Homeopathic Aggravations Research Articles

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Fatigue in Adults: Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is leading to unknown and unusual health conditions that are challenging to manage. Post-COVID-19 fatigue is one of those challenges, becoming increasingly common as the pandemic evolves, as it impairs the quality of life of an individual. This trial attempts to identify the preliminary evidence of the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) against placebos in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue in adults. Methods: A 3-month, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial was conducted at the outpatient department of The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, India. Sixty participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either IHMs (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos (n = 30). The primary and secondary outcome measures were the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL), respectively, measured every month, for up to 3 months. Comparative analysis was carried out on the intention-to-treat sample to detect group differences. Results: Group differences in both the primary (FAS total: F1, 58 = 14.356, p < 0.001) and secondary outcomes (ORIDL: F1, 58 = 210.986, p < 0.001) after 3 months favored IHMs against placebos. Lycopodium clavatum (11.7%), sulfur (11.7%), Arsenicum album (10%), and Thuja occidentalis (10%) were the most frequently indicated medicines. No harm, unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations, or any serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. Conclusion: IHMs produced significantly better effects than placebos in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue in adults. Definitive robust trials may be undertaken to confirm the findings.

Getting in a Spin over the Therapeutic Process: QBism and a Gyroscopic Model of the Vital Force

Background: In the previous paper, a relatively new interpretation of quantum theory called quantum Bayesianism or QBism was introduced as an alternative quantum metaphor for the therapeutic process (TP). This is because previous metaphors have been based on conventional quantum theory (CQT) and its notion that quantum states belong to a strongly objective shared reality. QBism says no: quantum states are subjective degrees of belief made by the individual agents assigning those states. This suggests QBism’s explicit subjectivity is more in line with practitioners’ (Pr) and patient’s (Px) implicitly subjective TP experience. Objective: The objective was to investigate the impact on this suggestion of a gyroscopic model of the vital force, Vf. Method: Based on an original starting wavefunction for the Vf, a sequence of equations and transformations between them are generated and then interpreted as the Vf interacting with and moving into and out of disease (Dx) states, in essence, a physics of health. Results and Conclusion: These equations and their transformations manage to predict (a) homeopathic aggravation from the curative remedy (Rx), and (b) the logic behind Hahnemann’s development of the LM potencies. Further, displaying these equations and their interactions pictorially and geometrically (as a stellated octahedron) suggests that the recently developed gyroscopic model for the Vf supports a metaphor for the TP (based on the subjectivity explicit in QBism) that is indeed viable and potentially superior to previous metaphors based on the strong objectivity of CQT.

Efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines in treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis: A randomized trial

Background: Hemiparesis is a serious motor impairment following stroke and affecting around 65% of stroke patients. This trial attempts to study the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in comparison with identical-looking placebos in treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis (PSH) in the mutual context of standard physiotherapy (SP). Methods: A 3-months, open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n = 60) was conducted at the Organon of Medicine outpatient departments of National Institute of Homoeopathy, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive IHMs plus SP (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos plus SP (n = 30). Primary outcome measure was Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength grading scale; secondary outcomes were Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) version 2.0, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and stroke recovery 0–100 visual analogue scale (VAS) scores; all measured at baseline and 3 months after intervention. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on intention-to-treat sample. Results: Although overall improvements were higher in the IHMs group than placebos with small to medium effect sizes, the group differences were statistically non-significant (all P>0.05, unpaired t-tests). Improvement in SIS physical problems was significantly higher in IHMs than placebos (mean difference 2.0, 95% confidence interval 0.3 to 3.8, P = 0.025, unpaired t-test). Causticum, Lachesis mutus, and Nux vomica were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations or any serious adverse events were reported from either group. Conclusion: There was a small, but non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy against placebos in treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis. Trial registration: CTRI/2018/10/016196; UTN: U1111–1221–7664

From pharmaceutical standardizing to clinical research: 20 years of experience with fifty-millesimal potencies

Background: 20 years ago we began to standardize the procedures of preparation and use of fifty-millesimal dilutions (LM or Q) according to indications in the 6th edition of Hahnemann’s Organon. Aim: to describe the main stages in standardization as well as our teaching and research experience on Organon 6th edition. Results: with the use of standardized LM dilutions we observed a lower incidence of homeopathic aggravation than with our earlier experience with non standardized preparations. Organon.modus, a clinical-pharmaceutical protocol derived from the standardization was adequate for the teaching of homeopathy at Faculty of Medicine of Jundiai (São Paulo), the first Brazilian medical school with a graduate course on homeopathy. A randomized double-blind trial comparing individualized homeopathic medicines prescribed in LM dilutions and fluoxetine showed the former not be inferior to the latter in the treatment of moderate-to-severe depression. Conclusion: protocol Organon.modus showed to be adequate to graduate-level teaching of homeopathy and efficient in a controlled clinical trials, favoring its use as common denominator between the art of healing and medical science.

A Comparative Study of 50-Millesimal Potencies and Centesimal Potencies in the Treatment of Tinea Corporis: An Open, Randomised, Pilot Trial

Abstract Introduction Standard management of dermatophytosis involves the use of topical antifungals in limited disease and oral therapy for more extensive cases. Despite the evidences favouring homeopathy in tinea corporis (TC) is inadequate, patients are increasingly opting for it. This trial attempts to assess the feasibility of a trial evaluating individualised homeopathic (IH) medicines in centesimal and 50-millesimal potencies in treating TC. Methods An open, randomised, pilot feasibility trial was conducted at the dermatology outpatient of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomised to receive IH medicines in either centesimal potencies (n = 30) or in 50-millesimal potencies (n = 30). Primary outcome measure was intensity of pruritus on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale; secondary outcomes were Skindex-29 and dermatology life quality index questionnaires—all measured at baseline, and after 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. Group differences were calculated on intention-to-treat (ITT) sample as well as following per protocol (PP) analysis. Results Recruitment and attrition rates were 69 and 16.7% respectively. Both ITT and PP analysis revealed that intra-group changes in both the primary and secondary outcomes to be statistically significant in both the groups (all p &lt; 0.05, one-way repeated measure analysis of variance). There were no significant group differences over 6 and 12 weeks (all p &gt; 0.05, unpaired t-tests); thus, indicating similar pattern of improvement in both the groups. Most frequently used medicines were Natrum sulphuricum (28.3%), Natrum muriaticum (25%), Sulphur (8.3%) and Bacillinum (6.7%). No harms, unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations or any serious adverse events were reported from either group. Conclusion An adequately powered trial exploring effectiveness of both scales in TC appeared to be feasible in future. Though the sample size was too small to arrive at any definite conclusion, both centesimal and 50-millesimal potencies of IH medicines appeared to be equally useful in improving pruritus intensity and quality of life in patients suffering from TC.

Examination regarding the tolerability of the homochord Acidum L(+)-lacticum at a dosage of sixty drops three times daily

In Germany, the commission D recommends in its current dosage guidelines from March 17, 2004, that homeopathic dilutions higher than 24x will be prescribed in a daily application of five drops once. This recommendation is decisive for the German Regulatory Authority. Even though the homochord Acidum L(+)-lacticum 4x/6x/12x/30x/200x contains dilutions above 24x, it is commonly used in clinical practice for over 30 years in a dosage of 60 drops three times daily.&#x0D; In order to explore the clinical safety and tolerability of Acidum L(+)-lacticum 4x/6x/12x/30x/200x at a dosage of 60 drops three times daily, as well as lower dosages, a therapist survey was designed to address the questions.&#x0D; Highly experienced and licensed therapists, including general and alternative practitioners, reported their usual dosage of homochord, incidences of drug reactions, initial homeopathic aggravations as well as the diagnoses that led to the prescription of Acidum L(+)-lacticum 4x/6x/12x/30x/200x. 167 therapist responses were analyzed. &#x0D; Only four therapists reported occurrences that classify as initial aggravation, (2.40 %), compared to 159 with no incidences (95.21 %). Four therapists made no statement. Nevertheless, there were no adverse drug reactions documented in the survey. Consequently, Acidum L(+)-lacticum 4x/6x/12x/30x/200x at a dosage of 60 drops three times daily or lower dosages may be construed to be clinically tolerable and safe. This evidence might lead to further re-evaluations of other homochords, and rigorous clinical trials for its safety and tolerability.

From Hahnemann to the Physiology of the Complex Systems in Practice

Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and has two forms, one familial and the other sporadic. Wilson´s disease is a genetic disorder, autosomal recessive, which causes changes in copper metabolism. &#x0D; Methodology: In this paper, the author presents two clinical cases of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Wilson's disease (WD), showing the evolution of each one from the beginning of the homeopathic treatment, whose prescription was based on the theory of Complex Systems of Carillo.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: Understanding the pathophysiology of each chronic disease, and recognizing the syndromic nature of the absolute majority of natural chronic diseases, allows us to use the most indicated drugs for every case and shows the best way to prescribe these medications. Treating chronic diseases based on clear and well-defined principles. Based in this principle, the concepts of Prioritization of Systems, related organic injury,emunctorial block and equalization are applied in both clinical cases.The identification of the latter avoids homeopathic aggravations, essential for patients in severe states.&#x0D; Conclusion: The theoretical bases for the understanding of clinical cases, in the Complex Systems Model of Carillo, with its 8 elements, namely: Structure (material body); Self-regulation (immaterial); Organization Pattern; Dissipation; Autopoiesis; Adaptation; Cognition and Consciousness, allow an expanded understanding of the health disease process.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Trial of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines for Cutaneous Warts.

Though frequently used in practice, research studies have shown inconclusive benefits of homeopathy in the treatment of warts. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a future definitive trial, with preliminary assessment of differences between effects of individualized homeopathic (IH) medicines and placebos in treatment of cutaneous warts. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n = 60) was conducted at the dermatology outpatient department of D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal. Patients were randomized to receive either IH (n = 30) or identical-looking placebo (n = 30). Primary outcome measures were numbers and sizes of the warts; secondary outcome was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire measured at baseline, and every month up to 3 months. Group differences and effect sizes were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. Attrition rate was 11.6% (IH, 3; placebo, 4). Intra-group changes were significantly greater (all p < 0.05, Friedman tests) in IH than placebo. Inter-group differences were statistically non-significant (all p > 0.05, Mann-Whitney U tests) with small effect sizes-both in the primary outcomes (number of warts after 3 months: IH median [inter-quartile range; IQR] 1 [1, 3] vs. placebo 1 [1, 2]; p = 0.741; size of warts after 3 months: IH 5.6 mm [2.6, 40.2] vs. placebo 6.3 [0.8, 16.7]; p = 0.515) and in the secondary outcomes (DLQI total after 3 months: IH 4.5 [2, 6.2] vs. placebo 4.5 [2.5, 8]; p = 0.935). Thuja occidentalis (28.3%), Natrum muriaticum (10%) and Sulphur (8.3%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, homeopathic aggravations, or serious adverse events were reported. As regards efficacy, the preliminary study was inconclusive, with a statistically non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy. The trial succeeded in showing that an adequately powered definitive trial is both feasible and warranted. CTRI/2019/10/021659; UTN: U1111-1241-7340.

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disorder, with up to an estimated 134 million Indian sufferers, and having significant impact on quality of life (QOL) and health costs. Despite the evidence favoring homeopathy in CRS being inadequate, it is highly popular. This trial attempts to study the efficacy of individualized homeopathy (IH) medicines in comparison with placebo in patients with CRS. A double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled, preliminary trial (n = 62) was conducted at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, West Bengal, India. Primary outcome measure was the sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) questionnaire; secondary outcomes were the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale scores, and five numeric rating scales (0-10) assessing intensity of sneezing, rhinorrhea, post-nasal drip, facial pain/pressure, and disturbance in sense of smell, all measured at baseline and after the 2nd and 4th months of intervention. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. Groups were comparable at baseline. Attrition rate was 6.5% (IH: 1, Placebo: 3). Although improvements in both primary and secondary outcome measures were higher in the IH group than placebo, with small to medium effect sizes, the group differences were statistically non-significant (all p > 0.05, unpaired t-tests). Calcarea carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum, Sulphur, Natrum muriaticum and Pulsatilla nigricans were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harmful or unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations or any serious adverse events were reported from either group. There was a small but non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy, which ultimately renders the trial as inconclusive. Rigorous trials and independent replications are recommended to arrive at a confirmatory conclusion. [Trial registration: CTRI/2018/03/012557; UTN: U1111-1210-7201].

Prevalence of Homeopathic Aggravation in Chronic Patients

Prevalence of Homeopathic Aggravation in Chronic Patients

Knowledge of homeopathic aggravations is limited

Knowledge of homeopathic aggravations is limited

Risk in homeopathy: Classification of adverse events and homeopathic aggravations – A cross sectional study among Norwegian homeopath patients

The registration of adverse events is important to identify treatment that might impose risk to patients. Homeopathic aggravation, a concept unique for homeopathy may impose a particular risk, as it is tolerant towards a worsening of the patients’ symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore the classification of patient reported reactions as homeopathic aggravations or adverse drug reactions. Design and settingIn a cross sectional survey, patients were asked to register any reactions they had experienced 14 days after taking homeopathic remedies. Worsening of symptoms was classified as homeopathic aggravation if it was (i) an increase of the patients’ existing symptoms (ii) and/or a feeling of well-being that emerged 1–3 days after taking the remedy (iii) and/or headache and/or fatigue accompanying these symptoms. ResultsA total of 26% of the participants reported worsening of symptoms. One third was classified as adverse events. Half of these were graded as minor and the other half as moderate according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Two thirds were classified as homeopathic aggravations. Of these, 73% were classified as minor and 27% as moderate, giving a tendency towards milder severity for those classified as homeopathic aggravations (p=0.065). ConclusionPatients reported a substantial part of the short-term reactions after taking homeopathic remedy as a worsening of symptoms. These reactions were classified as mild and moderate. Hence, the risk connected to homeopathic treatment is minor. More studies are needed to confirm the existence of homeopathic aggravation and how to classify the concept in a clinically meaningful way.

Safety and compliance of a complex homeopathic drug (Contramutan N Saft) in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections: A large observational (non-interventional) study in children and adults focussing on homeopathy specific adverse reactions versus adverse drug reactions

BackgroundThis non-interventional study was performed to generate data on safety and treatment effects of a complex homeopathic drug (Contramutan N Saft). Patients and methods1050 outpatients suffering from common cold were treated with the medication for 8days. The study was conducted in 64 outpatient practices of medical doctors trained in CAM. Tolerability, compliance and the treatment effects were assessed by the physicians and by patient diaries. Adverse events were collected and assessed with specific attention to homeopathic aggravation and proving symptoms. Each adverse effect was additionally evaluated by an advisory board of experts. ResultsThe physicians detected 60 adverse events from 46 patients (4.4%). Adverse drug reactions occurred in 14 patients (1.3%). Six patients showed proving symptoms (0.57%) and only one homeopathic aggravation (0.1%) appeared. The rate of compliance was 84% in average for all groups and the global assessment of the treatment effects attributed to “good” and “very good” in 84.9% of all patients. ConclusionsThe homeopathic complex drug was shown to be safe and effective for children and adults likewise.Adverse reactions specifically related to homeopathic principles are very rare. All observed events recovered quickly and were of mild to moderate intensity.

Enhancement of adaptive biological effects by nanotechnology preparation methods in homeopathic medicines

Multiple studies have demonstrated that traditional homeopathic manufacturing reagentsand processes can generate remedy source and silica nanoparticles (NPs). Homeopathically-made NPs would initiate adaptive changes in an organism as a complex adaptive system (CAS) or network. Adaptive changes would emerge from several different endogenous amplification processes that respond to exogenous danger or threat signals that manufactured nanomaterials convey, including (1) stochastic resonance (SR) in sensory neural systems and (2) time-dependent sensitization (TDS)/oscillation. SR is nonlinear coherent amplification of a weak signal by the superposition of a larger magnitude white noise containing within it the same frequencies of the weak signal. TDS is progressive response magnitude amplification and oscillatory reversal in response direction to a given low dose at physiological limits with the passage of time. Hormesis is an overarching adaptive phenomenon that reflects the observed nonlinear adaptive dose-response relationship. Remedies would act as enhanced micro- and nanoscale forms of their source material via direct local ligand-receptor interactions at very low potencies and/or by triggering systemic adaptive network dynamical effects via their NP-based electromagnetic, optical, and quantum mechanical properties at higher potencies. Manufacturing parameters including dilution modify sizes, shapes, and surface charges of nanoparticles, thereby causing differences in physico-chemical properties and biological effects. Based on surface area, size, shape, and charge, nanoparticles adsorb a complex pattern of serum proteins, forming a protein corona on contact that constitutes a unique biological identity. The protein corona may capture individualized dysfunctional biological mediator information of the organism onto the surfaces of the salient, i.e., resonant, remedy nanostructures. SR would amplify this weak signal from the salient remedy NPs with protein corona adsorbed, leading to sensitized nonlinear dynamical modulation of gene expression and associated changes in biological signaling pathways. When the system reaches its physiological limits during a homeopathic aggravation or the natural disease state, the amplified remedy signal triggers a nonlinear reversal in dynamical direction back towards health.

P.2.h.009 Relationship of depression, anxiety and circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with acute coronary syndrome

The assessment of harm arising from the use of homeopathic medicine is much discussed, but there is little published data on the subject.To study prospectively adverse drug events related to homeopathic medicines.The data were gathered between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2004 during follow-up visits consecutively carried out at the Homeopathic Clinic, Campo di Marte Hospital, Azienda USL 2, Lucca (Italy). They refer to effects following the administration of a homeopathic medicine, prescribed according to the classical homeopathic method.Reports collected by a homeopathic doctor (not the prescribing doctor) on the nature and intensity of the effect, dose and frequency of administration, time relationship between the drug use and the adverse events, challenge, unchallange possible concomitant factors, causality (improbable, unlikely, possible, probable, certain).Out of 335 homeopathic consecutive follow-up visits between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2004, nine adverse reactions were reported (2.68%) including one case of allergy to lactose, excipient of the granules.Adverse events to homeopathic drugs exist and are distinguishable from homeopathic aggravations, but are rare and not severe.

P.2.h.008 Comorbid somatic illnesses in patients with bipolar affective disorder

The assessment of harm arising from the use of homeopathic medicine is much discussed, but there is little published data on the subject.To study prospectively adverse drug events related to homeopathic medicines.The data were gathered between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2004 during follow-up visits consecutively carried out at the Homeopathic Clinic, Campo di Marte Hospital, Azienda USL 2, Lucca (Italy). They refer to effects following the administration of a homeopathic medicine, prescribed according to the classical homeopathic method.Reports collected by a homeopathic doctor (not the prescribing doctor) on the nature and intensity of the effect, dose and frequency of administration, time relationship between the drug use and the adverse events, challenge, unchallange possible concomitant factors, causality (improbable, unlikely, possible, probable, certain).Out of 335 homeopathic consecutive follow-up visits between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2004, nine adverse reactions were reported (2.68%) including one case of allergy to lactose, excipient of the granules.Adverse events to homeopathic drugs exist and are distinguishable from homeopathic aggravations, but are rare and not severe.

Risk in Homeopathy: Classification of Adverse Effects and Homeopathic Aggravations - A Cross Sectional Study Among Norwegian Homeopath Patients

Risk in Homeopathy: Classification of Adverse Effects and Homeopathic Aggravations - A Cross Sectional Study Among Norwegian Homeopath Patients

Homeopathy in the public health system: the experience in Lucca Hospital (1998-2011)

The Homeopathic Clinic in Lucca, funded by the Region of Tuscany, was originally set up in 1998 as part of a pilot project designed to evaluate the possibility of including complementary medicine (CM) into the public health care system. The following are the main activities in the field of clinics, research and education carried out in these years. Outcome : The data have been updated with those collected from September 1998 to December 2010: 2,592 patients visited for a total of 6,812 consecutive visits. The results were assessed using the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital Outcome Score (GHHOS). Paediatric patients : An observational longitudinal study was carried out on 551 paediatric patients below or equal to the age of 14 years (mean age 5.9 years), that is 25.7% of 2,141 patients consecutively examined from 1998 to 2008. Adverse effects : In order to assess the possible risk arising from the use of homeopathy a prospective study was carried out to investigate the adverse drug reactions related to homeopathic medicines. Out of 335 homeopathic consecutive follow-up visits, nine adverse reactions were reported (2.68%). Clinical risk management : A training course for the health professionals of Tuscan public centres of CM, including homeopathy, was conducted. The aim was to develop a plan for the management of clinical risk starting from the analysis of the activities in the clinics of CM, and a systematic approach aiming at identifying and preventing risks. Homeopathic aggravation : To evaluate the type, intensity and frequency of homeopathic aggravation, in particular with Quintamillesimal dilutions (LM or Q), and its prognostic value, a retrospective study was realized on the basis of clinical data. The study examines 1,108 patients consecutively visited, and 441 cases with follow-up. Sixty-three of them (14%) reported a homeopathic aggravation. Compliance : In order to understand why the patients did not return for follow-up consultations (drop-out) a telephone survey was carried out on each patient visited from 6/1,2002 to 5/31, 2003, who did not return for a follow-up visit. 37 patients out of 73 referred to the effectiveness of the treatment and the improvement in their state of health as the reason why they did not return. Long term outcome of atopic patients : To study the outcome of atopic diseases (AD) in paediatric patients homeopathically treated and the clinical evolution of 213 (38.6%) with atopic diseases out of 551 children consecutively examined from 1998 to 2008. After 5 years from the first visit, all the children were contacted for long-term evaluation of the disease. Anti-cancer treatment : An outpatient Clinic of integrative medicine applied to oncology was set up in October 2010. In the preliminary stage of activities, 97 patients were visited, with various types of cancer. Cost-benefit evaluation : A study of the Homeopathic Clinic of Lucca demonstrated cost/effectiveness of homeopathy in respiratory diseases. Cost variation for the specific chemical/therapeutic subgroup recorded a decrease in the first and second year of – 46.29% (p All these data demonstrate the validity of the integration carried out in Tuscany and the need to strengthen and consolidate the activities of complementary medicine in public healthcare structures.

Recent Literature

Recent Literature

The Red flag! risk assessment among medical homeopaths in Norway: a qualitative study.

BackgroundHomeopathy is widely used, and many European physicians practice homeopathy in addition to conventional medicine. Adverse effects in homeopathy are not expected by homeopaths due to the negligible quantities of active substances in a remedy. However, we questioned if homeopathic aggravation, which is described as a temporary worsening of existing symptoms following a correct homeopathic remedy, should be regarded as adverse effects or ruled out as desirable events of the treatment. In order to improve knowledge in an unexplored area of patient safety, we explored how medical homeopath discriminate between homeopathic aggravations and adverse effects, and how they assessed patient safety in medical practice.MethodA qualitative approach was employed using focus group interviews. Two interviews with seven medical homeopaths were performed in Oslo, Norway. The participants practiced homeopathy besides conventional medicine. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the text data. The codes were defined before and during the data analysis.ResultsAccording to the medical homeopaths, a feeling of well-being may be a criterion to distinguish homeopathic aggravations from adverse effects. There was disagreement among the participants whether or not homeopathic treatment produced adverse effects. However, they agreed when an incorrect remedy was administrated, it may create a disruption or suppressive reaction in the patient. This was not perceived as adverse effects but a possibility to prescribe a new remedy as new symptoms emerge. This study revealed several advantages for the patients as the medical homeopaths looked for dangerous symptoms which may enhance safety. The patient was given time and space, which enabled the practitioner to see the complete picture. A more comprehensive toolkit gave the medical homeopaths a feeling of professionalism.ConclusionThis explorative study investigated how Medical Homeopaths understood and assessed risk in their clinical practice. A feeling of well-being emerging soon after taking the remedy was the most important criterion for discriminating between Homeopathic Aggravations and Adverse Effects in clinical practice. The Medical Homeopaths used the view of both professions and always looked for red flag situations in the consultation room. They combined knowledge from two treatment systems which may have advantages for the patient. These tentative results deserve further research efforts to improve patient safety among users of homeopathy. For further research we find it important to improve and develop concepts that are unique to homeopathy in order to validate and modernize this medical practice.