Inaugural Research Conference in Barcelona Extremely Successful

The inaugural International Homeopathy Research Conference, hosted by The Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) was held on May 31- June 2nd, 2013 in Barcelona Spain. At this landmark event, researchers, practitioners, students and those with an interest in homeopathy research, heard from world experts about their latest findings and cutting edge research.

An amazing number of studies were enthusiastically presented. The science and research behind homeopathy was shown to be obviously alive and well.

Interest in homeopathy research has grown dramatically over recent years, both within the homeopathic profession and externally. This reflects the ever-increasing emphasis being placed on evidence based medicine across all modalities and the crucial role rigorous research is now playing in the development of homeopathy.

Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy is a rare event in the worldwide conference calendar. Usually homeopathy research sessions are embedded within events covering homeopathy as a whole, or form part of CAM-wide research events. The HRI is proud to be hosting a two and a half day event dedicated solely to homeopathy research, providing a forum for the sharing of ideas and the creation of international scientific collaborations.- From the web site

Check out more about this event.

 

 

U.S. Over-The- Counter Yearly Sales of Homeopathic and Herbal Remedies Reaches $6.4 BILLION

In 2012, over-the-counter sales of homeopathic and herbal remedies have reached $6.4 billion in the United States alone. PR Newswire reports:

Today 30% of respondents who suffered an ailment within the past year claim to have used a homeopathic or herbal remedy to treat it. And there is further good news for the homeopathic and herbal remedies sector too, as Mintel forecasts sales to increase to $7.5 billion by 2017 as more Americans become proactive about their health and further growth is fueled by availability of these products in mass retailers.

Recalls of traditional [pharmaceutical] OTC remedies, a holistic approach to health, and more availability in traditional retailers all helped to fuel growth in this market. The sector is primed for continued success as US consumers increasingly seek products that are natural and organic, particularly as it relates to healthcare. This is especially true for families with small children as many OTC medications [pharmaceutical] are unsafe for children under the age of two.

“Those who trust homeopathic medications are more likely to eat a healthier diet. Additionally, they are more likely to eat natural and organic foods and are willing to invest in these products. Those who trust homeopathic medicines are also more likely to be preventative about their healthcare. They visit the doctor regularly and take vitamins to prevent illness”.

MINTEL/PR NEWSWIRE

As a result of this success, pharmaceutical companies are funding organizations to attack homeopathy and herbal suppliers and practitioners. Organizations such as Sense about Science in England and another organization in the United States and Canada called “Centre for Inquiry” are primarily funded by pharmaceutical companies’ interests.

Homeopathy continues to grow because of its profound effectiveness with no side effects. Homeopathy has an over 200 year history of safety and efficacy. It is widely used all over the world and its growing numbers attests to its wonderful effectiveness.

Homeopathic Nosodes – A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Chronic Disease

The majority of senior and experienced homeopaths are against, (some strongly against) the use of homeopathic remedies instead of childhood vaccination.

But in the treatment of chronic disease, nosodes or homeopathic remedies made from disease products are considered to be an important part of homeopathic treatment of chronic diseases.

It goes back to the founder of homeopathy’s assertion and breakthrough research, that the energetic lingering of infections, even when the acute infectious symptoms no longer remain, can cause chronic disease syndromes. He called these chronic syndromes related to a past infection, a “miasm.” These chronic syndromes may be experienced both by the person who had the past infection and also, by offspring.

Homeopathy throughout the years has developed specific techniques and protocols for identifying these syndromes relative to a specific infection in the past history and family history and effectively treating them. Nosodes, or remedies made from the disease source itself, along with other homeopathic remedies can be used to clear the lingering energetic effect. Remember, these homeopathic remedies have nothing of the original substance remaining in them, rather they are an energetic imprint of them.

Samuel Hahnemann who is the founder of homeopathy originally elucidated three major “miasms. ” Later, with the advent of modern microbiology, many chronic disease miasms have been identified relative to a past infectious disease a patient or  parent may have had.  Homeopathy continues one of the few therapies that has built an enormous clinical understanding of these factors and not only that, a very effective way of dealing with it. Homeopathy has a 200 year record of safety and efficacy with the use of these nosodes and  a therapeutic choice for millions worldwide..

Overlooked Study Demonstrated Improvement From Homeopathic Treatment Can Last For Many Years

A Long Term Observational Study of 3,709 patients In Germany concluded that “Patients who seek homeopathic treatment are likely to improve considerably. These effects persist for as long as 8 years.”

The study published in 2008 showed that homeopathy in general can help individuals with multiple chronic problems and that the effect can last for many years. The study was a complex one and much was done to maintain statistical integrity.

In total 2,722 (1,903 adults, 819 children) contributed data to the 8-years follow-up. Patients in this study suffered from long-term chronic diseases (table 1). Response rates were considerable higher in female than in male adults (74.3% vs. 67.2%) but similar in female and male children (76.9% vs. 75.7%). Thus, male adults are somewhat a bit underrepresented in our sample. Age at study entry matched the data of the complete sample (table 1).

Table 1. Patient characteristics (values are absolute numbers and percent or mean ± standard deviation)
The majority of the patients were highly educated female adults, most of them fairly below the age of 60 (table 1). Adults mainly suffered from headache (tension type and migraine), allergic diseases, or skin diseases, children from atopic eczema or multiple infections. The average number of diseases at baseline was 2.8 ± 1.1 in adults and 2.3 ± 1.0 in children.

During the study mean severity of complaints improved from baseline 6.2 ± 1.7 to 2.7 ± 2.1 after 8 years in adults and from 6.1 ± 1.8 to 1.7 ± 1.9 in children (table 3, figure 1). From the generalised linear model the respective standardised mean changes (mean changes divided by standard deviations at baseline) were estimated at 1.61 for adults (CI: 1.54 to 2.68, p < 0.001) and 2.01 for children (CI: 1.89 to 2.12, p < 0.001).

1283 adults (67.4% of the study population, 48.7% of all responders) and 655 children (80.0%/61.0%) experienced a clinically relevant treatment success, defined as an improvement of complaint severity of 2 pts or more. From the logistic regression we found that this was more likely in women than in men, and in children than in adults. Patients who simultaneously used other treatments (conventional or complementary) had a smaller chance to improve relevantly, as did those suffering from allergies, allergic rhinitis, or headache. In contrast, a diagnosis of multiple infections was a positive predictor (table 6).

See the Article in Biomed Central entitled: “How healthy are chronically ill patients after eight years of homeopathic treatment? – Results from a long term observational study”

Study of 1,153 French Homeopathy Patients with Chronic Pain Shows 50% Reduced Usage of Painkillers

A long term study approved by the French National Data-Protection Commission and The French National Council of Physicians has shown that homeopathy patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain had a 50 percent reduced use of conventional pain medication, while patients with acute musculoskeletal pain had a 38 percent reduced use.

The researchers acknowledged that musculoskeletal disorders are a leading reason for medical consultation in primary care. The researchers also noted that this nationwide observational study was conducted over one year and that long-term usage of conventional pain medications are known to have numerous minor and serious side effects, as distinct from homeopathic medicines which have a long-time history of safety. Because homeopathic medicine in France is only practiced by MDs, the researchers asserted that maintaining the present reimbursement schedule for homeopathic treatment keeps health care costs down.

The researchers of this study were a diverse and prestigious group of professors of epidemiology, biostatistics, and medicine from the University of Paris, the Pasteur Institute, University of Bordeaux, University of Pierre and Marie Curie, McGill University, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

At present, homeopathic medicine is the leading natural treatment offered by physicians in Europe, where approximately 40 percent of French physicians and 20 percent of German physician prescribe homeopathic medicines regularly (Ullman, 2007). Further, approximately 30 percent of the European population has used homeopathic medicines at some time.

Learn more: Read Dana Ullmans’ article.

Pilot Study Shows Cat Allergies Lessened with Homeopathic Remedies

A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study at the Department of Homeopathy, University of Johannesburg has shown that giving specific homeopathic remedies can lessen allergies to cats. From the US National Library of Medicine:

Homeopathy. 2013 Apr;102(2):123-9. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.02.007.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cat allergy is an abnormal immune response by the body to cat dander or saliva, leading to the development of a complex of symptoms which can negatively influence health. Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH are indicated, according to isopathic principles, for the treatment of cat allergy, however no research has been done to date.

AIM:

To determine the effect of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH (combined) on cat allergic adults.

METHOD:

30 Participants with a positive test result for a cat allergy skin prick test (SPT) were recruited to a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial. Participants took two tablets twice daily for 4 weeks, and attended a follow-up consultation at the end of weeks 2 and 4. The measurement tool used was the SPT, conducted at the beginning and at the end of the study.

RESULTS:

Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH produced a highly statistically significant reduction in the wheal diameter of the cat allergen SPT at the end of week 4. The placebo group showed no statistically significant change.

CONCLUSION:

The homeopathic medicine reduced the sensitivity reaction of cat allergic adults to cat allergen, according to the SPT. Future studies are warranted to further investigate the effect of Cat saliva and Histaminum and their role as a potential therapeutic option for this condition.

Homeopathy Effective for Childhood Migraines

A new study has demonstrated homeopathy’s effectiveness in treating childhood migraines. Homeopathy has traditionally been very effective in the treatment of migraine headaches suffered by patients of all ages. The  new observational and nonrandomized multicenter study of 59 physicians in 12 countries used primarily homeopathic remedies treating children with migraine headaches.

The results of this study demonstrate the interest of homeopathic medicines for the prevention and treatment of migraine attacks in children. A significant decrease in the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks was observed and, consequently, reduced absenteeism from school.

The full study was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, February 2013. Here’s more information:

Outcome measures: The frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks in the 3 months prior to inclusion were compared with those during the 3-month follow-up period. Pertinent data were collected using questionnaires completed by the doctor and the patient or his/her parent/guardian. The secondary outcome measure was the impact of homeopathic medicines on education, measured as absence from school.

Results: The frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks decreased significantly during the 3-month follow-up period (all p<0.001). Preventive treatment during this time consisted of homeopathic medicines in 98% of cases (mean=2.6 medicines/patient). Children spent significantly less time off school during follow-up than before inclusion (2.0 versus 5.5 days, respectively; p<0.001). The most common preventive medicines used were Ignatia amara (25%; mainly 9C), Lycopodium clavatum (22%), Natrum muriaticum (21%), Gelsemium (20%), and Pulsatilla (12%; mainly 15C). Homeopathy alone was used for the treatment of migraine attacks in 38% of cases. The most commonly used medicines were Belladonna (32%; mainly 9C), Ignatia amara (11%; mainly 15C), Iris versicolor (10%; mainly 9C), Kalium phosphoricum (10%; mainly 9C), and Gelsemium (9%; mainly 15C and 30C).

Dr. Oz Television Show Features Positive Segment on Homeopathy

The Dr. Oz Show is one of the most watched syndicated medical shows in the world. Dr. Oz, a cardio-thoracic surgeon, has been a professor at the Department of Surgery at Columbia University since 2001 and is the host of the show. On his popular television show, he featured a segment on homeopathy where he admitted that three generations in his family have used homeopathic remedies successfully and he utilizes them on a regular basis. He introduced important homeopathic remedies for home care. He called it the Dr. Oz homeopathic remedy kit.

An expert homeopath and naturopath introduced the theories behind homeopathy and helped to describe the important remedies. Three conventionally trained Medical doctors also appeared describing how homeopathy has revolutionized their practice and helped their patients.

The Dr. Oz show, which debuted on September 14, 2009, is co-produced by Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions and distributed by Sony Pictures Television Distribution. One year, Dr. Oz took home an Emmy for best talk show host and the show has won an Emmy for “Outstanding Informative Talk Show” two years in a row. The show’s fourth season premiered on September 10, 2012. The show has 3 million plus viewers in the United States  alone and is broadcast worldwide including Europe, Australia, South America, South East Asia, the Arab world etc.

Homeopathy can be used for many acute and first aid situations by individuals and families. As well, well trained homeopathic practitioners approach chronic disease in a uniquely effective way.

Plant Research Shows Homeopathic Preparation Has “Highly Significant Differences” Than Control Group

A major challenge in basic research into homeopathic potentisation is to develop bioassays that yield consistent results. So a group of researchers evaluated the potential of using a seedling-biocrystallisation method. Basically you can analyze by computer the images of crystals formed on/within seedling sprouts and see if there is a difference between a group watered with a homeopathic remedy and one there is no homeopathic remedy, (or placebo).  ”Cress seedlings germinated and grew for approximately 96 h in hanging plastic bags on chromatography paper that had been soaked with either aqueous homeopathic preparations or control solutions. A watery extract was produced based on a filtrate of mashed seedlings that were crushed and extracted in the corresponding homeopathic preparation or control solution.”

Researchers in this project  were from a variety of high quality scientific establishments and labs:

Institute of Complementary Medicine KIKOM, University of Bern, Insel-Spital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
Hiscia Institute, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland
Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
Louis Bolk Institute, Hoofdstraat 24, 3972 LA Driebergen, The Netherlands
Crystal Lab, Landgoed Roepaen, Kleefseweg 9, 6595 NK Ottersum, The Netherlands
Biodynamic Research Association Denmark, Landsbyvaenget 7, Herskind, 8464 Galten, Denmark

The results were remarkable. The researchers noticed  significant effects of a homeopathic treatment with Stannum metallicum 30x compared to water on germinating cress seeds. There were over 15 independent experiments in two independent laboratories.

Conclusions:

Using computerized GLCM texture analysis of biocrystallograms, we observed significant effects of a homeopathic treatment with Stannum metallicum 30x compared to water 30x on germinating cress seed over 15 independent experiments in two independent laboratories. Showing a reproducible (regarding experimental days as well as the two laboratories) and highly significant effect of the homeopathic treatment, two variables of texture analysis (“cluster_shade” and “diagonal_moment”) seem to be of primary interest for follow-up studies.

It will be interesting to analyse the biocrystallograms of the present trial in more detail. Investigations with texture analysis in other resolution scales will provide information regarding the spatial localisation of the differences in texture. Other approaches of image analysis (e.g., fractal dimension) may add complementary information helping to further describe and understand the effects found. Interpretation of the biocrystallogram features identified will need additional investigations. Methodical improvements are needed to eliminate the processing order effect. Furthermore, a comparison of different seed lots with contrasting characteristics (e.g., size, density, age, vigour level) regarding their response towards the homeopathic treatment is necessary.

- Ecam

Scientific Trial: Homeopathic Remedy Treats Menopausal Hot Flushes Successfully

A study using a homeopathic remedy with menopausal women experiencing hot flashes in 35 active gynaecologists’ practices in France has shown dramatic success. Researchers are now recommending it as a “new therapeutic option with a safe profile for hot flashes in menopausal women.” “BRN-01 [the homeopathic remedy] seemed to have a significant effect on the HFS, compared with placebo.” The study included one hundred and eight menopausal women and was multicentered, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled.

Here is the Abstract

Background: Homeopathic medicines have a place among the non-hormonal therapies for the treatment of hot flashes during the menopause.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the non-hormonal treatment BRN-01 in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women.

Study Design: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study carried out between June 2010 and July 2011.

Setting: The study was conducted in 35 active centers in France (gynecologists in private practice).

Patients: One hundred and eight menopausal women, >=50 years of age, were enrolled in the study. The eligibility criteria included menopause for <24 months and >=5 hot flashes per day with a significant negative effect on the women’s professional and/or personal life.
Intervention: Treatment was either BRN-01 tablets, a registered homeopathic medicine containing Actaea racemosa (4 centesimal dilutions [4CH]), Arnica montana (4CH), Glonoinum (4CH), Lachesis mutus (5CH), and Sanguinaria canadensis (4CH), or identical placebo tablets, prepared by Laboratoires Boiron according to European Pharmacopoeia standards. Oral treatment (2 to 4 tablets per day) was started on day 3 after study enrollment and was continued for 12 weeks.
Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was the hot flash score (HFS) compared before, during, and after treatment. Secondary outcome criteria were the quality of life (QoL) [measured using the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS)], severity of symptoms (measured using the Menopause Rating Scale), evolution of the mean dosage, and compliance. All adverse events (AEs) were recorded.
Results: One hundred and one women were included in the final analysis (intent-to-treat population: BRN-01, n = 50; placebo, n = 51). The global HFS over the 12 weeks, assessed as the area under the curve (AUC) adjusted for baseline values, was significantly lower in the BRN-01 group than in the placebo group (mean +/- SD 88.2 +/- 6.5 versus 107.2 +/- 6.4; p = 0.0411). BRN-01 was well tolerated; the frequency of AEs was similar in the two treatment groups, and no serious AEs were attributable to BRN-01.
Conclusion: BRN-01 seemed to have a significant effect on the HFS, compared with placebo. According to the results of this clinical trial, BRN-01 may be considered a new therapeutic option with a safe profile for hot flashes in menopausal women who do not want or are not able to take hormone replacement therapy or other recognized treatments for this indication.
Trial registration number (EudraCT): 2009-016959-21.

Olympic Sprinter Usain Bolt Uses Homeopathy and Natural Therapies

Usain Bolt, Olympic sprinter and famed winner of numerous gold medals has been using homeopathy since the age of 16. He is a patient of German sports doctor Hans-Wilheim Muller-Wohifahrt who uses homeopathy at his Munich clinic.

“I’ve been coming here since I was 16,” the 100m world record holder recently said at a press conference in Munich. “It’s been a long relationship. Every time I have a problem, he always gives good advice and treatments. He’s the best at what he does. We are very close,”

Bolt was born with scoliosis, a curvature of the lower spine, which makes him more susceptible to back pain and injuries.

There are thousands of trained homeopathic physicians in Germany and Dr Müller-Wohlfahrt is a world leader in the treatment of sports injuries. “He is well-known for his holistic approach. Though conventionally trained in medicine and orthopaedics, his treatment includes manual diagnostics, as well as herbal and homeopathic remedies and acupuncture. Other  famous patients include Paula Radcliffe, Kelly Holmes, Tyson Gay, Ronaldo, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Boris Becker. He is also the team doctor for the German national football team and FC Bayern München.”

-Source health24

Official Swiss Government Study and Report Dramatically Affirms Homeopathy’s Positive Results, Safety and Cost Effectiveness

A new study and report by the Swiss Government has been published in an English book form.  It is the most comprehensive study of homeopathy undertaken  by a government.  As reported on Huffington Post the report is the most significant and largest study of homeopathy ever undertaken.

“The Health Technology Assessment report on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of homeopathy was compiled on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office for Public Health (BAG) within the framework of the ‘Program of Evaluation of Complementary Medicine (PEK)”.

After carefully monitoring homeopathic treatment in Switzerland and also taking an extensive overview of all scientific studies of homeopathy it concludes that “taking internal and external validity criteria into account, effectiveness of homeopathy can be supported by clinical evidence and professional and adequate application be regarded as safe”(PubMed).  They concluded that homeopathic treatment should continued to be reimbursed by Switzerland’s national health insurance program.

“The Swiss government’s “Health Technology Assessment” on homeopathic medicine is much more comprehensive than any previous governmental report written on this subject to date. Not only did this report carefully and comprehensively review the body of evidence from randomized double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trials testing homeopathic medicines, they also evaluated the “real world effectiveness” as well as safety and cost-effectiveness. The report also conducted a highly-comprehensive review of the wide body of preclinical research (fundamental physio-chemical research, botanical studies, animal studies, and in vitro studies with human cells).

And still further, this report evaluated systematic reviews and meta-analyses, outcome studies, and epidemiological research. This wide review carefully evaluated the studies conducted, both in terms of quality of design and execution (called “internal validity”) and how appropriate each was for the way that homeopathy is commonly practiced (called “external validity”).

After assessing pre-clinical basic research and the high quality clinical studies, the Swiss report affirmed that homeopathic high-potencies seem to induce regulatory effects (e.g., balancing or normalizing effects) and specific changes in cells or living organisms. The report also reported that 20 of the 22 systematic reviews of clinical research testing homeopathic medicines detected at least a trend in favor of homeopathy.* (Bornhöft, Wolf, von Ammon, et al, 2006)

The Swiss report noted that the Shang team [who authored the Lancet meta-analysis] did not even adhere to the QUORUM guidelines which are widely recognized standards for scientific reporting (Linde, Jonas, 2005).

Dana Ullman MPH on Huffington Post

Veterinarian With Science Background Praises The Deep and Effective Treatments Achieved With Homeopathy

Veterinary Surgeon Nick Thompson talks about how after initially rejecting alternative medicine, because his parents used that approach, he came to use homeopathy in his veterinary practice.

A Strong Testimonial For Homeopathy

Homeopathy has helped millions of people overcome serious chronic diseases. It is a 200 year old system that has stood the test of time both in terms of efficacy and safety.

In this video, patient and British Homeopathic Association Trustee Lauren Vaknine talks about how homeopathy has helped her live a normal life. She believes that without homeopathy she would have ended up in a wheelchair due to her Rheumatoid Arthritis which she was diagnosed with at the age of 2.

The British Homeopathic Association which is the sister organisation of the Faculty of Homeopathy exists to promote homeopathy practised by doctors and other healthcare professionals. As a charity founded in 1902, the organization a long-established reputation for providing authoritative information and supporting research and training in homeopathy.

Arizona University Study Conclusively Shows Chosen Homeopathic Remedies Improve Sleep

A study entitled,  ”Effects of homeopathic medicines on polysomnographic sleep of young adults with histories of coffee-related insomnia” has shown that homeopathic remedies have an impact on sleep using technical polysomnographic recordings. It was a placebo controlled study.

The study showed that a homeopathic remedy unlike the placebo “significantly increased PSG total sleep time and NREM, as well as awakenings and stage changes” in those participating in the study.

The study was run by faculty members of the Department of Family and Community Medicine,  Department of Psychiatry, Department of Psychology, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health,  Division of Family Studies and Human Development and the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA and the Office of World Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.

From the study:

Results

Verum remedies [real homeopathic remedies and not the placebo] significantly increased PSG total sleep time and NREM, as well as awakenings and stage changes. Changes in actigraphic and self-rated scale effects were not significant.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated the feasibility of using in-home, all-night sleep recordings to study homeopathic remedy effects. Findings are similar though not identical to those reported in animals with the same remedies. Possible mechanisms include initial disruption of the nonlinear dynamics of sleep patterns by the verum remedies.

  

New Study at Dutch University: Homeopathy Works for E-Coli Diarrhoea

A research study at the Wageningen University in Holland suggests that homeopathy may be an alternative to antibiotics in neonatal diarrhoea of piglets. This is a randomised, observer blind and placebo-controlled trial done on piglets, not prone to placebo effect. It is another remarkable example of a study showing that homeopathy works and that there is scientific verification for it. You can find the results in pubmed.

The Biological Farming Systems Group at the Wageningen University in the Netherlands recently conducted a research study to investigate if homeopathy might be an alternative to antibiotics in one of the most common illnesses in swine which is neonatal diarrhoea of piglets. This disease leads to weight loss and increased piglet mortality, which has substantial economic consequences. Conventional treatments of Escherichia coli (E. coli) diarrhoea is administration of antibiotics to affected piglets, or preventive vaccination of the sows.

To investigate if E. coli diarrhoea in neonatal piglets could be prevented by homeopathy, the researchers set up a randomised, observer blind and placebo-controlled trial. On a commercial pig farm 52 sows of different parities, in their last month of gestation, were treated twice a week with either the homeopathic agent Coli 30K or placebo. The 525 piglets born from these sows were scored for occurrence and duration of diarrhoea.

Piglets of the homeopathic treated group had significantly less E. coli diarrhoea than piglets in the placebo group (P < .0001). Especially piglets from first parity sows gave a good response to treatment with Coli 30K. The diarrhoea seemed to be less severe in the homeopathically treated litters, there was less transmission and duration appeared shorter.

Advantages at farm level are application of the treatment by the farmer and cost reduction. These advantages and the positive results from this study make the homeopathic agent Coli 30K an attractive potential alternative in the prevention of E. coli diarrhoea. This study also suggests that homeopathic treatment in livestock may help the European citizen be protected from pharmacological residues in animal products and thus reduce the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Reference
Camerlink I, Ellinger L, Bakker EJ, Lantinga EA (2010). Homeopathy as replacement to antibiotics in the case of Escherichia coli diarrhoea in neonatal piglets. Homeopathy, 99; 57–62.

-From homeopathyeurope.org

Study Shows Homeopathy As Effective as Conventional Medicine in Treating Acute Respiratory and Ear Complaints

A study using 57 primary care centers in Europe showed that homeopathy is as effective at treating acute respiratory and ear complaints as conventional treatment. Data of 1,577 patients was evaulated and 857 patient received homeopathic treatment.

The study was designed as an international, multi-centre, comparative cohort study of non-randomised design. Patients, presenting themselves with at least one chief complaint: acute (≤ 7 days) runny nose, sore throat, ear pain, sinus pain or cough, were recruited at 57 primary care practices in Austria (8), Germany (8), the Netherlands (7), Russia (6), Spain (6), Ukraine (4), United Kingdom (10) and the USA (8) and given either homeopathic or conventional treatment. Therapy outcome was measured by using the response rate, defined as the proportion of patients experiencing ‘complete recovery’ or ‘major improvement’ in each treatment group. The primary outcome criterion was the response rate after 14 days of therapy.

The study concluded that homeopathic treatment for acute respiratory and ear complaints, including those in children was at least as good as conventional medicine. And as importantly, the study also showed that the onset of improvement was much faster for patients using homeopathy with adults having less adverse reactions using homeopathy.

“However, onset of improvement within the first 7 days after treatment was significantly faster upon homeopathic treatment both in children (p = 0.0488) and adults (p = 0.0001). Adverse drug reactions occurred more frequently in adults of the conventional group than in the homeopathic group …”

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine-PubMedCentral

Check out this other study of patients with psoriasis that has recently been published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology.

 

Successful Use of Homeopathy In Over 2.5 Million People Reported From Cuba

A remarkable successful use of homeopathic prophylaxis was reported from a Cuban conference. Cuba has its own vaccine production and instead of using a conventional medical vaccine homeopathic remedies were distributed to prevent the usual Leptospirosis outbreak after tropical flooding. The results were phenomenally excellent!

The CDC describes Leptospirosis as:

“Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress.”

The study has been published in 2010 in The Faculty of Homeopathy Journal:

Results: After the homeoprophylactic intervention a significant decrease of the disease incidence was observed in the intervention regions. No such modifications were observed in non-intervention regions. In the intervention region the incidence of Leptospirosis fell below the historic median. This observation was independent of rainfall.

Conclusions: The homeo-prophylactic intervention was strongly associated with a drastic reduction of disease incidence resulting in complete control of the epidemic. The results support the use of homeopathic prophylactic formulations as a feasible strategy to help control epidemic situations. Integrated approaches should be designed according to regional conditions and epidemic characteristics. Scientific rigour and responsibility should direct further research and application of HP.

Here is a report from an attendee of  a recent conference in Cuba:

A historical and inspiring event took place 10-12 December 2008 in Havana Cuba that I had the honour to attend. There, the Carlos J Finlay Institute under the guidance of its director-general, Dra. Conception Campa Huergo and Dr. Gustavo Bravo and others hosted NOSODES 2008, an International Meeting on Homeoprophilaxis, Homeopathic Immunization and Nosodes against Epidemics.

Homeopaths from Cuba, S America, Canada, Australia, UK, and Kenya (yours truly) made presentations on the wide varieties of successful disease prevention using homeopathy and more specifically, nosodes.

Each presentation was more amazing than the previous. All were very remarkable and notable in the field of research and science. Some of the topics included Childhood Disease Prevention, Homeopathic prophylaxis as an aspect of gov’tal programs, Nosodes Genus Epidemicus and Compexes, Homeoprophylaxis on Agronomy, Homeoprophylaxis on Veternary, Homeoprophylaxis in TB, Homeoprophylaxis in Chagas disease, Homeoprophylaxis in hepatitis, Homeoprophylaxis in Malaria (yours truly, again) and the list of presentations goes on.

(I am sorry for my lack of variety of adjectives for this email – “remarkable”, “awesome” and “amazing” will be repeated often because I have no other way to express my opinion of this conference)

THE PREVENTION OF EPIDEMIC LEPTOSPIROSIS IN CUBA
But none of these remarkable speakers, each presenting their amazing work in disease prevention and use of nosodes could not hold a candle to the historical accomplishment of the Cubans in their presentation of controlling the local endemic-epidemic disease of Leptospirosis.

Now, the Finlay Institute is primarily the Cuban research institute that produces allopathic vaccinations for their country. Since Cuba is outcasted by the USA government, they have come to depend on themselves for the making of medicines, health care programs, etc. And since the Cuba is not under the yoke of the international pharmaceutical juggernaut, they are not held back from adopting homeopathy and other alternative medicines wholeheartedly into their national health programmes. The Finlay director-general herself is very pro-homeopathy (not to mention, besides, a macrobiotic vegetarian).

To put it simply, what they presented is this:

Cuba goes through a yearly cycle of Leptospirosis epidemic, especially after the hurricanes flood the countryside and water pollution reaches its height. (Leptospirosis: infectious disease caused by the spirochaete Leptospira transmitted to humans from rats, giving jaundice and kidney damage. Can cause death)

Annually the population is exposed to the disease, most especially after hurricanes.

Until Aug 2007, the Finlay Institute (a part of the Ministry of Public Health, Cuba) has been distributing its own allopathic Lepto vaccination. August is the height of the hurricane season. Annually, many are left homeless, flooded out and under the stress of disaster situation. There is a sharp rise in the lepto epidemic.

The usual expectacy of infection even with allopathic vaccination would have been around a few thousands, with some deaths included.

Part of the reason for this is that the high cost of vaccination prevents putting but the most at-risk populations (ie children, pregnant women, elderly) on vaccination. The cost of such limited vaccination is about US$3,000.000.

But in Aug 2007, Finlay put approximately [2,500,000] people (yes! 5 million doses!) in 2 provinces on homoepathic nosode prophylaxis at the cost of about only US$ 200,000.

That figure represents the entire population of the 2 provinces. The prophylaxis consisted of 2 single doses about 2 weeks apart. Included in the dose was the Lepto nosode + some Bach flower remedies to address the mental distress of the disaster situation.

How very amazing it was to watch this presentation being made. Up to the point, the presenters were showing us graph after graph of the usual rise of the epidemic, year after year, even with the use of allopathic vaccination. Each year the graphs would edge higher and higher towards the year-end, reaching up to the thousands of infected.

But this time, within 2 weeks after Aug 2007, the rising lines literally dropped off the chart to ZERO-Ten infections only! Yes. Near-zero infections, zero deaths from leptospirosis after Aug 2007. And in 2008, no deaths, infections less than 10 a month.

HISTORY MADE for Homeopathy
This mass treatment of 2.5 million people with homeopathy, I don’t believe, has been done anywhere else in the world, not even in India, where homeopathy enjoys the shelter of the government.

And the awesome results of going from hundreds of infected to near-zero in the period of a few weeks, also is historical. My jaw dropped as I watched the graphs demonstrate their success.

The Cuban team readily admits that they have not invented anything new as far as homeopathic philosophy or application. They have simply followed what we homeopaths know to work. And since they have no pharmaceutical multi-nationals to stop them, they were able to do it on a massive scale unknown in the history of homeopathy.

What is remarkable is their application to such a large population, and its dramatic success, with full scientific verification. The results are incontrovertible and undeniable even by the most rabid of anti-homeopaths.

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As a word or two about Dra Heurgo, Dr. Bravo and the rest of the Cuban team. Truly remarkable people. “Concita” as Dra Heurgo is lovingly known by the people of Cuba, is well known and loved as a woman who has done remarkable work to improve the health of the population. I found her to be a remarkable person – untiring, passionate about her work and compassionate in her motivation to serve her fellow human beings.

I should like to nominate her for the Nobel Prize.

[This post was edited to show and correct that there were 5 million doses and to 2.5 million people]

SEE ALSO THIS POST THAT CONTAINS A REPORT FROM THE ORIGINAL AUTHORS OF THE STUDY.