Corpus Hahnemannicumproven and unproven in medicine

An independent reference on evidence-based medicine and the history of medical doctrines. Not a medical organisation, sells no products and does not replace a doctor's advice; in a life-threatening emergency call your local emergency number (in Russia 103 or 112).

Sources

Sources and limitations

This reference deals with health, so we pay particular attention to where the facts come from. This page lists the sources we rely on, explains why many things are described in general terms and states honestly what this reference will not do.

We would rather say less but say it accurately. Where there is no reliable official assessment, we do not invent figures or dates.

— Editor's note

What we rely on

We present conclusions about homeopathy only from official assessments: the statement by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (2015), the memorandum of the Russian Academy of Sciences Commission against Pseudoscience (2017) and the guidance from NHS England (2017).

Our explanations of how research works are based on the generally accepted principles of evidence-based medicine and on material from the Cochrane Library. For general health information we follow WHO materials for patients.

What this reference does not do

  • It does not diagnose or answer questions about a particular person's treatment
  • It does not name medicines or give dosing schedules
  • It does not sell or advertise any products, homeopathic ones included
  • It does not claim effectiveness for methods where research has not confirmed it
  • It does not mock people who turn to alternative practices

Why much is described in general terms

Medical recommendations depend on age, illness and many personal circumstances, so general advice given without an examination may turn out to be wrong. We explain the principles and leave decisions to your doctor.

We retell historical episodes carefully too: specific names and dates are given only where they are reliably confirmed.

  • Methods

    Evidence-based medicine, historical doctrines and alternative practices: what is known about them and how they are assessed.

  • Research

    How to read research: control groups, placebo, systematic reviews and levels of evidence.

  • Glossary

    Terms from evidence-based medicine and medical history in plain words: from placebo to systematic review.

Sources

  • NHMRC — Statement on Homeopathy (2015)
  • Russian Academy of Sciences Commission against Pseudoscience — memorandum on homeopathy (2017)
  • NHS England (2017)
  • Cochrane Library
  • WHO — information for patients

This page reflects the state of knowledge on the date it was prepared. Scientific assessments and official guidance are revised as new research appears, so make decisions about your health together with your doctor.