

undoubtedly well informed as to the nature of cholera. [Quoted in A

History of the London Homeopathic Hospital, 1914.]

• " ...in Germany homeopaths were highly successful in treating the

typhoid fever that Napoleon’s tattered remnant of an army brought back

with them [in 1812] from Moscow. " [Griggs, 1981, p.179]

" ...a committee was set up...to report on the various methods of

treatment adopted [against cholera]...It was a dismal record of

failure...but...it was completely silent on the two therapies which had

been strikingly successful, those of the medical botanists, and

homeopathic treatment with minute doses of camphor. " [Griggs, 1981,

p.208]

" Homeopathic treatment of cholera proved remarkably successful. Of the

1655 cholera patients treated in Raab [Hungary], for example, only six

of the 154 patients treated homeopathically died, whilst of the

remainder, 821 [almost 50%] treated conventionally, died. " [Cook, 1981,

p.157]

Modern Evidence for the Efficacy of Homeopathy

Jan Patenaude, RD

Director of Medical Nutrition

Signet Diagnostic Corporation

_www.nowleap.com_ (http://www.nowleap.com/)

(toll free)

Fax:

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