The unorthodox treatment has many scientists sneering. But with Prince Charles as the unlikely patron of the UK’s Faculty of Homeopathy, could this be the royal cure?

We know what you’re thinking: how does homeopathy treat asthma?

Unsurprisingly, the answer isn’t simple but it’s certainly been tried and tested. We dug deep into how people are using homeopathic remedies for asthma and we were not expecting what we found...

Before we begin, you might be unfamiliar with the practice of homeopathy. To put it simply, if this alternative medicine had a catchphrase, it would be that you can fight fire with fire. Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted natural substances. The practice is based on the principle that if a substance causes a symptom, then it can help to cure the root of the problem which causes the same symptom (e.g. onions cause a runny nose and watery eyes, so can be used to treat conditions characterised by these symptoms, such as the common cold or allergies).

Yes, it goes against everything we understand about how the world works, but if the history of medicine has taught us anything, we certainly stumble across unexpected and surprising cures.

So, when it comes to asthma, what’s the deal?

1. Cockroaches are used as a homeopathic remedy for asthma

Yuk! The beast of the insect world, known for making your skin crawl as it scuttles across the kitchen floor. You probably never thought to add it to your morning tea. There isn’t any evidence to suggest that Blatta orientalis (the homeopathic substance derived from cockroaches) actually works to alleviate symptoms of asthma and you can’t be judged for finding the plant substances a much more attractive alternative.

1. Homeopathy has been around for thousands of years

Homeopathy was first established in the late 18th century. It’s not clear exactly when homeopathics first started using their remedies for asthma, but it certainly isn’t a new concept. Popularity varies wildly from country to country, but it continues to be a popular alternative method of treatment, despite the lack of scientific evidence for its effectiveness.

1. Charcoal is a commonly used homeopathic remedy for asthma

Charcoal is a bit of a celebrity when it comes to self-care. You can find it in teeth whitening products, hand soaps, hair masks, cleansers, exfoliators and face masks. You can even use it as a water filter. But before it became the latest beauty fad, it was used as a homeopathic remedy to treat asthma, termed ‘carbo vegetabilis’. The indication is that it helps aid digestion and feelings of weakness. There is yet to be any real scientific evidence to back this as a treatment for asthma.

1. The ‘vomiting root’ is another unusual homeopathic remedy for asthma

Ipecacuanha, also known as the ‘vomiting root’ comes from South America and as it contains two vomit-inducing compounds (emetine and cephaeline), it does what it says on the tin. Supposedly, it can be used as a homeopathic remedy for asthma sufferers who have bad spouts of coughing that lead to retching or vomiting. Given the side effects and the lack of scientific evidence, it’s best to avoid this homeopathic remedy.

1. A few studies suggest homeopathy might help some people

Most homeopathics don’t care much for the science behind the practice. Why? Mainly, because science completely refutes it as an effective method of treatment. It simply goes against what we know to be true about physics and chemistry. Instead, the benefits of the remedy are explained by the placebo effect. With this in mind, take what you will from the few studies which have shown homeopathic remedies as an effective treatment, but it can’t be denied that for whatever reason, it might help in combination with your regular medication.

Asthma is a serious medical condition and no evidence exists to suggest homeopathy is a liable cure. Research which looked specifically at homeopathic remedies for asthma could not conclude homeopathy as an effective treatment. This message has been reiterated by medical health professionals and the NHS.

Some argue that despite its limitations, as a natural substance, it can’t do any harm to add this remedy to your treatment plan, if agreed with a medical professional. However, if you do decide to try homeopathy, it’s crucial that you keep taking your prescribed asthma medication in combination with the remedy.

The bottom line

Homeopathy has been around for thousands of years and using the remedies to treat asthma is not a recent trend. This is not to say that there is any real evidence to support its use and you should always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any homeopathic remedies in conjunction with your medication.

The most important thing to remember is that homeopathic remedies cannot be used to substitute your medication and you must always follow the asthma health plan set out by your doctor.