The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica montana and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study--preliminary results.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of Arnica Montana and Bellis perennis on postpartum blood loss.

DESIGN:

Double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial.

SETTING:

Department of Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem.

INTERVENTIONS:

Forty parturients were randomized to one of three groups: Arnica montana C6 and Bellis perennis C6 (n=14), Arnica montana C30 and Bellis perennis C30 (n=14), or double placebo (n=12). After 48 h the Arnica/placebo was halted, and patients continued the Bellis/placebo until cessation of lochia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Hemoglobin levels (Hb) at 48 and 72 h postpartum.

RESULTS:

At 72 h postpartum, mean Hb levels remained similar after treatment with homeopathic remedies (12.7 versus 12.4) as compared to a significant decrease in Hb levels in the placebo group (12.7 versus 11.6; p<0.05), in spite of less favorable initial characteristics of the treatment group. The mean difference in Hb levels at 72 h postpartum was -0.29 (95% CI -1.09; 0.52) in the treatment group and -1.18 (95% CI -1.82; -0.54) in the placebo group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with homeopathic Arnica montana and Bellis perennis may reduce postpartum blood loss, as compared with placebo.

• Authors: Menachem Oberbaum, Narine Galoyan, Liat Lerner-Geva, Shepherd Roee Singer, Sorina Grisaru, David Shashar, Arnon Samueloff
• Journal: Complementary therapies in medicine (Complement Ther Med) Vol. 13 Issue 2 Pg. 87-90 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 0965-2299 [Print] Scotland
• PMID: 16036165 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hemoglobins

Topics

• Adult
• Arnica
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Hemoglobins
• Homeopathy
• Humans
• Israel
• Phytotherapy
• Postpartum Hemorrhage (drug therapy)