Homeopathy for Anthrax?

With fears of biological warfare at their peak after U.S outbreaks of Anthrax, authorities are looking for a safe and effective counter-measure to the disease.

Homeopathic practitioners in India are claiming Homeopathy could be just the remedy. Dr B. Gangapadhyay of the Orissa Medical College of Homeopathy and Research claims, "Anthracinum, which is prepared by triturating (grinding) the puss from Anthrax, is a very effective prophylactic against Anthrax". Dr Gangapadhyay optimistically adds "Anthracinum works like magic. If a person just takes a dose (of Anthracinum) for two days in succession, he would be immune from Anthrax for at least three months".

Homeopathy works on the principle of "like cures like". If a substance produces symptoms in a healthy person, the same substance can be used to treat symptoms in an unhealthy person.

A spokesperson from Bromley Health Management commented, "Homeopathy can be used for a range of natural vaccinations, but you always need to be cautious about promoting it's uses without proper clinical trials. Homeopathy can also be quite subjective - certain remedies work best for certain people, there is no magic cure for everybody".

Thursday, 1 November 2001