Rheumatoid arthritisForty-six patients with rheumatoid arthritis received an individualised remedy or placebo in a 3-month
randomised trial. Both groups were allowed to continue standard anti-inflammatory drugs. After 3
months, the double-blind code was broken and remedies were given to members of the placebo group
in a single crossover study. Articular index, limbering up time, grip strength and pain all showed
statistically significant differences.
Gibson RG, Gibson SLM, MacNeill AD, Buchanan WW Homeopathic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis:
evaluation by double-blind clinical therapeutic trial. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 1980;
9: 453-459.
OsteoarthritisIn this trial, 65 sufferers of Osteoarthritis (OA) were split into 2 groups, and through a double blinding
process were given either a homoeopathic medicine or Acetaminophen, a commonly prescribed drug
for pain relief in OA. Researchers found that homoeopathy provided a level of pain relief that was
superior to Acetaminophen, and produced no adverse reactions.
Shealy C.N., Thomlinson P.R., Cox R.H., and Bormeyer V. Osteoarthritis Pain: A Comparison of
Homoeopathy and Acetaminophen. American Journal of Pain Management, 8, 3, July 1998, 89-91.
FibromyalgiaA double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of individualised homeopathic treatment (LM
potency) versus placebo in 53 patients, concluded that individualised homeopathy is significantly
better than placebo in lessening tender point pain, improving the quality of life and overall health, and
less depression of persons with fibromyalgia. A broad selection of homeopathic medicines in LM-
potencies were prescribed and the trial was carried out over a 4 month period.
Bell IR, Lewis II DA, Brooks AJ, Schwartz GE, Lewis SE, Walsh BT, Baldwin CM. Improved clinical
status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo.
Rheumatology Advance Access, January 20, 2004.
http://rheumatology.oupjournals.org/cgi/reprint/keh111FibrositisIn a randomised placebo-controlled trial of patients with fibrositis, only those patients in whom Rhus
toxicodendron was ‘unequivocally indicated’ were admitted to the study. After 1 month’s treatment,
there were highly significant improvements in objective and subjective parameters.
Fisher P. An experimental double-blind clinical trial in homoeopathy. British Homoeopathic Journal
1986; 75: 142-147.
