Shaken, Not Stirred
The government’s Science and Technology Sub-Committee recently heard evidence on the efficacy of Homeopathy from many experts and scientists in the field. Today, they have concluded that the NHS should cease funding homeopathy:
“It also concludes that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) should not allow homeopathic product labels to make medical claims without evidence of efficacy…
The Committee carried out an evidence check to test if the Government’s policies on homeopathy were based on sound evidence…..the Government acknowledges there is no evidence that homeopathy works beyond the placebo effect (where a patient gets better because of their belief in the treatment).”1
Homeopathy is a commonly suggested remedy for pregnant women, babies and children. The NHS even has four homeopathic hospitals and estimates it spends around £4million a year on homeopathic treatments2 (not including running and maintaining the hospitals). The USA is alleged to have spent close to half a billion dollars on homeopathy in 1999. Personally, I have heard of people having real success with teething granules and our midwife suggested homeopathic arnica tablets post birth. Others say there is no scientific evidence that homeopathy is any more effective than taking a sugar tablet.
Why is homeopathy so revered by some and reviled by others? Should you and your baby take homeopathic remedies?