Positive Health Online

Abstract

HART and colleagues, Department of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial with arnica C30 for pain and postoperative recovery following total abdominal hysterectomy.

Background

Methodology

Of the 93 women recruited into the study, 20 failed to complete protocol treatment (9 in the arnica group; 11 in the placebo group), 9 failed to comply with the protocol, 9 had their operations cancelled or changed within 24 hours and 2 had to be withdrawn due to recurrence of previously chronic painful conditions. 73 women completed the study - 38 received arnica C30 and 35 received placebo.

Results

Although the placebo group had a greater median age and the arnica group had slightly longer operations, there were no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

Arnica in homoeopathic potency had no effect upon postoperative recovery in the context of this study.

References

Hart O et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial of homoeopathic arnica c30 for pain and infection after total abdominal hysterectomy. J R Soc Med 90(2): 73-8. Feb 1997.