Proceed with caution before recommending use of homeopathic remedies, says expert
Linda Girgis, MD, noted that prior to reading this report she had known that most homeopathic remedies didn’t have any evidence of being effective, and that, therefore, the results validated her understanding of the findings of studies of homeopathy.
Dr. Linda Girgis
The study is especially important at this time in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Girgis, a family physician in private practice in South River, N.J., said in an interview.
“Many people are promoting treatments that don’t have any evidence that they are effective, and more people are turning to homeopathic treatments not knowing the risks and assuming they are safe,” she continued. “Many people are taking advantage of this and trying to cash in on this with ill-proven remedies.”
Homeopathic remedies become especially harmful when patients think they can use them instead of traditional medicine, she added.
Noting that some homeopathic remedies have been studied and show some evidence that they work, Dr. Girgis said there may be a role for certain ones in primary care.
“An example would be black cohosh or primrose oil for perimenopausal hot flashes. This could be a good alternative when you want to avoid hormonal supplements,” she said.
At the same time, Dr. Girgis advised clinicians to be cautious about suggesting homeopathic remedies to patients.
“Homeopathy seems to be a good money maker if you sell these products. However, you are not protected from liability and can be found more liable for prescribing off-label treatments or those not [Food and Drug Administration] approved,” Dr. Girgis said. Her general message to clinicians: Stick with evidence-based medicine.
Her message to patients who might want to pursue homeopathic remedies is that just because something is “homeopathic” or natural doesn’t mean that it is safe.
“There are some [homeopathic] products that have caused liver damage or other problems,” she explained. “Also, these remedies can interact with other medications.”
The study received no outside funding. The researchers and Dr. Girgis had no financial conflicts to disclose.