11 April 2003
Homeopathy is no better than placebo (a dummy medication) at relieving childhood asthma in patients already receiving traditional GP care, UK researchers have found.
Quality of life or the rate of exacerbations was similar in children with mild to moderate asthma, whether they received regular care plus homeopathy or regular care plus placebo (Thorax 2003; 58: 317-21).
The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 93 children tested an individualised course of homeopathy. Practitioners were free to combine homeopathic prescriptions with lifestyle advice, and could change the prescription throughout the year-long trial.
Last Reviewed: 14 April 2003