EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY ARNICA

Early day motion 816, tabled 4 March 2003 by David Tredinnick (Conservative). Signed by 16 members.

That this House observes the recent research undertaken by the Department of Complementary Medicine at Exeter University into the effectiveness of the homoeopathic remedy arnica; notes that a number of experts including Dr Peter Fisher, Director of the Royal Homoeopathic Hospital, The Society of Homoeopaths and The Natural Medicines Society have disputed the validity of the study because of the way it was set up and conducted; believes that this is a statistically underpowered trial with inappropriate outcomes; expresses concern that the study which was designed as a preliminary investigation to inform a possible subsequent larger study has been analysed and reported as a definitive trial; notes that the dosages prescribed were inappropriate for the conditions being treated and were given for too long a period of time; further notes that homoeopathic arnica is used by thousands of people in the United Kingdom to reduce swelling, prevent muscular soreness and alleviate post-operative soreness; believes that arnica is an effective homoeopathic remedy when appropriately used; and urges the Government to commission further research into the effectiveness of arnica.

Signatures by party: Labour 7, Liberal Democrat 4, Conservative 2, Scottish National Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.