Guide to Homeopathic Research

Scientific Research in Homeopathy

Research in Homeopathy

Over 70 international publications and research studies on homeopathy have focused on clinical trials, fundamental studies and pharmacoepidemiological studies.

Below is a brief, non-exhaustive selection which forms a scientific basis for the use of homeopathy.

For more information on homeopathy and its research visit the Homeopathy Research Institute (based in the United Kingdom).

HRI Homeopathy Research Institute Web Link

Clinical Research

Clinical research in homeopathy aims to highlight the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines and the prescription method. In doing so, it indicates the effectiveness of infinitesimal dilutions but does not provide insight about the mechanisms of action.

Below are published clinical research (available on PubMed).

“To conclude that homeopathy lacks clinical effect, more than 90% of the available clinical trials had to be disregarded”
— Prof Robert Hahn

Clinical Research

  • Individualized homeopathic treatment and fluoxetine for moderate to severe depression in peri- and postmenopausal women (HOMDEP-MENOP study): a randomized, double-dummy, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

    Conclusion: Homeopathy and fluoxetine are effective and safe antidepressants for climacteric women. Homeopathy and fluoxetine were significantly different from placebo in response definition only. Homeopathy, but not fluoxetine, improves menopausal symptoms scored by Greene Climacteric Scale.

    Macías-Cortés Edel C, Llanes-González L, Aguilar-Faisal L, Asbun-Bojalil J. (2015) PLoS One. Mar 13;10(3):e0118440. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118440

  • Potentized estrogen in homeopathic treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

    Conclusion: Potentized estrogen (12cH, 18cH and 24cH) at a dose of 3 drops twice daily for 24 weeks was significantly more effective than placebo for reducing endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.

    Teixeira MZ, Podgaec S, Baracat EC. (2017) Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. Apr; 211:48-55. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.01.052

  • Is homoeopathy a placebo response? Controlled trial of homoeopathic potency, with pollen in hayfever as model.

    Abstract: The hypothesis that homoeopathic potencies are placebos was tested in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The study model chosen compared the effects of a homoeopathic preparation of mixed grass pollens with placebo in 144 patients with active hayfever. The homoeopathically treated patients showed a significant reduction in patient and doctor assessed symptom scores. (…) No evidence emerged to support the idea that placebo action fully explains the clinical responses to homoeopathic drugs.

    Teixeira MZ, Podgaec S, Baracat EC. (2017) Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. Apr; 211:48-55. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.01.052

  • Treatment of acute childhood diarrhea with homeopathic medicine: a randomized clinical trial in Nicaragua.

    Conclusion: The statistically significant decrease in the duration of diarrhea in the treatment group suggests that homeopathic treatment might be useful in acute childhood diarrhea.

    Jacobs J, Jiménez LM, Gloyd SS, Gale JL, Crothers D. (1994) Pediatrics. May; 93(5):719-25

  • Influence of potassium dichromate on tracheal secretions in critically ill patients.

    Results and Conclusion: The amount of tracheal secretions was reduced significantly in group 1 (p < 0.0001). Extubation could be performed significantly earlier in group 1 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, length of stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (4.20 +/- 1.61 days vs 7.68 +/- 3.60 days, p < 0.0001 [mean +/- SD]).

    These data suggest that potentized (diluted and vigorously shaken) potassium dichromate may help to decrease the amount of stringy tracheal secretions in COPD patients.

    Frass M, Dielacher C, Linkesch M, Endler C, Muchitsch I, Schuster E, Kaye A. (2005) Chest. Mar, 127(3): 936-41

  • Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo.

    Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that individualized homeopathy is significantly better than placebo in lessening tender point pain and improving the quality of life and global health of persons with fibromyalgia.

    Bell IR, Lewis DA 2nd, Brooks AJ, Schwartz GE, Lewis SE, Walsh BT, Baldwin CM. (2004) Rheumatology. May; 43:577–582. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keh111