Homeopathy: scientifically proven for specific ailments

Can the Royal Association Homeopathy Netherlands state on its website that several scientific studies show efficacy in many indications? This was the starting point of a principle procedure at the Advertising Code Committee. The complainant, adamantly opposed to homeopathy, felt that the text should be removed. In a first decision, the Committee’s President had set all kinds of extra strict conditions. This would greatly limit advertising of homeopathy. With the subsequent decision of the full Advertising Code Committee these conditions are off the table. In plain language the ACC makes it clear that the Homeopathy Association may advertise homeopathy and homeopathic medicines. The Association may also make announcements about the efficacy of homeopathic products and the scientific research that has been done. The ACC says that this text must of course be sufficiently nuanced. The consumer must be properly informed. The original text on the website was too absolute, the complaint is upheld.

In the meantime, the Homeopathy Association had already updated its website. Where appropriate, it lists an explanation on the website of the pros and cons of the scientific research in question.

Conclusion: even if there is no consensus on the (way of) efficacy of homeopathy, scientific research may be referred to that demonstrates the efficacy for a certain disease. This way the consumer gets nuanced and objective information about new (international) scientific developments. How homeopathy works has not yet been proven. But the fact that science does not yet have a conclusive explanation (how?), does not mean that effectiveness does not exist or cannot work. Spinoza, Einstein and Newton already said it: science is about thinking outside the known box. And the law follows this: referring to scientific research is allowed, nuance prevents deception.

Ebba Hoogenraad handled this case for Royal Association Homeopathy Netherlands