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Homeopathy 2003; 92(02): 92-98
DOI: 10.1016/S1475-4916(03)00007-9
Original Paper

Homeopathic aggravations: a systematic review of randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials

S Grabia
1   Master of Public Health Program, University of Wisconsin’La Crosse, USA
,
E Ernst
2   Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, UK
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Abstract

Homeopathic aggravations have often been described anecdotally. However, few attempts have been made to scientifically verify their existence. This systematic review aimed at comparing the frequency of homeopathic aggravations in the placebo and verum groups of double-blind, randomised clinical trials. Eight independent literature searches were carried out to identify all such trials mentioning either adverse effects or aggravations. All studies thus found were validated and data were extracted by both authors. Twenty-four trials could be included. The average number of aggravations was low. In total, 50 aggravations were attributed to patients treated with placebo and 63 to patients treated with homoeopathically diluted remedies. We conclude that this systematic review does not provide clear evidence that the phenomenon of homeopathic aggravations exists.

Keywords

homeopathy - aggravations - clinical trials - adverse effects


Publication History

Received: 16 September 2002

Accepted: 06 January 2003

Article published online:
16 September 2021

© 2003. Faculty of Homeopathy. This article is published by Thieme.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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