Efficacy of Homoeopathy in Managing Respiratory Infections beyond Doubt!—A Narrative Review

Abstract

AbstractBackground Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is accountable for significant mortality worldwide. This virus is primarily infecting the respiratory tract and resulting in SARS. There is no precise treatment available till today. Thus, it is important to find out the alternative approach which can reduce the burden of disease.Objective The aim of this review is to summarise and appraise the findings of various studies on respiratory infections in homoeopathy.Methods A comprehensive search of the articles published during the period from 1 January 2000 to 15 June 2020 on homoeopathy and respiratory infections was carried out. Major electronic medical databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CORE-Hom and CAM-QUEST were used for the literature search.Result From the literature search 46 studies congregated out of which 9 were systematic reviews, 18 randomised contolled trials, 1 controlled clinical trial, 13 comparative cohorts, 3 single-arm cohort observational studies, 1 case series and 1 case report. The results of this review are encouraging. Homeopathic medications have a positive effect in reducing the number of attacks of respiratory infections, less antibiotic usage, tolerability and good compliance as compared to conventional treatment. Complex homeopathic medicine showed a promising role in combating respiratory infections. Homeopathy has shown an important role as adjuvant therapy.Conclusion The findings of this review seem to suggest a definite role of homeopathy beyond placebo in the treatment of various conditions of respiratory infections. Applying homeopathy as an adjunctive treatment in COVID-19 cases can be cost-effective, feasible and safe. Owing to the heterogeneity in trials, independent replications and further appraisal with rigorous designs are warranted.