Homeopathy Doesn't Help Asthmatics with Dust Mite Allergy

Homeopathic treatment is increasing in popularity, and results from some studies have suggested that such treatment elicits a greater response than does placebo. British investigators conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of homeopathy in 242 asthmatic adults with positive skin tests for house dust mites. After a 4-week baseline evaluation, patients received a homeopathic oral remedy (highly diluted dust mite; 3 doses during 24 hours) or placebo and were followed for 16 weeks.

A total of 202 patients completed all clinical assessments. There were significant improvements within both groups in key outcome measures (FEV₁, quality of life, and mood), but differences between groups were not significant. Belief in complementary m…