Is homeopathy a clinically valuable approach?
Homeopathy is a popular but implausible form of medicine. Contrary to many claims by homeopaths, there is no conclusive evidence that highly dilute homeopathic remedies are different from placebos. The benefits that many patients experience after homeopathic treatment are therefore most probably due to nonspecific treatment effects. Contrary to widespread belief, homeopathy is not entirely devoid of risk. Thus, the proven benefits of highly dilute homeopathic remedies, beyond the beneficial effects of placebos, do not outweigh the potential for harm that this approach can cause.
Ernst
Edzard
E
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, UK. Edzard.Ernst@pms.ac.uk
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D015990:Placebo Effect; D017594:Publication Bias / Q000639:trends*; D012107:Research Design; D012306:Risk