A Complex Homeopathic Preparation for the Symptomatic Treatment of Upper Respiratory Infections Associated With the Common Cold: An Observational Study

BackgroundThe use of complementary medicines is large and growing in both the United States and Europe.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of a complex homeopathic preparation (Engystol; Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany) with those of conventional therapies with antihistamines, antitussives, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on upper respiratory symptoms of the common cold in a setting closely related to everyday clinical practice.DesignNonrandomized, observational study over a treatment period of maximally two weeks.SettingEighty-five general and homeopathic practices in Germany.ParticipantsThree hundred ninety-seven patients with upper respiratory symptoms of the common cold.InterventionsEngystol-based therapy or common over-the-counter treatments for the common cold. Patients receiving this homeopathic treatment were allowed other short-term medications, but long-term use of analgesics, antibiotics, and antiinflammatory agents was not permitted. Patients were allowed nonpharmacological therapies such as vitamins, thermotherapies, and others.Main outcome measuresThe effects of treatment were evaluated on the variables fatigue, sensation of illness, chill/tremor, aching joints, overall severity of illness, sum of all clinical variables, temperature, and time to symptomatic improvement.ResultsBoth treatment regimens provided significant symptomatic relief, and this homeopathic treatment was noninferior in a noninferiority analysis. Significantly more patients (P < .05) using Engystol-based therapy reported improvement within 3 days (77.1% vs 61.7% for the control group). No adverse events were reported in any of the treatment groups.ConclusionThis homeopathic treatment may be a useful component of an integrated symptomatic therapy for the common cold in patients and practitioners choosing an integrative approach to medical care.