Difference between revisions of "Homeopathy"

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{{IN USE}}
 
{{IN USE}}
Homoeopathy is a [[Pseudoscience|pseudo-scientific]] method which is being used for the treatment of almost any disease. It was invented by [[Samuel Hahnemann]], a doctor and occultist from Saxony, around 1800 and, largely unaltered, presists to this day. Homoeopathy relies on two general basic principles. One of them, known as the "law of similars", reads "let like be cured by like." Hahnemann determined that, according to the law of similars, every disease was curable by substances which cause similar symptoms when taken by a healthy patient. The other principle is called potentialization (actually meaning dilution). Homoeopathic remedies are supposed to be more effecitve the more they are diluted into solutions according to particular procedures. None of these two principles was confirmed experimentally until now.
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[[image:Hom7.jpg|Frontpage DER SPIEGEL 28/2010|300px|thumb]]
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[[image:PrinceCharles.jpg|Homeopathy fan Prince Charles inspecting a pharmacy company, creating homeopathic remedies|300px|thumb]]
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Homeopathy is a [[Pseudoscience|pseudo-scientific]] method used for the treatment of almost any disease. It was invented by [[Samuel Hahnemann]], a doctor and occultist from Saxony, around 1800 and, largely unaltered, persists to this day. Homeopathy relies on two general basic principles. One of them, known as the "law of similars", reads "let like be cured by like." Hahnemann determined that, according to the law of similars, every disease was curable by substances which cause similar symptoms when taken by a healthy patient. The other principle is called potentialization (actually meaning dilution). Homeopathic remedies are supposed to be more effective the more they are diluted into solutions according to particular procedures. None of these two principles was confirmed experimentally until now.
  
Believers in homoeopathy are frequently, consciously or unconsciously, overall sceptical towards scientific medicine: the (mostly irrational) fear of "harmful chemistry" is inseparably connected to a "nocebo effect" which impairs the effect of well approved conventional methods.
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Believers in homeopathy are frequently, consciously or unconsciously, overall skeptical towards scientific medicine: the (mostly irrational) fear of "harmful chemistry" is inseparably connected to a "nocebo effect" which impairs the effect of well approved conventional methods.
  
 
Also see: [[Allopathy]]
 
Also see: [[Allopathy]]
  
==Variants of Homoeopathy==
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==Variants of Homeopathy==
Different variants of the original classic homoeopathy developed in the course of the time. Today, there are low-potentizers and high-potentizers, monotherapists and polypragmatists, homoeopathic phytotherapists and anthroposophic homoeopaths, etc.
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Different variants of the original classic homeopathy developed in the course of time. Today, there are low-potentizers and high-potentizers, monotherapists and polypragmatists, homeopathic phytotherapists and anthroposophic homeopaths, etc.
  
*Classic homoeopathy is the form of homoeopathy strictly complying to Samuel Hahnemann's teachings. According to Hahnemann no more than one remedy is to be administered for all physical or mental diseases at any given time. A classical homoeopath thus will look for the one remedy he believes to be the suitable similar. The most well-known current representative is Georgos Vithoulkas.
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*Classic homeopathy is the form of homeopathy strictly complying to Samuel Hahnemann's teachings. According to Hahnemann, no more than one remedy is to be administered for all physical or mental diseases at any given time. A classical homeopath thus will look for the one remedy he believes to be the appropriate similar. The most well-known current representative is Georgos Vithoulkas.
*Constitutional homoeopathy applies mixtures of homoeopathic remedies based on due respective diagnoses. Also see: Constitutional homoeopathy
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*Constitutional homeopathy applies mixtures of homeopathic remedies based on respective diagnoses. Also see: Constitutional homeopathy
*Clinical homoeopathy describes the application of homoeopathic remedies in so-called low potencies (D1-D12) for certain diagnoses.
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*Clinical homeopathy describes the application of homeopathic remedies in so-called low potencies (D1-D12) for certain diagnoses.
*Miasmatic homoeopathy describes different variants of constitutional homoeopathy with an emphasis on the therapy of chronic diseases in due consideration of Hahneman's miasmatic theory.
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*Miasmatic homeopathy describes different variants of constitutional homeopathy with an emphasis on the therapy of chronic diseases in due consideration of Hahneman's miasmatic theory.
 
*Micro-immune therapy is a method which potentises cytokines applied sublingually. Providers of this therapy assume that this will place a high concentration of immune system components under the patient's tongue. The therapy aims at modulating the immune system with the potentized effect of cytokines. Maurice Jenaer is regarded the founder of micro-immune therapy. One supplier of micro-immunal therapeutic agents is Labo'Life company which also holds a patent on "specific nucleid acids". Details on effect and composition of the remedies are not available.
 
*Micro-immune therapy is a method which potentises cytokines applied sublingually. Providers of this therapy assume that this will place a high concentration of immune system components under the patient's tongue. The therapy aims at modulating the immune system with the potentized effect of cytokines. Maurice Jenaer is regarded the founder of micro-immune therapy. One supplier of micro-immunal therapeutic agents is Labo'Life company which also holds a patent on "specific nucleid acids". Details on effect and composition of the remedies are not available.
*Biochemical homoeopathy refers to a variant of homoeopathy which uses nosodes and potentized poisons (also see the Horvi-Enzyme-Therapy). The method is apparently only used by its inventor, biochemist and non-medical practitioner Karin Lenger from Offenbach.
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*Biochemical homeopathy refers to a variant of homeopathy which uses nosodes and potentized toxins (also see the Horvi-Enzyme-Therapy). The method apparently is only used by its inventor, biochemist and non-medical practitioner Karin Lenger from Offenbach.
*Newer interpretations and derivatives of homoeopathy are gaining ground. Borderlines towards faith healing or energy medicine are rather blurred. Representatives of this therapy mostly refused by classical homeopaths believe an introduction of remedies into the patient's body following anamnesis and repertorization was not necessary. They believe physical proximity between patient and remedy was sufficient to develop effects. Remedies could thus e.g. be kept on the body or placed under the patient's pillow. A glass of water is also said to show homoeopathic effects when merely placed on a sheet of paper with the name of the remedy. The paper will then transfer its information to the water. Some methods typically applied in this spectrum are Harmopathy, New Homoeopathy according to Erich Körbler, Seghal method, Herscue method, process-oriented homoeopathy, quantum logical homoeopathy, creative homoeopathy, impulse homoeopathy, Similis cards, Silent Healing or the Sankaran method (also called "Bombay method" or "systematic homoeopathy"). Tele-homoeopathy is another variant of homoeopathy whose inventor claims it was effective as a remote treatment via internet (e-mail or Skype) or via telephone.
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*Newer interpretations and derivatives of homeopathy are gaining ground. Borderlines towards faith healing or energy medicine are rather blurred. Representatives of this therapy mostly refused by classical homeopaths believe an introduction of remedies into the patient's body following anamnesis and repertorization was not necessary. They believe physical proximity between patient and remedy was sufficient to develop effects. Remedies could thus e.g. be kept on the body or placed under the patient's pillow. A glass of water is also said to show homeopathic effects when merely placed on a sheet of paper with the name of the remedy. The paper will then transfer its information to the water. Some methods typically applied in this spectrum are Harmopathy, New Homeopathy according to Erich Körbler, Seghal's method, Herscue's method, process-oriented homeopathy, quantum logical homeopathy, creative homeopathy, impulse homeopathy, Similis cards, Silent Healing or the Sankaran method (also called "Bombay method" or "systematic homeopathy"). Tele-homeopathy is another variant of homeopathy whose inventor claims it was effective as a remote treatment via internet (e-mail or Skype) or via telephone.
*Homoeosiniatry is a method combining the elements of homoeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine. Both acupuncture and homoeopathic remedies are being applied.
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*Homoeosiniatry is a method combining the elements of homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine. Both acupuncture and homeopathic remedies are being applied.
*Digital homoeopathy as an alternative expression for Holopathy.
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*Digital homeopathy as an alternative expression for Holopathy.
 
*[[Banerji protocol]]-method
 
*[[Banerji protocol]]-method
*C4-Homoeopathy
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*C4-Homeopathy
 
*"resonance healing" according to Peter Chappell
 
*"resonance healing" according to Peter Chappell
  
Electro-homoeopathy is no homoeopathic method with which it only shares the name, but refers to a variant of spagyrics. Some electrically operated equipment for diagnostics or therapy will be connected to homoeopathy by their inventors and suppliers. Cem Tech, Transmaterial Catalyst or Wave Transfer are some examples of such devices.
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Electro-homeopathy is no homeopathic method with which it only shares the name, but refers to a variant of spagyrics. Some electrically operated equipment for diagnostics or therapy will be connected to homeopathy by their inventors and suppliers. Cem Tech, Transmaterial Catalyst or Wave Transfer are some examples of such devices.
  
In accordance with the patients to be treated, there is a homoeopathy aiming at curing human beings, but also animal and plant homoeopathy. Plant homoeopathy comprises methods influencing plant growth with homoeopathic products (e.g. a product named Biplantol).
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In accordance with the patients to be treated, there is a homeopathy aiming at curing human beings, but also animal and plant homeopathy. Plant homeopathy comprises methods influencing plant growth with homeopathic products (e.g. a product named Biplantol).
  
  
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==No scientific basis==
 
==No scientific basis==
After some 200 years of research of homoeopaths and non-homoeopaths, no scientific proof of an efficacy of homoeopathy - beyond the placebo effect - has been established, and mechanism of actions postulated are classified as disproven today. According to the present level of knowledge, homoeopathy must be seen as a placebo therapy which, however, does not mean it is completey ineffective. One can indeed assume that, particularly given a charismatic therapist and a corresponding therapeutic ritual, it can achieve an effect with corresponding patients compared to no treatment (that is the idleness).  
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After some 200 years of research of homeopaths and non-homeopaths, no scientific proof of an efficacy of homeopathy - beyond the placebo effect - has been established, and mechanism of actions postulated are classified as disproven today. According to the present level of knowledge, homeopathy must be seen as a placebo therapy which, however, does not mean it is completey ineffective. One can indeed assume that, particularly given a charismatic therapist and a corresponding therapeutic ritual, it can achieve an effect with corresponding patients compared to no treatment (i.e. inactivity).  
Dangers may result from homoeopathy when homoeopath and patient will overestimate the placebo effects and thus refrain from treatments with a reproducible proof of effectiveness beyond the placebo effect.
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Dangers may result from homeopathy when homeopath and patient will overestimate the placebo effects and thus refrain from treatments with reproducible proof of efficacy beyond the placebo effect.
  
What speaks against homoeopathy is there is no evidence of efficacy, the pseudo-scientific dogmatic character of homoeopathy schools (which are actually orthodox medical practitioners), the completely lack of prevention of disease as well as inherent contradictions like the not reproducible cinchona experiment to which Hahnemann refers alternatively. Homoeopaths do not like to say how long a therapy shall be carried out. From a chemical scientific point of view the method of potentialization (which rather is a dilution) cannot be accomodated to reality.
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The following aspects speak against homeopathy: there is no evidence of efficacy, the pseudo-scientific dogmatic character of homeopathy schools (which are actually orthodox medical practitioners), the complete lack of prevention of disease as well as inherent contradictions like the irreproducible cinchona experiment to which Hahnemann refers alternatively. Homeopaths do not like to tell how long a therapy shall be carried out. From a chemical scientific point of view the method of potentialization (which rather is a dilution) cannot be accomodated to reality.
  
An alleged lack of side effects is often mentioned as an argument speaking for homoeopathy. It is being argued that hardly any side effects are to be expected from strong dilutions. This argument, however, contradicts the assumption that dilution increases the effect of a substance and thus must be seen as an inherent contradiction of homoeopathy. Another argument in favour of homoeopathy often voiced is the strengthening of human abilities to self-healing. Supporters have, as of yet, failed to provide any respective evidence.
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An alleged lack of side effects is often mentioned as an argument speaking for homeopathy. It is being argued that hardly any side effects are to be expected from strong dilutions. This argument, however, contradicts the assumption that dilution increases the effect of a substance and thus must be seen as an inherent contradiction of homeopathy. Another argument in favour of homeopathy often voiced is the strengthening of human abilities of self-healing. Supporters have, as of yet, failed to provide any respective evidence.
  
Contrary to frequent views of homoeopathy offering a holistic treatment, this alternative form of medical treatment must be considered as a symptom-based therapy exclusively based on symptoms discernible to and described by the patient. The aetiology of diseases (cause study) is vastly ignored.
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Contrary to frequent views of homeopathy offering a holistic treatment, this alternative form of medical treatment must be considered as a symptom-based therapy exclusively based on symptoms discernible to and described by the patient. The aetiology of diseases (cause study) is vastly ignored.
  
Hahnemann and modern homoeopaths orientate themselves at healing laws of which the idea also is part that homoeopathic therapies treat people from inside to the outside and beginningly with the latest symptom. In turn such ideas do not have any basis in any models of biology or illness.
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Hahnemann and modern homeopaths base their theories on healing laws which include the concept that homeopathic therapies were healing a human being from top to bottom and from inside to outside, beginning with the latest symptom. Such ideas are not based on any models of biology or disease.
  
The medical faculty of the University of Marburg declared the homoeopathy as false doctrine in the medical news of March 3rd, 1993: It's active principle is deception of the patient, strengthened by the self-deception of the therapist.
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The Medical Faculty of Marburg University, in magazine Ärzteblatt dated March 3, 1993, declared homeopathy a false doctrine: Its mechanism of action was a deception of the patient, enforced by self-deception on the part of the therapist.
  
==Pseudo-scientific explanation approaches==
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==Pseudo-scientific explanatory approaches==
The homoeopathy is not plausible from the scientific view: It contradicts the logic, the laws of nature and medical knowledge of the past and presence. High potencies after D23 or C12 do not contain any molecule of the raw material. How shall drops which only consist of solvents operate? There is no water memory which could take "information".
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From a scientific view, homeopathy is not plausible:It contradicts logic, the laws of nature, and medical knowledge past and present. High potencies of D23 or C12 or more do not contain any molecule of raw material. How are drops supposed to work which only consist of solvents? There is no water memory which could assimilate "information".
  
It is not meaningful in the scientific medicine to explain the operation of methods which can not provide the slightest effectiveness proof. The question about the active principle of the homoeopathy is completely senseless as long as there are no indications that homoeopathy develops an effect at all. All attempts at explanation of the homoeopathy are not founded therefore scientifically and will be able to do as classified pseudo-scientifically.
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Within the framework of scientific medicine, it is not reasonable to explain the functionality of methods which are not in a position to prove their efficacy. Any exploration of mechanisms of action in homeopathy are not reasonable as long as there is no indication of homeopathy having any efficacy in the first place. Therefore, all attempts at explaining homeopathy are scientifically unfounded and must be classified as pseudo-science.
  
This, however, does not stop homoeopaths from thinking up working mechanisms to the homoeopathy and publishing these. The span width reaches the pseudo-scientific re-interpretation of quantum mechanical and atom physical knowledge (see of animistic ideas of spirit animated matter in which the potentization releases the positive spirits (also vibrations) of the substances: Quantum mysticism.
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This, however, does not prevent homeopaths from devising mechanisms of action regarding homeopathy, nor from publishing these. The range covered spans from animist concepts of animated matter in which dilution will release the positive spirits (or vibrations) of substances to a pseudo-scientific re-interpretation of quantum mechanic and nuclear physical concepts (cf. quantum mysticism). Contemporary homeopaths and supporters of homeopathy often refer to quantum mechanics in physics in order to explain the alleged effects of homeopathic remedies. Quantum effects, however, only matter on a subatomic and perhaps probably on an atomic level. They are not relevant for the macroscopic world or for biological systems like virus, individual cells or upwards. Two persons often mentioned in this context are Anton Zeilinger, a quantum physicist from Vienna, and psychologist Harald Walach, a professor at European University Viadrina in Frankfort.
  
The water memory, which Jacques Benveniste thought to have found, is often quoted as evidence. It is clear at the latest since 1995 that Benvenistes results are not comprehensible. It is nevertheless claimed furthermore that high potencies would contain information, although neither one can find information carriers nor a code is conceivable. So it is not surprising that the last "evidence" which is celebrated as a breakthrough proved also wrong and intolerable with rat intestines at the university Leipzig. An extensive appreciation of this pseudo research at the university Leipzig is found here: '''add source'''[4]. Whatever information the structure of the water contains in the conception of the supporters, it would have to be transferred also to the sugar pills on which the drop of the homoeopathic water is laid on. The memory of the water would have to "survive" in a way the ingestion and absorption through the gastrointestinal system in the body and the transport by the blood up to the tissue. Biologists have neither found a "water memory" nor discovered homoeopathic signals or receptors, still something which could plausibly serve as a receptor for water structures.
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An alleged water memory, which Jacques Benveniste imagined to have detected, is often cited as evidence. It has been evident since 1995 at the latest that Benvenistes results are not reproducible. Still the claim is maintained that high dilutions contained information, although neither an information carrier nor a code can be conceived. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that also the most recent "evidence" employing rat intestines, celebrated as a breakthrough, was finally proven wrong and proved to be untenable. An extensive appreciation of this pseudo-research at Leipzig University may be found here: '''add source'''[4]. Whatever information the structure of water is supposed to contain according to the concept of its supporters, it additionally needed to be transferred to the sugar pills on which the drop of homeopathic water is applied. Water memory would have to "survive" ingestion and absorption by the gastrointestinal system, as well as transport to the body tissues by blood. Biologists have neither found a "water memory" nor discovered homeopathic signals or receptors, nor anything which plausibly was in a position to serve as a receptor for water structures.
  
Today's homoeopaths often retire on the quantum mechanics to explain the alleged effect of homoeopathic remedies. However, quantum effects are from importance only at a subatomic and perhaps still atomic level. They are not relevant for the macroscopic world or biological systems like viruses, single cells or upward.
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Diluted water, too, is being offered as a homeopathic remedy (1 gram of diluted water costs about 1 pound, see illustration on the right), rendering the concept just as dubious as the assertions of some homeopaths that remedies placed beneath the pillow or carried on the body were also able to take an effect.
  
The fact that also diluted water is offered as a homoeopathic remedy (1 gram of a diluted water costs about 1 pound, see illustration on the right) makes the concept just as doubtfully as the assertions of some homoeopaths that an effect would start out from remedies carried under the pillow or at the body.
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==Dangers of Homeopathy==
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As scientific article and media have established repeatedly, homeopathic remedies are not free of risks. Homeopathic cures may, for instance, relay the application of adequate efficient therapies, or may prevent their use completely.
  
==Homoeopathy and Medical Ethic==
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==Homeopathy and malaria prophylaxis and anti-tick globules==
Besides the dangers of a refrained or delayed effective therapy in favour of the application of homoeopathic remedies, also other ethical questions arise. The prescription of homoeopathic remedies as a placebo can have only a sense if the therapist does not inform the patient about the actual placebo character of these remedies, and withholds the fact from him that (at least in the high-potentized remedies) no working molecule is contained. It is a disdain of ethical principles not to inform the patient about the real character of a therapy and undermines also the relation to the patient which is based on confidence.
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It has been repeatedly observed in Germany that homeopaths will use a remedy by the name of "Malaria 2000", using it as a prophylactic with patients who intend to enter countries where malaria happens to be endemic. On quite a regular basis, hospitals will treat patients suffering from malaria who report to have done a prophylaxis with this remedy but contracted the disease all the same. There was at least one fatal case in which a patient died after having undergone a prophylaxis with Malaria 2000.
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On its website, a public radio station in Bavaria quotes the Munich Institute for Tropical Diseases which established several fatalities of persons having relied on a homeopathic malaria prophylaxis. In publications, the Drug Commissions of Pharmacists and the German Medical Association explicitly cautioned against such homeopathic malaria prophylaxes: Already on March 19, 1998, the Drug Commission of Pharmacists cautioned against a homeopathic malaria prophylaxis. It is explicitly pointed out that malaria is a serious and in some cases life-threatening medical condition which "may not be met by non-specific homeopathic remedies with which patients believe to be able to acquire an increased immunity towards malaria pathogens. There are cases on record in scientific literature in which such a "prophylaxis" failed. We therefore strongly advise against dispensing homeopathic remedies for malaria prophylaxis". The warning issued by the Drug Commission of German Medical Doctors (AMK), published in German Medical News issue no. 95 dated August 19, 1998, is even more explicit and insistent. AMK refers to the homeopathic malaria prophylaxis provided by one particular company, writing: [...] Practising physicians prescribing homeopathic malaria prophylaxes to patients will face consequences under professional codes of practice and will be prosecuted criminally. Malaria is a serious disease which may be life-threatening, [...] Due to acute dangers for patients relying on the homeopathic remedy received, AMK views this as malpractice and, to protect patients, strictly advises against prescribing such remedies.  
  
==Homoeopathy and malaria prophylaxis and anti tick globules==
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On the other hand, disease prophylaxis per se is controversial within the homeopathy scene, since no homeopathic remedies can be found in the absence of recognizable symptoms. Such malaria prophylaxes also emerged in England, causing British NHS to suspend payments to homeopathic facilities in 2008.  
In Germany it is to be observed again and again that homoeopaths use the remedy malaria 2000 (or another remedy) to a so-called malaria prophylaxis for patients who intend to travel to a country in which the malaria is endemic. Regularly malaria patients have to be treated who indicate to have prepared in such a way in front of malaria and were infected nevertheless. It came to at least one death of a patient after a malaria 2000 prophylaxis. The Bavarian broadcast quotes the tropics institute in Munich on his web pages, there therefore were several deaths with people who had relied on a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis. The drug commissions of the pharmacists and the German medical association took position with publications and clear warnings against such a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis: The drug commission of the pharmacists has warned of a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis in the pharmaceutical newspaper already on March 19th, 1998. It is put straight that malaria represents a serious and partly life-threatening illness and "is not to be confronted with non-specific homoeopathic remedies of which one hopes for an increased immunity of the body against malaria pathogenes. Such malfunctioned “prophylaxis” cases are literature-well-informed".  You warn therefore urgently to hand in homoeopathic means to the malaria prophylaxis. It is urgently advised against to hand in homoeopathic remedies to the malaria prophylaxis. The drug commission of the German medical association warn even more considerably and more sharply in the German medical news 95 of June 19th, 1998. The drug commission took reference to a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis offered by a company. Literal: "Set up doctors who order patients a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis have to expect profession legal and criminal consequences. The malaria is a serious and perhaps life-threatening illness, because of the acute endangering of the patients who perhaps rely on their homoeopathic remedy, the drug commission of the German medical association sees at the prescription of such homoeopathic remedies to the malaria prophylaxis a violation of the professional duties of the doctor and disadvises urgently, for the safety of the patients, from a prescription of such remedies. On the other hand the illness prophylaxis is controversial within the homoeopathy scene, because no homoeopathic remedies can be found without recognizable symptoms. Also in England such malaria prophylaxes had been confessed and the English state NHS therefore suspended the payments to homoeopathic facilities as of 2008.
 
  
Also so-called anti ticks globules are similarly critical to prevent a Lyme disease illness on a natural way, how a pharmacy in Arnsberg secretly means. To this this pharmacy has developed a special mixture with a homoeopathic manufacturer which contains nosodes, which shall represent a homoeopathic vaccination. It particularly is referred to the Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE),which is transferred by ticks, and the Lyme disease. The anti ticks globules shall contain in addition also Ledum palustre (Marsh Labrador tea), what is supposed to change the body odour of one's own according to a protection.
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So-called anti-tick globules to prevent Lyme disease - in a natural way, as an Arnsberg pharmacy advises sub rosa - must be seen in a similarly critical way. The pharmacy claims to have developed a particular mixture in cooperation with a manufacturer of homeopathics; the mixture contains nosodes which are supposed to be a homeopathic equivalent to vaccination. There is an explicit reference to diseases like tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. The globules are said to additionally contain ledum palustre (Marsh Labrador tea) which is supposed to effect changes in body odour and thus protect patients.
  
The application of Spenglersan Kolloid M-remedies for the the malaria prophylaxis could not prevent documented a malaria, Swedish doctors published case reports and a warning to this.
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The application of homeopathic Spenglersan Kolloid M remedies for malaria prophylaxis documentedly was not in a position to prevent malaria. Swedish doctors published case reports and cautioned.
  
The World Health Organization WHO has explicitly warned 2009 of the homoeopathy as a treatment option at malaria, HIV infection, tuberculosis, influenza and diarrhoeas in the childhood.
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In 2009, the World Health Organization WHO explicitly warned against homeopathy as a treatment option for malaria, HIV infection, tuberculosis, influenza, and diarrhoea in children.
  
==Homoeopathic Antidots==
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==Homeopathic Antidots==
Supporters of the homoeopathy are afraid of apparently unwanted effects of the own therapies, particularly as too intensive first worsenings after a homoeopathic medication. But this case is also provided for by so-called homoeopathic antidotes. Therefore it would be sufficient to disable the remedy causing the first worsenings by a couple of drinks of a strong coffee or by smelling to camphors (tiger balsam, Vic-vapo rup ...). According to the so-called women's magazine "FÜR SIE" (engl. for her) mobile telephones would "impair" homoeopathic remedies in their effect. At the taking of such a remedy one should set the mobile telephone aside. The electromagnetic fields of radio alarms, computers and microwaves also can impair the effect of the remedies.
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Supporters of homeopathy are afraid of apparently unwelcome effects of their therapies, particularly in terms of a too intense initial worsening following a homeopathic medication. In such cases, so-called homeopathic antidotes may be applied. For this purpose patients are advised it was sufficient to render the remedy ineffective simply by ingesting [...] some strong coffee or taking smells at camphor (tiger balm, Vic-vapo-rup...) [...].
  
==History of Homoeopathy==
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According to so-called women's magazine "FÜR SIE" (i.e. "for her"), mobile phones "impaired" the efficacy of homeopathic remedies. Before ingesting such a remedy, mobile phones therefore should be put aside. Similarly, electromagnetic fields of radio alarm clocks, computers, and microwave ovens may impair the efficacy of remedies.
One can grant homoeopathy thoroughly "scientific" character at time of its development (according to definition at that time). After all, Hahnemann proceeded empirically and checked his thesis at experiments on himself. Nowadays the gain of knowledge since these time makes the theory only seem interesting from the medicine historical view. The homoeopathy cannot be regarded as a serious medical method due to the missing effectiveness proof. At Hahnemann's times neither a clinical thermometer was invented nor the knowledge of bacteria was acquired, instead the strangest attempts to explain arose (miasma for example, pathogenic steams which raise of the ground), so that one must quite regard Hahnemann's model from historical view as reasonable. From today's view after over two centuries of enormous knowledge gain one can suspect that even Hahnemann, he would still live and have today's knowledge, would mock his apologists. So the homoeopathy was already criticized intensely over 100 years ago (see links). The similarity principle of the homoeopathy does not go back on Hahnemann, there already were analogous conceivabilities (for example in England) before.
 
  
Furthermore it is remarkable that some of Hahnemanns recommendations from the Organon, such as the application of a hot terpentine to scald injuries, are not propagated broadly anymore. With injuries at which one can immediately see the success or failure of a treatment the teachings are rejected partly correctly as obsolete and unfounded. The parts of Hahemanns teachings which are also illogical and unfounded, however, are commercialized profitably at whose putting into action one can hope for the placebo effect.
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==History of Homeopathy==
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At the time of its emerge, homeopathy must be conceded quite "scientific" a character, in accordance with definitions valid at that time. After all, Hahnemann proceeded empirically, checking theses in self-experiments.
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Due to the increase in knowledge occured since, this theory appears interesting merely from a medico-historical point of view. Due to the lack of evidence regarding efficacy, homeopathy cannot be regarded as a serious medical method. At Hahnemann's times, neither clinical thermometers had been invented nor had knowledge of bacteria been acquired, instead there were weird explanations (e.g. miasma theories of pathogenic vapours emanating from the soil), so Hahnemann's model must be seen as quite sensible from a historical point of view. From today's view, after more than two centuries of an enormous gain in knowledge, one can assume that even Hahnemann, given today's knowledge, felt inclined to ridicule his apologists. Thus homeopathy was fiercely criticized already more than 100 years ago (see links). The law of similars does not go back to Hahnemann; analogical concepts already existed prior to Hahnemann (e.g. in England).
  
==Homoeopathic doctors in Europe==
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It is furthermore remarkable that some of the recommendations given in Hahnemann's Organon are not being propagated broadly any longer, such as applying hot turpentine to scaldings. While Hahnemann's teachings thus are, quite appropriately, partly rejected as outdated and unfounded, particulary with treatments showing immediate effect or failure, other parts of his teachings are still being marketed profitably, in particular those allowing for a placebo effect.
5.000 doctors shall approximately have attained a qualification as homoeopath in Germany. The net newspaper says that approximately every 40th doctor has a qualification in "homoeopathy" in Germany at the moment. According to information from the ECHAMP about 2.5% of the doctors in Germany, 8.3% in Italy and in 14% Slovakia, have a qualification in "homoeopathy". On the other hand, the quota is under 0.03% in Sweden, of almost 30.000 only ten have a homoeopathic additional training for Swedish doctors, altogether. 56.000 doctors would therefore almost Europe-wide have a qualification in "homoeopathy". The so glaringly different acceptance of the homoeopathy into two industrial nations like Germany and Sweden at a comparable health status of the German and Swede shows that the homoeopathy can be renounced without problems on the one hand apparently without a relevant effect arising on the population's health and on the other hand that the popularity of the homoeopathy is rather not associated to scientific arguments or proofs of evidence, but relies more on philosophy of lives, prejudices or traditions. Convincing scientific arguments and effectiveness proofs which would speak for the application of the homoeopathy, would also have convinced Swedish physicians.
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==Homeopathic doctors in Europe==
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Approximately 5,000 doctors are said to have acquired a qualification as a homeopath in Germany. Netzzeitung (an online paper) says that presently about 1 in every 40 doctors hold additional qualifications in "homeopathy" in Germany. According to ECHAMP, about 2.5% of doctors in Germany, 8.3% in Italy, and 14% in Slovakia have a qualification in "homeopathy". On the other hand, this quota is below 0.03% in Sweden, where only ten of almost 30,000 have an additional homeopathic qualification.
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Throughout Europe, 56,000 doctors were holding respective qualifications. An acceptance of homeopathy so glaringly different in two industrialized nations like Germany and Sweden with a comparable health status indicates, on the one hand, that homeopathy may be seen as dispensable without difficulty and without causing a relevant effect on a population's health. On the other hand it shows that the popularity of homeopathy is not as much connected to scientific arguments or a probable efficacy, but rather to Weltanschauung, prejudice or tradition, since conclusive scientific arguments and proof of efficacy supporting the implementation of homeopathy would have also convinced Swedish physicians.
  
 
==The business with homeopathics==
 
==The business with homeopathics==
Germany and France are the most important markets for a homoeopathic and anthroposophic-homoeopathic medicine in Europe. Almost 60% of all medicines of these therapy directions produced in Europe were, sold '''add source'''[27] with a Europe-wide increase of 60% between 1995 and 2005 in these two countries. In Germany there was a turnover plus of 80%, in France 300%. The Europe-wide sales volume amounts to 1.7 billion Euros, about 7% of all medicine available without prescription. The revenues of the production amounted to about 930 million Euros, therefrom 810 million Euros for medicine in 2005. Measured against the manufacturer's prices about 268 million Euros of the EU sales were allotted to Germany, on France 294 million Euros. According to information from the weekly periodical of "Der Spiegel" the sales volume of homoeopathic remedies was at 400 million Euros in 2009. According to information from the federal association of the pharmaceutical industry the legal health insurance companies paid 9 million Euros for homoeopathic remedies. The subsequent costs are not, however, included for ineffective homoeopathic therapies here. The costs by homoeopathic first and subsequent case histories which must be usually paid by the patients are also not comparable with these costs. The market leading enterprise in Germany is the German homoeopathy union (DHU). The group with over 400 employees has developed out of the company Schwabe set up in 1961.
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Germany and France are the most important markets for both homeopathic and anthroposophic-homeopathic remedies in Europe. Almost 60% of all medicines of these therapy concepts produced in Europe were sold in these two countries '''add source'''[27], with a Europe-wide increase of 60% between 1995 and 2005. German sales saw a turnover plus amounting to 80%, while figures in France increased by 300%. Europe-wide sales volumes amount to 1.7 billion Euros, about 7% of all non-prescription drugs. In 2005, produce revenues amounted to approx. 930 million Euros, with 810 million Euros thereof for medicine.
  
The most used homeopathic is Oscilococcinum C200. This remedy also is called the "20 million canard". The annual turnover for the product is 20 million dollars. The remedy is produced from duck liver, but only the liver of one single duck is used for the complete sales volume, and of this something is left: The potentization of C200 means that the ratio of liver to the solution 1 to 10 is with 400 zeros.
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Measured by producer's prices, about 268 million Euros of the EU sales were effected in Germany, and 294 million Euros in France. According to information from weekly periodical "Der Spiegel", sales volumes for homeopathic remedies amounted to 400 million Euros in 2009. According to information from Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Industry, statutory health insurance companies paid 9 million Euros for homeopathic remedies. However, follow-up costs incurring due to ineffective homeopathic therapies are not included in this figure. Costs for homeopathic first and follow-up anamneses are not included, either, since these usually have to be paid by patients.
  
==Homoeopathy is financially interesting for doctors==
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In Germany, German Homeopathic Union (DHU) are the leading providers. This corporation with more than 400 employees emerged from Schwabe company founded in 1961.  
The payoff of "homoeopathic" benefits by doctors gets more and more attractive for these as the doctor newspaper reported already 2007. The compensation contains € 90 first case history, € 20 Repertorisation, € 20 analysis and € 45 subsequent case history. For these € 175 a set up specialist cares for 5 "conventional" patients for a whole quarter, regardless how often these appear in the practice. In principle, as a National Health patient one can take up homoeopathic performances at such illness forms "at which a cure or alleviation has to be expected by a specifical therapeutical response of potentially still available self-healing strengths".
 
  
==Homoeopathy and controversial measles parties==
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The most commonly used homeopathic in the USA is Oscilococcinum C200. This remedy also goes by the name of "20 million canard". Annual turnover for this product adds up to 20 million dollars. The remedy is produced from duck liver, but the complete sales volume does not need more than one single liver - with considerable left-overs remaining from this one piece: A dilution of C200 means a liver to solution ratio of 1 to 10 and 400 ciphers.
2005 became known that supporters of the homoeopathy do not decline so-called measles parties generally. Quotation of a corresponding newspaper article: Homoeopathic doctors do not decline "measles parties" generally. At tradeoff of the possible side effects of a vaccination with the risks of an illness, an infection caused consciously "is worth a consideration, at an age between about three and eight years" said the Munich paediatrician Dr. Steffen Rabe.
 
  
It is a result of the vaccinating campaigns that in comparison with in the past more babies and adults fall ill at measles outbreaks today. The risk of falling ill with complications, such as a brain fever, because of measles was, however, higher with this group of people up to ten times, Rabe said. "The increased measles illness frequency with babies is an immediate result of the vaccinating politics", so Rabe. The last decision on the participation of a child in a "measles party" always rests with parents in the opinion of the doctor.
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==Homeopathy is financially interesting for doctors==
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It is getting more and more attractive for physicians to bill health funds for homeopathic services, as German medical journal Ärztezeitung already reported in 2007. Commission includes amounts of € 90 for a first anamnesis, € 20 for repertorisations, € 20 for analysis, and € 45 for follow-up anamneses. For the same amount of € 175, medical specialists will treat five "conventional" patients for three months, regardless how often these patients will consult them. Social health insurance patients were able to claim homeopathic services in case of such forms of disease "in which a cure or palliation may be expected from a specific therapeutical response of self-healing powers still potentially available".
  
In the case of a measles illness the paediatrician recommends the complete renunciation of fever-reducing drugs since these possibly increase the complication risk. "The patient rather needs primarily silence and rest." In many cases, the illness has to be treated well with classic homoeopathy.
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==Homeopathy and controversial measles parties==
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As became known in 2005, supporters of homeopathy do not reject so-called measles parties in general. A respective newspaper article said: Homeopathic doctors do not reject "measles parties" in general. Considering possible side effects of vaccination against the risks of a disease, an infection caused deliberately was "worth considering" at an age between about three and eight years, Munich paediatrician Dr. Steffen Rabe commented.
  
==Studies on homoeopathy==
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It was a result of vaccinating campaigns that more infants and adults fall ill during outbreaks of measles today, compared with earlier times. However, these persons have a ten times higher risk of developing complications like e.g. meningitis, Rabe explained. "The increase in measles infections in infants is a direct consequence of vaccination policies", Rabe said. According to his view, the final decision regarding a participation of a child in any "measles party" rested with its parents.
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In case of an infection with measles, the paediatrician recommends a complete abstinence of antipyretics, since these probably increased the risk of complications. "The patient rather needs rest." In many cases, the illness responded well to a treatment with classic homeopathy.
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==Studies on homeopathy==
 
===The early studies===
 
===The early studies===
Already to life times of Hahnemann his teaching was controversial and aroused lively discussions and the first tests with homeopathics proceeded negatively. Hahnemann's readings couldn't be confirmed in repetitions of his original „medicine tests“. The famous cinchona experiment the teaching is based on was a mistake: Although cinchona lowers the body temperature, Hahnemann felt fevers after the taking. Possibly an allergic reaction. The non-blinded "drug examinations" without switching off a possible placebo effect by comparison with a fake medication are not acceptable scientifically either.
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In Hahnemann's lifetime already, his teachings were controversial and caused lively discussions, and the first tests of homeopathics proceeded negatively. Repetitions of Hahnemann's original "medicine tests" could not confirm his specifications. The famous cinchona experiment the teachings are based on was a misapprehension: Although cinchona reduces the body temperature, Hahnemann felt feverish after ingesting it. Possibly this was due to an allergic reaction. The non-blinded "drug examinations", which do not exclude a possible placebo effect by facilitating a comparison to a fake medication, are not acceptable scientifically, either.
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In 1835, the first double-blind drug study took place. The same year, Georg Löhner, a theologian and editor, published test results which he had obtained in cooperation with physicians, pharmacists, and further dignitaries in the town of Nuremberg. They examined 55 volunteers and did not establish any effect of homeopathic dilution. This publication was met with fierce and polemic resistance by homeopathic magazines of that time, e.g. by "Hygea - central organ for the homeopathic or specific art of healing".
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===Homeopathy studies in the time of National Socialism===
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Further studies of homeopathy took place in the times of National Socialism. The regime intended a reorientation of public health care, the "new German medicine". Additionally, National Socialist circles voiced increasing criticisms of what they perceived as "Jewish medicine". Drug studies were done at different homeopathic hospitals by the state health office (Reichsgesundheitsamt - RGA) between 1936 and 1939, much of them placebo checked. They aimed at investigating the reliability of previous drug studies, and also the valence of "pharmacologic images" based on them. Members of this study group were homeopath Hanns Rabe (1890-1959), internal specialist Werner Siebert (1897-1951), and professors of pharmacology Gustav Kuschinsky (1904-1992) and Richard Bonsmann. Also significantly involved in these test was doctor and homeopath Fritz Donner (1896-1979), then working in Berlin at the homeopathic ward of Rudolf-Virchow-Hospital. Donner's voluminous records of RGA investigations became known as Donner Report on Homeopathy, and the original copy is available at the "Homeopathic Archives" of the Institute of Medical History of Robert Bosch Foundations in Stuttgart today.
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These goverment-sponsored studies, however, had no positive results for homeopathy. As one example, double-blinded experiments were carried out regarding Silicea C30. Their results: Verum and placebo caused exactly the same number of symptoms. The homeopaths participating were not able to distinguish verum from placebo.
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More clinical studies were effected in Robert-Koch-Hospital in Berlin in 1938/39, again presenting negative results. Rabe, a homeopath, reacted to them assuming that [...] homeopathy [is] no pharmaco-therapeutic method as has been contended as of yet, but a form of psychotherapy [...]. In a protocol, Fritz Donner wrote: One would have to reply truthfully that nothing came out of the drug studies, and that, during the clinical studies, there was no single case in which a patient showed a respective reaction whatsoever indicating a therapeutic effect of the remedies applied.
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===The homoeopathy studies in the time of the National Socialism===
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Nevertheless, the official announcement disclosed that certain difficulties had manifested so that it was necessary to restart. Further research, however, was prevent by the war. Donner was far more outspoken later on during the 1960ies: He called the study a complete fiasco for homeopathy.
There were further examinations to the homoeopathy in the time of the National Socialism. The regime wanted a reorientation in the health service, the "new German medicine". Moreover, the criticism of jewished orthodox medicine got pure in National Socialist circles. Drug studies were done at different homoeopathic hospitals by the Reichsgesundheitsamt (RGA) between 1936 and 1939, much of them placebo checked. Above all the reliability of earlier medicine examinations and thus also the priority of the "pharmacological picture" developing on them should be investigated. The homoeopath Hanns Rabe (1890 - 1959), the internist Werner Siebert (1897 - 1951) and the pharmacology professors Gustav Kuschinsky (1904 - 1992) and Richard Bonsmann belonged to the study group. At that time the doctor and homoeopath Fritz Donner (1896 - 1979) who was working in Berlin at the homoeopathic department of the Rudolf Virchow hospital, was involved substantially at these checks too. Extensive notes from Donner about the RGA examinations and previous studies became known as Donner report for the homoeopathy and are available today in the original in the "homoeopathy archives" of the institute for history of the medicine of the Robert Bosch foundation in Stuttgart. But nothing positive for the homoeopathy came of the government-supported examinations. Double blinded experiments were carried out with Silicea C30, for example. The result: Verum and placebo caused equal much symptoms. It was not possible for the homoeopaths present to distinguish verum and placebo. In 1938/39 clinical attempts with homeopathics were also accomplished with negative results in the Robert Koch hospital in Berlin. The homoeopath Rabe reacted with the assumption that [...] homoeopathy is no pharmacotherapeutic method, as assumed till now, but a form of psychotherapy [...]. Fritz Donner in a memory protocol: Truthfully one would have to answer that during the medicine examination nothing came out and that a reaction speaking for a therapeutical effect of the used medicines never has occurred in the clinical tests with a patient. Nevertheless it was announced officially that certain difficulties would have manifested themselves so that one must start newly. The war prevented however further research. Donner expressed himself more considerably later within the 1960s: He called the examination a total fiasco for the homoeopathy.
 
  
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Latest revision as of 21:49, 14 April 2012

This article is in the process of intense editing. Please do not effect further changes for the time being.
Frontpage DER SPIEGEL 28/2010
Homeopathy fan Prince Charles inspecting a pharmacy company, creating homeopathic remedies

Homeopathy is a pseudo-scientific method used for the treatment of almost any disease. It was invented by Samuel Hahnemann, a doctor and occultist from Saxony, around 1800 and, largely unaltered, persists to this day. Homeopathy relies on two general basic principles. One of them, known as the "law of similars", reads "let like be cured by like." Hahnemann determined that, according to the law of similars, every disease was curable by substances which cause similar symptoms when taken by a healthy patient. The other principle is called potentialization (actually meaning dilution). Homeopathic remedies are supposed to be more effective the more they are diluted into solutions according to particular procedures. None of these two principles was confirmed experimentally until now.

Believers in homeopathy are frequently, consciously or unconsciously, overall skeptical towards scientific medicine: the (mostly irrational) fear of "harmful chemistry" is inseparably connected to a "nocebo effect" which impairs the effect of well approved conventional methods.

Also see: Allopathy

Variants of Homeopathy

Different variants of the original classic homeopathy developed in the course of time. Today, there are low-potentizers and high-potentizers, monotherapists and polypragmatists, homeopathic phytotherapists and anthroposophic homeopaths, etc.

  • Classic homeopathy is the form of homeopathy strictly complying to Samuel Hahnemann's teachings. According to Hahnemann, no more than one remedy is to be administered for all physical or mental diseases at any given time. A classical homeopath thus will look for the one remedy he believes to be the appropriate similar. The most well-known current representative is Georgos Vithoulkas.
  • Constitutional homeopathy applies mixtures of homeopathic remedies based on respective diagnoses. Also see: Constitutional homeopathy
  • Clinical homeopathy describes the application of homeopathic remedies in so-called low potencies (D1-D12) for certain diagnoses.
  • Miasmatic homeopathy describes different variants of constitutional homeopathy with an emphasis on the therapy of chronic diseases in due consideration of Hahneman's miasmatic theory.
  • Micro-immune therapy is a method which potentises cytokines applied sublingually. Providers of this therapy assume that this will place a high concentration of immune system components under the patient's tongue. The therapy aims at modulating the immune system with the potentized effect of cytokines. Maurice Jenaer is regarded the founder of micro-immune therapy. One supplier of micro-immunal therapeutic agents is Labo'Life company which also holds a patent on "specific nucleid acids". Details on effect and composition of the remedies are not available.
  • Biochemical homeopathy refers to a variant of homeopathy which uses nosodes and potentized toxins (also see the Horvi-Enzyme-Therapy). The method apparently is only used by its inventor, biochemist and non-medical practitioner Karin Lenger from Offenbach.
  • Newer interpretations and derivatives of homeopathy are gaining ground. Borderlines towards faith healing or energy medicine are rather blurred. Representatives of this therapy mostly refused by classical homeopaths believe an introduction of remedies into the patient's body following anamnesis and repertorization was not necessary. They believe physical proximity between patient and remedy was sufficient to develop effects. Remedies could thus e.g. be kept on the body or placed under the patient's pillow. A glass of water is also said to show homeopathic effects when merely placed on a sheet of paper with the name of the remedy. The paper will then transfer its information to the water. Some methods typically applied in this spectrum are Harmopathy, New Homeopathy according to Erich Körbler, Seghal's method, Herscue's method, process-oriented homeopathy, quantum logical homeopathy, creative homeopathy, impulse homeopathy, Similis cards, Silent Healing or the Sankaran method (also called "Bombay method" or "systematic homeopathy"). Tele-homeopathy is another variant of homeopathy whose inventor claims it was effective as a remote treatment via internet (e-mail or Skype) or via telephone.
  • Homoeosiniatry is a method combining the elements of homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine. Both acupuncture and homeopathic remedies are being applied.
  • Digital homeopathy as an alternative expression for Holopathy.
  • Banerji protocol-method
  • C4-Homeopathy
  • "resonance healing" according to Peter Chappell

Electro-homeopathy is no homeopathic method with which it only shares the name, but refers to a variant of spagyrics. Some electrically operated equipment for diagnostics or therapy will be connected to homeopathy by their inventors and suppliers. Cem Tech, Transmaterial Catalyst or Wave Transfer are some examples of such devices.

In accordance with the patients to be treated, there is a homeopathy aiming at curing human beings, but also animal and plant homeopathy. Plant homeopathy comprises methods influencing plant growth with homeopathic products (e.g. a product named Biplantol).


Hering's Law of Cure

A so-called Hering's Law of cure was suggested by Constantin Hering, a Saxonian supporter of Hahnemann in the 19th century. Hering believed a recovery happened when an extinction of symptoms was effected in the following directions:

  • from inside to the outside
  • from above to below
  • from now to earlier

No scientific basis

After some 200 years of research of homeopaths and non-homeopaths, no scientific proof of an efficacy of homeopathy - beyond the placebo effect - has been established, and mechanism of actions postulated are classified as disproven today. According to the present level of knowledge, homeopathy must be seen as a placebo therapy which, however, does not mean it is completey ineffective. One can indeed assume that, particularly given a charismatic therapist and a corresponding therapeutic ritual, it can achieve an effect with corresponding patients compared to no treatment (i.e. inactivity). Dangers may result from homeopathy when homeopath and patient will overestimate the placebo effects and thus refrain from treatments with reproducible proof of efficacy beyond the placebo effect.

The following aspects speak against homeopathy: there is no evidence of efficacy, the pseudo-scientific dogmatic character of homeopathy schools (which are actually orthodox medical practitioners), the complete lack of prevention of disease as well as inherent contradictions like the irreproducible cinchona experiment to which Hahnemann refers alternatively. Homeopaths do not like to tell how long a therapy shall be carried out. From a chemical scientific point of view the method of potentialization (which rather is a dilution) cannot be accomodated to reality.

An alleged lack of side effects is often mentioned as an argument speaking for homeopathy. It is being argued that hardly any side effects are to be expected from strong dilutions. This argument, however, contradicts the assumption that dilution increases the effect of a substance and thus must be seen as an inherent contradiction of homeopathy. Another argument in favour of homeopathy often voiced is the strengthening of human abilities of self-healing. Supporters have, as of yet, failed to provide any respective evidence.

Contrary to frequent views of homeopathy offering a holistic treatment, this alternative form of medical treatment must be considered as a symptom-based therapy exclusively based on symptoms discernible to and described by the patient. The aetiology of diseases (cause study) is vastly ignored.

Hahnemann and modern homeopaths base their theories on healing laws which include the concept that homeopathic therapies were healing a human being from top to bottom and from inside to outside, beginning with the latest symptom. Such ideas are not based on any models of biology or disease.

The Medical Faculty of Marburg University, in magazine Ärzteblatt dated March 3, 1993, declared homeopathy a false doctrine: Its mechanism of action was a deception of the patient, enforced by self-deception on the part of the therapist.

Pseudo-scientific explanatory approaches

From a scientific view, homeopathy is not plausible:It contradicts logic, the laws of nature, and medical knowledge past and present. High potencies of D23 or C12 or more do not contain any molecule of raw material. How are drops supposed to work which only consist of solvents? There is no water memory which could assimilate "information".

Within the framework of scientific medicine, it is not reasonable to explain the functionality of methods which are not in a position to prove their efficacy. Any exploration of mechanisms of action in homeopathy are not reasonable as long as there is no indication of homeopathy having any efficacy in the first place. Therefore, all attempts at explaining homeopathy are scientifically unfounded and must be classified as pseudo-science.

This, however, does not prevent homeopaths from devising mechanisms of action regarding homeopathy, nor from publishing these. The range covered spans from animist concepts of animated matter in which dilution will release the positive spirits (or vibrations) of substances to a pseudo-scientific re-interpretation of quantum mechanic and nuclear physical concepts (cf. quantum mysticism). Contemporary homeopaths and supporters of homeopathy often refer to quantum mechanics in physics in order to explain the alleged effects of homeopathic remedies. Quantum effects, however, only matter on a subatomic and perhaps probably on an atomic level. They are not relevant for the macroscopic world or for biological systems like virus, individual cells or upwards. Two persons often mentioned in this context are Anton Zeilinger, a quantum physicist from Vienna, and psychologist Harald Walach, a professor at European University Viadrina in Frankfort.

An alleged water memory, which Jacques Benveniste imagined to have detected, is often cited as evidence. It has been evident since 1995 at the latest that Benvenistes results are not reproducible. Still the claim is maintained that high dilutions contained information, although neither an information carrier nor a code can be conceived. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that also the most recent "evidence" employing rat intestines, celebrated as a breakthrough, was finally proven wrong and proved to be untenable. An extensive appreciation of this pseudo-research at Leipzig University may be found here: add source[4]. Whatever information the structure of water is supposed to contain according to the concept of its supporters, it additionally needed to be transferred to the sugar pills on which the drop of homeopathic water is applied. Water memory would have to "survive" ingestion and absorption by the gastrointestinal system, as well as transport to the body tissues by blood. Biologists have neither found a "water memory" nor discovered homeopathic signals or receptors, nor anything which plausibly was in a position to serve as a receptor for water structures.

Diluted water, too, is being offered as a homeopathic remedy (1 gram of diluted water costs about 1 pound, see illustration on the right), rendering the concept just as dubious as the assertions of some homeopaths that remedies placed beneath the pillow or carried on the body were also able to take an effect.

Dangers of Homeopathy

As scientific article and media have established repeatedly, homeopathic remedies are not free of risks. Homeopathic cures may, for instance, relay the application of adequate efficient therapies, or may prevent their use completely.

Homeopathy and malaria prophylaxis and anti-tick globules

It has been repeatedly observed in Germany that homeopaths will use a remedy by the name of "Malaria 2000", using it as a prophylactic with patients who intend to enter countries where malaria happens to be endemic. On quite a regular basis, hospitals will treat patients suffering from malaria who report to have done a prophylaxis with this remedy but contracted the disease all the same. There was at least one fatal case in which a patient died after having undergone a prophylaxis with Malaria 2000.

On its website, a public radio station in Bavaria quotes the Munich Institute for Tropical Diseases which established several fatalities of persons having relied on a homeopathic malaria prophylaxis. In publications, the Drug Commissions of Pharmacists and the German Medical Association explicitly cautioned against such homeopathic malaria prophylaxes: Already on March 19, 1998, the Drug Commission of Pharmacists cautioned against a homeopathic malaria prophylaxis. It is explicitly pointed out that malaria is a serious and in some cases life-threatening medical condition which "may not be met by non-specific homeopathic remedies with which patients believe to be able to acquire an increased immunity towards malaria pathogens. There are cases on record in scientific literature in which such a "prophylaxis" failed. We therefore strongly advise against dispensing homeopathic remedies for malaria prophylaxis". The warning issued by the Drug Commission of German Medical Doctors (AMK), published in German Medical News issue no. 95 dated August 19, 1998, is even more explicit and insistent. AMK refers to the homeopathic malaria prophylaxis provided by one particular company, writing: [...] Practising physicians prescribing homeopathic malaria prophylaxes to patients will face consequences under professional codes of practice and will be prosecuted criminally. Malaria is a serious disease which may be life-threatening, [...] Due to acute dangers for patients relying on the homeopathic remedy received, AMK views this as malpractice and, to protect patients, strictly advises against prescribing such remedies.

On the other hand, disease prophylaxis per se is controversial within the homeopathy scene, since no homeopathic remedies can be found in the absence of recognizable symptoms. Such malaria prophylaxes also emerged in England, causing British NHS to suspend payments to homeopathic facilities in 2008.

So-called anti-tick globules to prevent Lyme disease - in a natural way, as an Arnsberg pharmacy advises sub rosa - must be seen in a similarly critical way. The pharmacy claims to have developed a particular mixture in cooperation with a manufacturer of homeopathics; the mixture contains nosodes which are supposed to be a homeopathic equivalent to vaccination. There is an explicit reference to diseases like tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. The globules are said to additionally contain ledum palustre (Marsh Labrador tea) which is supposed to effect changes in body odour and thus protect patients.

The application of homeopathic Spenglersan Kolloid M remedies for malaria prophylaxis documentedly was not in a position to prevent malaria. Swedish doctors published case reports and cautioned.

In 2009, the World Health Organization WHO explicitly warned against homeopathy as a treatment option for malaria, HIV infection, tuberculosis, influenza, and diarrhoea in children.

Homeopathic Antidots

Supporters of homeopathy are afraid of apparently unwelcome effects of their therapies, particularly in terms of a too intense initial worsening following a homeopathic medication. In such cases, so-called homeopathic antidotes may be applied. For this purpose patients are advised it was sufficient to render the remedy ineffective simply by ingesting [...] some strong coffee or taking smells at camphor (tiger balm, Vic-vapo-rup...) [...].

According to so-called women's magazine "FÜR SIE" (i.e. "for her"), mobile phones "impaired" the efficacy of homeopathic remedies. Before ingesting such a remedy, mobile phones therefore should be put aside. Similarly, electromagnetic fields of radio alarm clocks, computers, and microwave ovens may impair the efficacy of remedies.

History of Homeopathy

At the time of its emerge, homeopathy must be conceded quite "scientific" a character, in accordance with definitions valid at that time. After all, Hahnemann proceeded empirically, checking theses in self-experiments. Due to the increase in knowledge occured since, this theory appears interesting merely from a medico-historical point of view. Due to the lack of evidence regarding efficacy, homeopathy cannot be regarded as a serious medical method. At Hahnemann's times, neither clinical thermometers had been invented nor had knowledge of bacteria been acquired, instead there were weird explanations (e.g. miasma theories of pathogenic vapours emanating from the soil), so Hahnemann's model must be seen as quite sensible from a historical point of view. From today's view, after more than two centuries of an enormous gain in knowledge, one can assume that even Hahnemann, given today's knowledge, felt inclined to ridicule his apologists. Thus homeopathy was fiercely criticized already more than 100 years ago (see links). The law of similars does not go back to Hahnemann; analogical concepts already existed prior to Hahnemann (e.g. in England).

It is furthermore remarkable that some of the recommendations given in Hahnemann's Organon are not being propagated broadly any longer, such as applying hot turpentine to scaldings. While Hahnemann's teachings thus are, quite appropriately, partly rejected as outdated and unfounded, particulary with treatments showing immediate effect or failure, other parts of his teachings are still being marketed profitably, in particular those allowing for a placebo effect.

Homeopathic doctors in Europe

Approximately 5,000 doctors are said to have acquired a qualification as a homeopath in Germany. Netzzeitung (an online paper) says that presently about 1 in every 40 doctors hold additional qualifications in "homeopathy" in Germany. According to ECHAMP, about 2.5% of doctors in Germany, 8.3% in Italy, and 14% in Slovakia have a qualification in "homeopathy". On the other hand, this quota is below 0.03% in Sweden, where only ten of almost 30,000 have an additional homeopathic qualification.

Throughout Europe, 56,000 doctors were holding respective qualifications. An acceptance of homeopathy so glaringly different in two industrialized nations like Germany and Sweden with a comparable health status indicates, on the one hand, that homeopathy may be seen as dispensable without difficulty and without causing a relevant effect on a population's health. On the other hand it shows that the popularity of homeopathy is not as much connected to scientific arguments or a probable efficacy, but rather to Weltanschauung, prejudice or tradition, since conclusive scientific arguments and proof of efficacy supporting the implementation of homeopathy would have also convinced Swedish physicians.

The business with homeopathics

Germany and France are the most important markets for both homeopathic and anthroposophic-homeopathic remedies in Europe. Almost 60% of all medicines of these therapy concepts produced in Europe were sold in these two countries add source[27], with a Europe-wide increase of 60% between 1995 and 2005. German sales saw a turnover plus amounting to 80%, while figures in France increased by 300%. Europe-wide sales volumes amount to 1.7 billion Euros, about 7% of all non-prescription drugs. In 2005, produce revenues amounted to approx. 930 million Euros, with 810 million Euros thereof for medicine.

Measured by producer's prices, about 268 million Euros of the EU sales were effected in Germany, and 294 million Euros in France. According to information from weekly periodical "Der Spiegel", sales volumes for homeopathic remedies amounted to 400 million Euros in 2009. According to information from Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Industry, statutory health insurance companies paid 9 million Euros for homeopathic remedies. However, follow-up costs incurring due to ineffective homeopathic therapies are not included in this figure. Costs for homeopathic first and follow-up anamneses are not included, either, since these usually have to be paid by patients.

In Germany, German Homeopathic Union (DHU) are the leading providers. This corporation with more than 400 employees emerged from Schwabe company founded in 1961.

The most commonly used homeopathic in the USA is Oscilococcinum C200. This remedy also goes by the name of "20 million canard". Annual turnover for this product adds up to 20 million dollars. The remedy is produced from duck liver, but the complete sales volume does not need more than one single liver - with considerable left-overs remaining from this one piece: A dilution of C200 means a liver to solution ratio of 1 to 10 and 400 ciphers.

Homeopathy is financially interesting for doctors

It is getting more and more attractive for physicians to bill health funds for homeopathic services, as German medical journal Ärztezeitung already reported in 2007. Commission includes amounts of € 90 for a first anamnesis, € 20 for repertorisations, € 20 for analysis, and € 45 for follow-up anamneses. For the same amount of € 175, medical specialists will treat five "conventional" patients for three months, regardless how often these patients will consult them. Social health insurance patients were able to claim homeopathic services in case of such forms of disease "in which a cure or palliation may be expected from a specific therapeutical response of self-healing powers still potentially available".

Homeopathy and controversial measles parties

As became known in 2005, supporters of homeopathy do not reject so-called measles parties in general. A respective newspaper article said: Homeopathic doctors do not reject "measles parties" in general. Considering possible side effects of vaccination against the risks of a disease, an infection caused deliberately was "worth considering" at an age between about three and eight years, Munich paediatrician Dr. Steffen Rabe commented.

It was a result of vaccinating campaigns that more infants and adults fall ill during outbreaks of measles today, compared with earlier times. However, these persons have a ten times higher risk of developing complications like e.g. meningitis, Rabe explained. "The increase in measles infections in infants is a direct consequence of vaccination policies", Rabe said. According to his view, the final decision regarding a participation of a child in any "measles party" rested with its parents.

In case of an infection with measles, the paediatrician recommends a complete abstinence of antipyretics, since these probably increased the risk of complications. "The patient rather needs rest." In many cases, the illness responded well to a treatment with classic homeopathy.

Studies on homeopathy

The early studies

In Hahnemann's lifetime already, his teachings were controversial and caused lively discussions, and the first tests of homeopathics proceeded negatively. Repetitions of Hahnemann's original "medicine tests" could not confirm his specifications. The famous cinchona experiment the teachings are based on was a misapprehension: Although cinchona reduces the body temperature, Hahnemann felt feverish after ingesting it. Possibly this was due to an allergic reaction. The non-blinded "drug examinations", which do not exclude a possible placebo effect by facilitating a comparison to a fake medication, are not acceptable scientifically, either.

In 1835, the first double-blind drug study took place. The same year, Georg Löhner, a theologian and editor, published test results which he had obtained in cooperation with physicians, pharmacists, and further dignitaries in the town of Nuremberg. They examined 55 volunteers and did not establish any effect of homeopathic dilution. This publication was met with fierce and polemic resistance by homeopathic magazines of that time, e.g. by "Hygea - central organ for the homeopathic or specific art of healing".

Homeopathy studies in the time of National Socialism

Further studies of homeopathy took place in the times of National Socialism. The regime intended a reorientation of public health care, the "new German medicine". Additionally, National Socialist circles voiced increasing criticisms of what they perceived as "Jewish medicine". Drug studies were done at different homeopathic hospitals by the state health office (Reichsgesundheitsamt - RGA) between 1936 and 1939, much of them placebo checked. They aimed at investigating the reliability of previous drug studies, and also the valence of "pharmacologic images" based on them. Members of this study group were homeopath Hanns Rabe (1890-1959), internal specialist Werner Siebert (1897-1951), and professors of pharmacology Gustav Kuschinsky (1904-1992) and Richard Bonsmann. Also significantly involved in these test was doctor and homeopath Fritz Donner (1896-1979), then working in Berlin at the homeopathic ward of Rudolf-Virchow-Hospital. Donner's voluminous records of RGA investigations became known as Donner Report on Homeopathy, and the original copy is available at the "Homeopathic Archives" of the Institute of Medical History of Robert Bosch Foundations in Stuttgart today.

These goverment-sponsored studies, however, had no positive results for homeopathy. As one example, double-blinded experiments were carried out regarding Silicea C30. Their results: Verum and placebo caused exactly the same number of symptoms. The homeopaths participating were not able to distinguish verum from placebo.

More clinical studies were effected in Robert-Koch-Hospital in Berlin in 1938/39, again presenting negative results. Rabe, a homeopath, reacted to them assuming that [...] homeopathy [is] no pharmaco-therapeutic method as has been contended as of yet, but a form of psychotherapy [...]. In a protocol, Fritz Donner wrote: One would have to reply truthfully that nothing came out of the drug studies, and that, during the clinical studies, there was no single case in which a patient showed a respective reaction whatsoever indicating a therapeutic effect of the remedies applied.


Nevertheless, the official announcement disclosed that certain difficulties had manifested so that it was necessary to restart. Further research, however, was prevent by the war. Donner was far more outspoken later on during the 1960ies: He called the study a complete fiasco for homeopathy.

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