Evidence Check 2: Homeopathy - Homeowatch

Evidence Check 2: Homeopathy 1ContentsReportPage1 Introduction 3Evidence Check inquiries 3The inquiry 3Structure of the report 42 NHS funding and provision 5What is homeopathy? 5The policy 5Our expectations of the evidence base 6Scientific plausibility 7Evidence of efficacy 7The distinction between efficacy and effectiveness 9Homeopathic provings 14Summary 14The evidence check 14Scientific plausibility for a mode of action 14Ultra-dilutions 16Evidence of efficacy 18Effectiveness 21Homeopathy on the NHS 24Conclusions 283 MHRA licensing 30The policy 30Our expectations of the evidence base 31User-testing of labels for homeopathic products 32The Evidence Check 33Evidence of efficacy 33The purpose of the National Rules Scheme 35Labelling of homeopathic products 36The role of pharmacies 38Conclusions on the licensing regimes 414 Conclusions 42Conclusions and recommendations 43Formal Minutes 48Witnesses 51List of written evidence 51