Homeopathic remedies can cause confusion

Spring is here, and if you're not careful, the Zicam you buy from a local pharmacy may not be the hay-fever medicine you expected.

The over-the-counter products Allergy Relief and Intense Sinus Relief are both made by Zicam, and both promise relief of hay-fever symptoms. But there's a big difference. Intense Sinus Relief contains oxymetazoline, a decongestant the Food and Drug Administration has found to be safe and effective. The other product is homeopathic; it hasn't been reviewed by the FDA and its active ingredients, including sulphur, have been diluted almost to the vanishing point. Yet we often found the two products in drugstores shelved alongside each other.

In fact, our 11 mystery shoppers, who visited 52 drugstores throughout the U.S., often found products labeled "homeopathic" alongside conventional over-the-counter drugs. Such product placements could lead consumers to buy a homeopathic remedy when they're really looking for a standard medicine. That not only wastes money but might also lead to inadequately treated health problems. Even people seeking homeopathic products might not get what they expected. Our check of labels found that many of the remedies might not meet the standards set by the industry's own oversight organization.

Homeopathy is a centuries-old form of medicine that takes a substance that might otherwise cause symptoms or harm and dilutes it until the substance becomes virtually undetectable. Yet homeopathy's supporters say the infinitesimal amount of active ingredients somehow improves health. Not surprisingly, there's little good evidence backing up that notion. The most comprehensive analysis of homeopathy we know of—a 2005 review published in The Lancet of 110 placebo-controlled homeopathy trials matched with 110 conventional-medicine trials—found that any benefit from homeopathic remedies was "compatible with" the placebo effect. An accompanying editorial, "The End of Homeopathy," said that the findings were less surprising than the fact that debate over homeopathy continues "despite 150 years of unfavorable findings."

While the FDA is officially required to regulate homeopathic remedies, a spokeswoman for the agency told us that in practice it doesn't review those products and thus doesn't approve them as safe and effective, partly because of "limited resources," and partly because the products are so diluted they're not thought to pose any risks.

Andy P. Bormeth, executive director of the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States, says that "official" homeopathic remedies should state "HPUS" on their labels, indicating that they conform with his organization's guidelines. But only 4 of the 12 products our mystery shoppers found included those initials on their labels.

Check whether over-the-counter products are labeled homeopathic. If they are, we think you should put them back on the shelf. There's not enough evidence to justify their use, and they may cause problems if they allow a treatable ailment to worsen. If you opt for one anyway, stick with a product labeled "HPUS." But be leery of those that include alcohol, especially for children, since the FDA does not limit how much alcohol homeopathic remedies can contain.

For more information, read our Natural Medicine Ratings (for subscribers).

This article first appeared in the April 2008 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.

—Doug Podolsky, senior health editor

Comments

[Taylor]

One thing that should be pointed out about this article is that it only deals with OTC homeopathic remedies. One of the central tenets of homeopathy is individualization. That is one of the very things that makes it so hard to test on a clinical basis. I appreciate the difficulties of trying to do this while maintaining a double blind experiment. While it's certainly not impossible, most studies done simply ignore that principle and thereby decrease the potential efficacy of the medicine. Therefore it shouldn't be any surprise that the medicine proves to be insignificantly different from placebo.

Ideally a patient should receive a single homeopathic remedy prescribed by a trained homeopath. OTC homeopathic remedies simply combine the most common remedies for a given symptom or illness hoping to catch the right one for the most amount of people. So, there's no guarantee that you're getting the correct remedy for your problem.

[beth]

All medicine research is driven by anecdotal information to begin with. Some thoughtful person says, "I think.... whatever" and gets some time and or money to prove their theory. It is time we spent some significant money researching homeopathy. It has far to many positive anecdotes to ignore-- my allergies, daughters' headaches and husband's anxiety have all been well managed using remedies. Let the serious research begin!-- and CR ought to lead the way!

[Peter d'Errico]

Your shallow critique of homeopathy disappoints me. Our family has relied on a variety of homeopathic remedies for many years, after being introduced to them by our family physician (an MD).

I've read CR for years, but I'm dropping you down a notch for this.

[zoe healer]

I hope that "consumers" who read this article will have enough brains to read beyond this article & make up their own minds. Not just believe one random article that is obviously biased against homeopathy. There are plenty of good books on homeopathy available so that you can educate yourself. If you do your research, you will find that homeopathy is a very specific science that can't be addressed by one sweeping combination remedy. Each person is unique & needs to find the correct remedy, not just take any random remedy or combination of remedies that claim to be for a specific problem. That's why a good homeopath requires more training than an allopathic doctor. So go to your library and educate yourself, don't be a sheeple!

[Angela]

It is a shame that there is so much misinformation, lack of information, and/or manipulation of information.There are so many points in this blog and in this article that are good material for a thesis. But I will just summarize a couple of them.
1- Homeopathy is bunk/placebo. How do you explain when it works on newborns or animals who are not even aware of the medicine being administered to them?
2- Of course the FDA, pharmacists, MD's, etc. will trash out homeopathy. It has been well exposed their financial interests in the drug driven market.
3- Not FDA approved. Well, this is a hot point. Actually, when something is FDA approved you might want to turn your back to it. Remember Vioxx, etc., etc.
4- We live in the richest....and sickest...country in the world. Why would that be? Maybe we should rethink our health policies and copy countries that have been more sucessful in the health field. We love our USA. Let's help us help us.
5- Homeopathy is HUGE in Europe, in the Latin countries, and elsewhere in the world. Why do you think Europe embraces homeopathy so deeply? They have proven to be more advanced in many issues that our beloved USA: enviromental, organic, homeopathic, etc.
6- Zicam. Well, first that is not a 100% homeopathic product. The problems caused by Zicam were produced by the chemicals added to it. Second, like with everything else, it is wise to buy from reputable companies. Some examples: Boiron, Similasan, Newton, etc.
7- What about all the side effects and recalls of allopathic medicines? You never see homeopathic medicines being pulled off the shelves because they've dangerously hurt or killed people. Also, the homeopathic companies don't pay the media, doctors, FDA, etc. or put out the huge advertising campaigns.
Enough for now!

[Dr. Seuss]

Consumer Reports is such a source of mainstream disinformation, I find it hard to believe that it takes no money from the benefactors of it's articles. I always follow the money when evaluating the validity of the written word and it is a rare case when the money is not a factor. Homeopathy works for me and allopathic medicine does not, so I make my choices without the baggage of "scientific proof", which also follows the money.

[Francis Wyatt]

While I agree with the author that labeling should be clear so as to avoid confusion between products, my reason would be to avoid getting a non-homeopathic remedy when intending to get a homeopathic remedy. Because of the dilution to undetectable levels, homeopathic remedies are inherently safer than allopathic or even herbal medicines. I am against allopathic medicines, but their serious side effects need to be assessed much more carefully than homeopathic remedies.

Those who trust drugs just because the FDA has reviewed and approved them are the people that I would consider gullible. Many FDA officials either previously worked for pharmaceutical companies or leave the FDA to work for the pharmaceutical companies that they were formerly watching over.

Just because the mechanism by which homeopathy works is not clearly understood by allopathic medicine is not a reason to discount its effectiveness. The same can be said of some allopathic medicines.

I am disappointed that Consumer Reports is steering people away from homeopathy, when it provides health benefits without the risk of serious side effects and at lower costs than allopathy.

[Felicia Desrosiers]

Homeopathy, has saved my daughters life, and bettered my own.

As an infant, with a serious bronchial infection, ready to call 911 for help, my pediatrician (she pracitces allopathic and homeopathy) gave my daughter, struggling to breathe, a homeopathic remedy, that worked instantly. Since then, I have been able to avoid antibiotics (I am grateful for their existance when absolutely necessary, but as they are overused, they can cause more harm than good) her whole life, she is almost 5.

Children do not understand placebo effects.

[Alan]

Consumer Reports is looking through the wrong end of the telescope on homeopathy. While millions of people are hurt every day with prescription drugs you want to discredit a therapy with hundreds of years of success and safety?

[Angie]

This article greatly saddens me. How much did convential medicine pay your people to write this? I thought Consumer Reports didn't take "sides" and now I can see they do. Very sad indeed.

[ORRA]

As a long-time advocate and supporter of CR, I am gravely disappointed with the bias of this report. It is a far cry from the high standards that I have become accustomed to. I am seriously considering cancelling my subscriptions.

I strongly urge CR to take a second look at the data (on both sides) and report this subject in the unbiased manner that is befitting your organization.

[Homeopathy Rocks!!!]

I'm very disappointed by your slam of Homeopathy. The report you cite to support your report is not unbiased. Of course, it's hard to find unbiased research reported in most of the "esteemed" medical journals, since they and mnay researchers are practically owned by the pharmaceutical industry.

I would suggest that the author do some simple experiments on his own. Try using Arnica for injuries that would ordinarily cause bruising and swelling. If your experience is anything like mine and those of my friends and acquaintances, you will be amazed at how effective arnica is. Or perhaps next time you are stung by a bee, you might try Apis and watch the swelling and pain disappear.

It's funny that those who chose to debunk alternative forms of treatments like herbal or homeopathic judge them by standards that are much stricter than those they use to judge the more familiar allopathic/pharmaceutical treatments. If you honestly evaluated allopathic/pharm treatments, you will find that in most cases they are marginally effective and come with loads of side effects. Why do you have such low standards for your health care?

[Alan Guzik]

I know homeopathy works. It's not placebo. All you have to do to convince yourself (and help yourself) is learn a little about it, get a kit of remedies (not expensive) for acute ailments that arise and try it.

[JB]

I can't believe CR would put this in thier magazine, more and more chemical drugs out there KILL people EVERYDAY with thier side effects, and it's just swept under the rug. I have been taking Homeopathic meds for 15 years and never once have I had any problems. I am more healthy now because of my choices.

[Rev. Dr. Deborah L. & Mr. John W. Roberts]

It's such a shame when previously respected reporters choose to work with such lack of concern for the truth.

[Akram Burney]

Folks: Tis is delibrate attempt to dissudade consumers away from Homepathy. The said article in Lancet was pseudoscintific. It was meant to annhilate Homeopathy. I have 23 years of personal, first hand experience with Homeopathy. And thought I'm now 49 years old. Yet my health is far far better than my peers of college and university days. I've been practicing Homeopathy and have helped hundreds of people get back to good health. My own kids, have not taken any other treatments except Homeopathy. The 3 boys of whom the eldest is now 16, and the youngest is 6 years old. They've not been give full set of vaccinations. And yet their healths are far better and their immunity is much stronger than their peers in their respective schools. No matter if you write tons of negatives against Homeopathy, I'm satisfied that myself, and my family and my relatives and friends are enjoying better life through better health thanks to Homeopathy.

Akram Burney

[Larry]

Homeopathy works !!!! Bury your head in the sand at your own folly.

[Clark]

What I love best about CR is your testing. How about working with Dana Ullman to test homeopathy?

[tanya marquette]

based on this 'report' i next expect to hear that a major pharmaceutical corporation has purchased consumer reports!

i have used homeopathy as my primary health protocol for over 20 yrs. i can assure you that it has dealt with anything from measles in my children to chronic ankle problems from childhood to releasing repressed memories with amenorrhea. my pets have benefitted enormously from homeopathy on issues including stomatitis, cancer and currently uri and bacterial infections in a 19 yr old cat. the list of conditions that i have seen cured in quite long and i consider my experience limited.

there was a time that people were imprisoned for promoting cleanliness for preventing childbirth fever (hand washing). given the control of the pharmaceutical corporations and the desire of political leaders to develop and maintain a docile and compliant public, it is disappointing to see that consumer reports has joined that bandwagon instead of maintaining an real independent position. it makes me wonder about other reports of bias that you have been spewing forth to mislead the public. your reputation has suffered greatly over this bogus type reporting.

[Tria Shaffer]

It seems this reporter has never tried homeopathy, so what is his basis for bashing it? As others have said, you have to have the right remedy for your problem or it doesn't work, but you're not stuck with nasty side effects. I have used homeopathy extensively with my son for 14 years & have had excellent results every time. Just because our "science" doesn't understand how it works doesn't mean it doesn't work. Western medicine is on the cusp on understanding energetic medicine. When they develop a deeper appreciation, they will understand homeopathy. In the mean time, we will continue to use an effective, safe affordable cure for us & our families. Those of you who don't believe because you don't understand, may continue to poison yourselves with OTC's and prescriptions. Good luck.

[paul theys]

This article is a major disappointment; any credability CR had with me has disappeared. Homeopathy is what I trust when it comes to healing. Great things have happened for people utilizing homeopathy under the guidance of a classical homeopath. Medical drug studies and usage of medical drugs have shown repeatable patterns in patients; therefore, they say that medical drugs are valid, and also say that homeopathic medicines do not show repeatable patterns so they aren't valid. The known repeatable patterns in homeopathy is healing; the known repeatable patterns of medical drugs are side effects and toxic reactions, even death. Which "medicine" is better? I choose homeopathy every time.

[dee]

Hmmm...I understand the Queen of England uses homeopathy...does she and many others know something that research doesn't? I have had good sucess with homeopathy use.

[RJR]

Julieb - no basis on theory or fact? Discredited? Please go to the National Center for Homeopathy site and read the studies/test/research (they provide the links to unbiased testing). Your comments sound like the ones that many heard eons ago regarding the astoundingly absurd belief/theory that the earth was round rather than flat. Same w/those who thought/thing Acupuncture and Chiropractic is quackery - just as the many who are helped by these forms of alternative approaches to health care. It's about time we got away from this "flat earth mentality" and not rule out something that sounds like it shouldn't work. Look at the state of our health care! Why are drugs that are being approved by the FDA one day being withdrawn years later when many were harmed? Was the decision that these medicines were effective and safe based on modern scientific expertise? Check out the numbers!!!!! We are only in the infancy stage of scientific knowledge.

Dan - what may sound like defensive believers, are simply people that know Homeopathy works and are appalled at the lack of research and effort taken to right the article and dismiss its value.
It is true (the one thing that I credit the author with) that the consumer may become confused with the many types of remedies on the market shelves. With regard to Zicam, not all of their products are homeopathic, so not sure which one you used. The confusion is evident in the photo of this blog of 2 Zicam products, one Homeopathic and the other not. For safety, I would definitely grab the Homeopathic one over any other. As for effectiveness? Everyone responds differently to all medications (we definitely know that about conventional meds). Although it may work for many, no one should claim that a Homeopathic brand will work for everyone or at the same level. The best way to take a homeopathic remedy is to use the classical method of identifying a single remedy that matches your specific symptom picture (mental, emotional and physical). That may explain why the Zicam you tried did not work for you. If the generalized combo remedies do not work for you, go to a practitioner who is knowledgeable in Homeopathy and try a remedy that is a better fit.

[gary]

Consumer reports is beginning to show up as a crony of the powerful pharmaceutical industry. Aren't you supposed to be an independent voice?

Our younger daughter was poisoned by FDA approved prescription medication (cream - which was later reported to have toxic effects) for her excema. After seeing many doctors and health professionals, guess who was able to help us. A homeopath. Maybe the trick is to involve the skill and training of someone schooled in the use of these invaluable remedies.

Let's see. Do we want more government regulation? I think we've already lost enough freedom...

[Renee Roehl]

My family and I have used homeopathic remedies for over 30 years. Some of the diseases/disorders treated: whooping cough, hay fever, cystic acne, hormonal imbalances, grief (yes--it helps with emotional issues as well), thyroid issues, and now, for me--breast cancer. Those of you who think it's bunk haven't tried it. This article is biased and uninformed. I expect better from Consumer Reports and I will no longer be using this--what I thought was objective--magazine for gathering information. You are little better than FOX news.

A disgusted reader

[Eli]

Because Doug Podolsky, senior health editor for Consumer Reports, posted here on April 8 that he doesn't see any evidence justifying the use of homeopathy, it's apparent that we can't expect unbiased, objective evaluations of it, and most likely of any other so-called "alternative" medical or health modalities, in Consumer Reports and obviously, nothing we post here can do anything to change his opinion, which will be printed in this esteemed publication as fact. So, I'm not going to try.

What I would like to point out, however, is that the OTC formula Zicam, which was the original subject of the article (before it went on to condemn the entire practice of homeopathy itself), is not considered to be truly or purely homeopathic either in substance (ingredients) or in principle (method of action), and would not be suggested for use by most professional homeopathic physicians and practioners. At least the article does mention that Zicam does not conform to HPUS guidelines.

The efficacy and safety of the entire pratice of homeopathy should not be determined by the evaluation of a "quasi-homeopathic" OTC formula. I'm glad for the individuals who have found symptomatic relief from ingredients in Zicam and I wouldn't necessarily discourage them from continuing occasional use, but as a former student of homeopathy I can tell you that Zicam is not considered to be a true homepathic remedy by the profession itself.

[msk]

I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and so most often have severe reactions to drugs,,,,such as with a bladder infection,,,if I take an antibiotic I go into a state of confusion and am not able to function in my daily activities,,,I take a homeopathic formula and am rid of the infection.

I believe we have to be more concerned about the bad affects of drugs then we must be that a homeopathic might cause a problem because it didn't work. Just like drugs we might have to try several remedies until we find the correct one that will work for our particular system and problem.

We just want to be able to choose the form of medicines we want to use and an article like this can make it more difficult for us because of who it might influence. We want to be allowed to be responsible for ourselves, thus not being forced to take drugs if there is a natural remedy that can do the job.

Let there be drugs for those who want that form of medicine and let there be homeopathy and other natural forms for someone like me.

[Qigong Boy]

This doesn't surprise me THAT much. Consumer Reports is too big to not be influenced by the pharmaceutical cartel. I've been curing ALL my ailments with homeopathic medicine since I was born and my parents were doing it for me (including ear aches & strep throat on multiple occasions which the medical doctors threw a little tantrum about and yelled to my parents that my life was in danger if I didn't take their antibiotics... which I didn't LOL - garlic oil drops cured the ear aches every time haha). So it's hilarious to me when I read homeopathic "debunking" by so-called "skeptics". This article sounds like something you'd find written by Skeptic Magazine. Which is another fun publication to read for a good laugh.

But ultimately, the goal should be to get your health and immune system so strong that you don't even need homeopathic medicine. Fresh organic produce, no meat & diary, a few supplements, and regular qigong practice are all you need ;)

[supporter of homeopathy]

I am shocked by CR's superficial article on homeopathy, given that there are many well-respected studies which support the efficacy of homeopathy.

I am much healthier at 61 than when I started homeopathic treatment twelve years ago. I trust my own experience.

I now question the value of CR's 'research'.

[Aloysius]

I'm 54 years old and have been to the doctor twice in the past 30 years. I was introduced to homeopathy in 1976, Arnica for a serious bruise specifically, and have been an avid follower of natural medicines ever since.
My last doctor visit was for minor knee surgery and when I went for a post-op visit 6 days after surgery the surgeon was very surprised at my rapid healing and obvious lack of pain. I told him I'd been applying St. Johns Wort oil to my knee several times a day. "Whatever works" he said.

Yes, I'm a believer in "Snake Oil", wasting the Earths resources one plant at a time.

[Melodya]

As many people above me have said, investigate your research more thoroughly. Of course homeopathic remedies are diluted to an almost minute amount, if it were any stronger it would cause all sorts of imbalances in the human body. These small amounts of the substance act to trigger said functions in the body back to health. Homeopathy often does take longer and you will rarely see immediate results, but in the long run your body will be healed far better than if you took a prescription medication or such. I have always used all natural healing for my ailments. Granted there are cases when pharmaceuticals are absolutely necessary.
And to reiterate what someone already said, this is simply a propaganda scare tactic by the big companies attempting to wipe out alternative forms of healing.

[Carol Auld]

This article is a real disappointment. Homeopathy is safe and effective. Why not talk about Vioxx if you want to talk about products that don't work? Big Pharma has more.

I have used homeopathy for more than 25 years and had very good results from it. It is important to get your remedies from a good supplier and I do not see those ones you mention anywhere that I buy my remedies from. However to paint homepathy has ineffective is not based on factual information or good research.

[Dawn]

What does your reporter know about homeopathy, I would say nothing. I have been studying and using Homeopathy for ten years.
your reporter clearly does not understand the first thing about homeopathy. How can you make assumption based on "ONE" article??? PLease go to the National Center for Homeopathy website and do some real research. Be responsible, before you write. What ever happened to honest journalism?

[Saddened Subscriber]

I could only shake my head after reading this article in the latest issue.

I have a solid scientific education, and have seen homeopathy work on babies and pets, two categories that are not associated with "placebo" effects.

Certainly I was also more than skeptical when I first was recommended homeopathics.

But based on the principle "try anything once" I gave it a shot, and was shocked to see that it really seemed to have a strong effect.

Much later I had a baby with a high fever (102.5F) for more than four hours, and no doctor available. Gave the baby a homeopathic pill and saw his temperature drop three degrees F in 20 minutes.

Homeopathics are not always the fastest or least expensive way to fix a health problem, but they do work.

For a sore throat, I found that Coldcalm (homeopathic) got rid of it in about seven minutes (when caught early), while sublingual zinc did it in about five minutes, and Propolis-Echinacea spray fixed the sore throat in about 3-4 minutes every time.

Anecdotal? Yes. But it's worked for 10 years so far.

Please do better research before you decide to "simplify the truth" next time.

[Susan Benson]

Sorry, homeopathy has helped me many times. Try it.

[Janice Lee]

Consumer Reports has just lost its credibility for me with its slam against homeopathic medicine. It appears you are in the clutches of big pharma, who, of course, is totally against natural medicine. This was a very disappointing, untruthful, and sell out of an article.

Janice Lee

[Hay Fever Head]

I was disappointed when I read this article too. All I know is that as a lifetime severe hay fever sufferer I've tried everything from over the counter antihistamines to all the expensive prescription meds. Nothing worked nearly as well as the homeopathic Zicam solution called out in this article. And it has NO side effects (can't be said of any other solution I mentioned). I was stunned at its incredible efficacy and feel blessed to have found it. I don't care if people think I'm wasting my money and being duped. All I know is that the fire and itching in my head are completely gone and I'm not drowsy. By the way, if you're planning to try it, make sure you give it a week to two to kick in (as mentioned in the instructions). It's not an immediate solution.

Many people in the responses are talking about Zicam for colds (a different product with different ingredients) which has received some reports for doing damage to people's olfactory membranes when used INCORRECTLY. The instructions specifically tell you to put some at the end of your nasal passage. When people shoot it up into their nasal cavities the ingredients can be too caustic on those sensitive tissues. The instructions are very clear about how to use it and what NOT to do with it. Blaming Zicam for this is akin to blaming any other medication you use contrary to the explicit instructions. I've also had success with this product shortening my colds. Anyone afraid of the nasal membrane issue can simply use the mouth spray instead.

With both of these products it's important to follow the instructions. Neither of them is a one-shot solution, they are both solution that are brought about with a build-up of use as is clearly stated in the inserts and, as I understand, is typical of homeopathy.

[Dan]

I found the article very enlightening. I tried the Zicam homeopathy after a friend recommended it. It did nothing to shorten my cold nor relieve my symptoms. I've tried it twice more with the same results (or lack thereof). I think the negative blog responses are interesting. Why are people so defensive about homeopathic methods? Faith and the power of suggestion are amazing. If you think it works for you and you get relief, great! But don't get bent out of shape because the scientific community disagrees with you. Personally, I found Zicam homeopathy to be waste of time and money, but I don't care if you want to buy it. The whole purpose of CR is to inform its readers so they can make their own consumer choices. Thank you Consumer Reports!

[Sasan]

Thank you very much for the heads up on this! You are very caring people.

[Jimtron]

From the article: "Homeopathy is a centuries-old form of medicine that takes a substance that might otherwise cause symptoms or harm and dilutes it until the substance becomes virtually undetectable."

Most Homeopathic remedies are diluted until substance becomes [i]completely[/i] undetectable; not virtually undetectable. Common dilutions are so great that it's unlikely for a single molecule of the 'active' ingredient is present. Could someone explain how the substance in a 30C remedy could be detected (30C is a very common Homeopathic dilution)?

[julieb]

I call homeopathic medicine "homeopathetic medicine." Homeopathetic medicine is for all you believers in snake oil and with discretionary spending.

No basis in theory or fact. Completely discredited. Please don't waste your money or the earth's resources on this illegitimate medicine.

[Betsy]

Regarding the comments on Zicam for colds, my son and I both used to use it on occasion because it did seem to help the congestion accompanying colds. But it also did cause us to lose sense of smell and taste. They have never fully returned. I was stunned to see that many years ago the ingredients in it were found dangerous, in connection with a polio or other illness, and were banned from medications. How this got into the drug supply again, and why there is no warning on the package, stuns me. There are several pending class action lawsuits by patients who lost there sense of smell and taste after using Zicam, so ours are not isolated incidents, as another commentor suggests.

[Ranae]

I also am disappointed in this review. I have been very happy with my use of a variety of homeopathic remedies, salves and other products both on myself and my animals. I'm a Health Educator and have done my research- Homeopathy is a science- not a hoax.As a science it is based on the individual so some combinations may not work on everyone. There are also substances that can negate the benefits of homeopathy. When used properly, homeopathy works!

[Yar]

To Karen Melvin. Zicam has "congestion" products that are not homeopathic, they have a drug in them. Which one did you use? Homeopathic remedies come with no side effects.

[Yar]

BIASED much? Lung cancer from smoking used to be all anecdotal, but lets not believe it until we get a study. There was overwhelming evidence. I would trust anecdotal over drug company funded FDA research anyday. Retired FDA employees sit on drug company panels, do the research, I already have. Educate yourself. How does homeopathic remedies work on small children? Placebo affect? Give me a break. If consumers are so ignorant that they take for granted the seriousness of buying an over the counter med and can't check what they're buying than it's no ones fault but their own-not even the manufacturer's. The product info. isn't written in code. I can respect the comments of those who have tried it and it didn't work, everyone else..Please.

[Janet]

At least 11 American presidents have either used or sponsored legislation to allow homeopathic practice. The Royal Family have used it since the 1830s. Queen Elizabeth is a huge proponent of this natural style of "medicine". Even our American hero, John Wayne, used it! It is very much a Western discovery - Germany, I believe.

[heather young]

I have used homeopathic products for 15 years. They have changed my life and I have raised 3 children using them. Many perscription drugs work in ways we can't understand yet. I consider homeopathy the same. I don't care how it works, I just know it does. It is awesome for pets, too!

[John]

I was interested in your article because I have wondered about the science of homeopathic products, but then I was dismayed when I saw that you said that CharcoCaps was in this catergory and might not work. I have been using this product with great success. I believe it has activated charcoal which is proven to help with gas...and it definitely does.

[Rob]

I don't know if it's the placebo effect or actual medical intervention, but I've used several homeopathic remedies and had amazing results with some, particularly treating hay fever/allergies. I even recommended the remedy to a friend who was particularly badly affected by seasonal allergies and she too had significant relief for at least the first year. By year 2, she had less relief, but that happens even with FDA approved drugs!

[Doug Podolsky]

Thank you for your comments on our homeopathy blog. We thought it might be helpful to let you know that in our reporting, we reviewed published studies on homeopathy, and interviewed leaders in the homeopathic industry, makers of homeopathic products, patient safety experts, and spokespersons for the Food and Drug Administration and chain drugstores.

We’ve carefully reviewed the information, including studies recently submitted by a spokesman for the National Center for Homeopathy in response to our request for examples of the best research. As a result, we’ve found that there’s not enough evidence to justify the use of homeopathic products.

Again, thank you for your spirited comments on this blog.

—Doug Podolsky, senior health editor