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. 1989 Mar;27(3):329–335. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1989.tb05373.x

A controlled evaluation of a homoeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza-like syndromes.

J P Ferley 1, D Zmirou 1, D D'Adhemar 1, F Balducci 1
PMCID: PMC1379831  PMID: 2655683

Abstract

1. A controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a homoeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza-like syndromes. 2. 237 cases received the test drug and 241 were assigned to placebo. Patients recorded their rectal temperature twice a day, and the presence or absence of five cardinal symptoms (headache, stiffness, lumbar and articular pain, shivers) along with cough, coryza and fatigue. 3. Recovery was defined as a rectal temperature less than 37.5 degrees C and complete resolution of the five cardinal symptoms. 4. The proportion of cases who recovered within 48 h of treatment was greater among the active drug group than among the placebo group (17.1% against 10.3%, P = 0.03). 5. The result cannot be explained given our present state of knowledge, but it calls for further rigorously designed clinical studies.

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Selected References

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