In a 1983 study, 93 women were given a complex of potentised homeopathic remedies and had shorter labours and fewer complications than those given a placebo.
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 consisted of 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.
Single remedies that match the mother’s presenting symptoms during the birthing process still give the cleanest and best results.
In contrast, complexes are a simple and non-toxic option for those new to homeopathy who are still unsure of the best single remedy. Their limitation is that only the most common birthing remedies are included in the mix; other remedies, though needed less often, will be missing.
The results of this study indicate that traditional homeopathic remedies are helpful for labour and birthing problems, for parents and professionals alike.
More Information:
Dorfman P., Lassere N.M., Tetau M., Homoeopathic Medicines in Pregnancy and Labor, Cahiers de
Biotherapie, 94, April 1987, 77-81.
