Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis using homeopathic preparation of common allergens in the southwestern region of the US: A randomized, controlled clinical trial

Linda S. Kim, June E. Riedlinger, Lisa Hilli, Sarv Varta Khalsa, Stephen A. Messer, Robert F. Waters

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Studies using homeopathy have reported beneficial effects from treating allergy-related conditions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a homeopathic drug prepared from common allergens (tree, grass, weed species) specific to the Southwest region of the US. METHODS: A 4-week, double-blind clinical trial comparing homeopathic preparations with placebo was conducted in the Phoenix metropolitan area during the regional allergy season from February to May. Participants included 40 men and women, 26-63 years of age, diagnosed with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. Study outcomes included allergy-specific symptoms using the rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaire (RQLQ), functional quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36), and the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. RESULTS: Scales from the RQLQ, MOS SF-36, and WPAI questionnaire showed significant positive changes from baseline to 4 weeks in the homeopathic group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Subjects reported no adverse effects during the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings indicate potential benefits of the homeopathic intervention in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Southwestern US.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)617-624
Number of pages8
JournalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy
Volume39
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2005

Keywords

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Homeopathy
  • Isopathy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis using homeopathic preparation of common allergens in the southwestern region of the US: A randomized, controlled clinical trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this