“In a randomised double blind trial involving 93 women, a combination (complex) remedy of Caulophyllum, Actea racemosa, Arnica montana, Pulsatilla pratensis and Gelsemium sempervirens, was used from the ninth month of pregnancy onwards.
The subsequent labours and complication rates were then examined.
The study found that the average labour time of the women given the complex was 5.1 hours. In comparison, those who received the placebo laboured for an average of 8.5 hours.
The rate of complications in those using the homeopathic complex was 11.3% while the complication rate for those given the placebo was 40%.
The complex used was a mix of homeopathic remedies traditionally used by homeopaths for pregnancy and birthing conditions but does this mean it or any of the remedies should be used routinely? Not at all.
While the remedies included in the mix are some of the common ones, different remedies may be needed by different mothers.
Also, while complexes for simple complaints are a helpful and safe option for those new to homeopathy, the single remedy still gives the cleanest and best results during treatment, especially for more serious or complicated problems.
The results of the study, however, do support the traditional use of homeopathy for labour and birthing problems, and indicate its use should be more widely considered by those involved in the birthing process – parent and professional.
This study 1987 study is not available online but can be referenced from the Cahiers de Biotherapie journal in which it was published.
More Information:
Dorfman P., Lassere N.M., Tetau M., Homoeopathic Medicines in Pregnancy and Labor, Cahiers de
Biotherapie, 94, April 1987, 77-81.”
Thankyou to Homeopathy Plus! for this article.