Nosodes in Homeopathy:

Significant and Safe

Position Paper
Updated version Spring 2006

ECHAMP European Coalition on Homeopathic and Anthroposophic Medicinal Products

Avenue Livingstone 33 – B – 1000 Brussels - Tel: +32-2-235.09.81 - Fax: +32-2-235.09.82
[email protected] - www.echamp.org
1 DEFINITION homeopathic care versus conventional care. In all, these
figures suggest further benefits and savings to the
Nosodes are homeopathic preparations of organic homeopathic approach to health care.
material derived from inactivated disease products,
cultures of micro organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi and
viruses) or parasites, infected or pathologically changed 4. SIGNIFICANCE OF NOSODES IN HOMEOPATHY
material or decomposition products from humans or The idea to use the infectious nature of certain diseases
animals, rendered safe during the homeopathic in a medical treatment was conceived, long before this
manufacturing process. was proven scientifically. Julian writes in the Materia
Medica of the Nosodes that they were originally used as
2 THE POSITION etiological medications, e.g. a diphtheria nosode for
the treatment of diphtheria 4 . Soon, they were
In homeopathic prescribing nosodes play an indispensable recognised as medications of the terrain, qualifying for
role. This group of remedies has a tradition of more than patients with constitutional diseases.
two centuries. Results from clinical trials, post-marketing Nosodes are applied according to homeopathic and
surveillance studies, and data collection in homeopathic isopathic principles world-wide for the treatment of
practice show a long and safe track record. The acute as well as chronic diseases5 6.
manufacturing methods meet pharmacopoeia
requirements and guarantee viral and microbiological A 2005 survey conducted by ECH among their members,
safety. Therefore, patients, practitioners and professional predominantly homeopathic doctors, veterinaries and
organisations insist on the preservation of nosodes for dentists, revealed that 95% considered nosodes as
homeopathic treatment. important in their clinical practice.

Art 1 of the European Directive 2001/83/EC as amended A study by the VKHD (Verband Klassischer Homõopathen
by 2004/27/EC1 defines a homeopathic medicinal product Deutschlands) in 2005 among 200 practitioners reported
as: an average of 33% of patient cases where a nosode
turned out of vital importance for a successful
“Any medicinal product prepared from substances called homeopathic treatment of chronic ailments.
homeopathic stocks in accordance with a homeopathic
manufacturing procedure described by the European 5. ISOPATHY
Pharmacopoeia or, in the absence thereof, by the
pharmacopoeias currently used officially in the Member One of the earliest innovations of homeopathy, even
States.” mentioned in the later editions of the Organon is
isopathy or isotherapy. Coulter 7 describes it as the
National pharmacopoeias covering homeopathic medicinal element of homeopathic doctrine closest to Pasteur’s
products are the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia2 interests, and notices that it was a part of Western
or the French Pharmacopoeia3. medical culture long before its crystallisation in
homeopathy. Wilhelm Lux, born in Silezia in 1776 and
3. INTRODUCTION Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of
Leipzig, observed that the technique of dilution and
In Europe, homeopathy has a tradition of more than 200 dynamisation of a contagious product would put such a
years. Approx. 30,000 specialised medical doctors and product in a position to exert a therapeutic action on
around 100,000 practitioners practice homeopathic the disease resulting from the contagion8.
medicine. One out of four European families recognises
homeopathic care as a form of therapy. Moreover, Isotherapy usually prescribes a remedy made from the
according to a study published in the Bulletin of the supposed causative agents or products of a disease to
World Health Organization in 2000, more than 50% of a patient suffering that same disease. The method may
complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) users are not be used to treat residual problems when an illness has
ill, but evidently employ CAM in order to prevent illness. been overcome earlier in life, problems following on
Although the true prevalence of the use of vaccination, and also to reduce hereditary problems.
complementary and alternative medicine in the general Isopathy using nosodes should go hand in hand with
population remains uncertain, available data suggests that carefully selected homeopathic treatment to cover the
complementary and alternative therapies are used patient’s presenting symptomatology.
frequently and increasingly.
6. EFFECTIVE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
In France, a 1996 study of 130,000 prescriptions suggested
significant benefits and savings as a result of homeopathic Also in veterinary medicine, nosodes have been
treatment. This survey also noted that the number of demonstrated to be effective. Christopher Day,
paid sick leave days by patients under the care of Veterinarian and former Chairman of the International
homeopathic physicians were 3.5 times less than patients Association for Veterinary Homeopathy (IAVH) has gained
under the care of general practitioners. Although extensive experience with the use of nosodes in herds
homeopathic medicines in France represent 5% of all of food producing animals9 10. Nosodes are successful in
medicines prescribed by physicians, they represent only the treatment of severe and economically relevant health
1,2 % of all drug reimbursements due to their lower cost problems in these animals. Day: “Nosodes are an essential
per prescription. In all, these findings confirmed the component of natural products for farm livestock. The
results of the 1991 French Government Report, which in European consumer is right in demanding an ever-
turn showed a significantly reduced cost from decreasing reliance on conventional drug intake for food
2
animals. Natural products represent the only way forward of four selected model viruses by the factor 10-1 per
to satisfy this demand in order to maintain or enhance potency. Therefore a certain endpoint exists, after
the health of the animals. According to my experience, which the concentration of potential pathogens is zero.
infectious diseases such as mastitis in many herds can Since the concentration of microbes may not exceed
only be treated using nosodes. The loss of nosodes for 1010, one may assume that in homeopathic potencies
the homeopathic treatment approach would be a serious higher than D10 or C5 no microbes are present anymore.
animal welfare issue.”
Situation in Germany
7. VIRAL SAFETY
In Germany, all nosodes have to be manufactured in
Since the source material of nosodes is potentially accordance with a uniform and validated procedure
infectious, a perceived potential risk of infection is pursuant to the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia
associated with their use. (HAB) [5]. All raw materials must be heated in saturated
steam for 20 min at a core temperature of 133°C. Prior
However, according to the European Directive 2001/83/ to its further processing, the starting material for
EC as amended, the requirement for the viral safety of nosodes must be shown to meet the requirements of
nosodes is fulfilled by complying with the manufacturing the test “Sterility” (2.6.1) of the European
methods specified in the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. This ensures that infective agents which
Pharmacopoeia or the French patented process of may be present in the source material will be fully
tyndallisation. The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the inactivated.
United States (HPUS) considers both manufacturing
methods as valid to guarantee the viral safety of nosodes A spiking experiment with nosodes manufactured
and their safety for public health. according to the HAB, demonstrated that this
manufacturing method provides a final product free from
By applying the homeopathic potentisation procedures any viruses. After the autoclaving process, the substance
alone, the number of infectious particles decreases to is extracted with 85% glycerol. Since 85% glycerol like
zero in all potencies above 24X or 12C. At that level of 30% or 43% ethanol have antiviral and antimicrobial
dilution theoretically no molecule of the starting material properties, the maceration in glycerol and subsequent
can be present. potentisation in ethanol inhibits the growth of bacteria
and viruses resulting in their inactivation. This process
European Pharmacopoeia guarantees the microbiological safety of the subsequent
homeopathic dilutions. Based on the current state of
According to the monograph Homoeopathic Preparations scientific knowledge for nosodes manufactured
in the Ph. Eur. the donor has to follow the according to HAB specifications 43 and 44 with regard
recommendations applicable to human blood donors and to the European Directive, the viral and antimicrobial
to donated blood (Human Plasma for fractionation), safety is guaranteed in all potencies.
unless otherwise justified or authorised.
Using this method, the validation of the manufacturing
Situation in France method and proof of non-infectiousness of the nosode
donor is not necessary.
In France, the viral safety must be proved for each
nosode. A validation of the manufacturing procedure
must be carried out to demonstrate the non- 8. STATEMENTS AND TESTIMONIALS
infectiousness of the nosode donor. A serological “For licensed health care providers using homeopathic
examination of the donor similar to the processing of medicinal products, nosodes are an indispensable part
plasma and blood products is required. of homeopathy. Restriction of their availability would
be an unacceptable curtailment of homeopathy”
The French Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (PPH) does not (Jacques Imberechts, former President of the Liga
contain a specification regulating the manufacture of Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis, LMHI).
nosodes. French homeopathic manufacturers have
developed and patented a method for viral inactivation Dr. Ton Nicolai, MD Hom., President of the European
of homeopathic dilutions. It is characterised by heating Committee for Homeopathy (ECH), fears that around
an alcohol containing solution at a temperature ranging 12,000 homeopathic medical doctors in Europe will be
between 30 and 65 ºC for one hour. The process is termed severely handicapped in their every-day practice if
tyndallisation. The manufacturing methods do not require nosodes are not available.
the sterilisation of the source material.
The origin of the source material has to be strictly
controlled. Similar to the processing for blood and plasma For the European Council of Doctors for Plurality (ECPM)
products, a verification of the absence of infection with it is of major importance that medical therapies are not
HIV 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, HTLV 1 and 2, and hepatitis limited.
B and C viruses in the donors of human nosodes is
required. The European Council for Classical Homeopathy (ECCH)
The study: “Evaluation of the viral safety level for the representing homeopathic practitioners: “It is essential
manufacturing process of homeopathic pharmaceutical that the availability of nosodes will be maintained for
products from animal origin” conducted by the Pasteur the benefit of the European citizens. Results from
Institute in Paris demonstrated that the homeopathic clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance studies, and
potentisation procedure is reducing the concentration data collection in homeopathic practice demonstrate
3
that nosodes are of no risk for patients whatsoever. All The following organisations are supporting this position
national and European authorities should, therefore, paper:
ensure that the existing legislation does not impose any
restrictions on the use of these homeopathic medicinal Bundesverband Patienten für Homöopathie (BPH)
products.” Lange Strasse 47 - 37181 Hardegsen - Germany
Deutscher Zentralverein homöopathischer Ärzte (DZVhÄ)
The statements of the health care providers are supported Geschäftsstelle - Am Hofgarten 5 – 53113 Bonn - Germany
by patients’ organisations. Sieglinde Schultz, MD Hom.
and Chief Consultant of the German Organisation Patients European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH)
for Homeopathy (BPH), firmly requests politicians to Chaussée de Bruxelles 132, Box 1 - 1190 Brussels - Belgium
ensure that nosodes will remain available without European Council for Classical Homeopathy (ECCH)
restrictions for the benefit of the patients. International Council for Classical Homeopathy (ICCH)
School House, Market Place
George Vithoulkas, Professor of Homeopathy from Greece Kenninghall - Norfolk NR16 2AH - United Kingdom
and laureate of the Alternative Nobel Prize: “A European Council of Doctors for Plurality in Medicine
predisposition for chronic diseases can be influenced (ECPM)
favourably by prescribing the indicated nosode11.” Ortenaustrasse 10 - 76199 Karlsruhe - Germany

Jonathan Shore, MD Hom. at the Hahnemann Medical Hahnemann Medical Clinic

Clinic in Berkeley, USA, writes that, in cases where no 828 San Pablo Ave - Albany, CA 49706 - USA
progress in healing occurs, the blockade can be overcome Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United
by prescribing a nosode. According to the understanding States (HPCUS)
of the holistic treatment approach, chronic diseases are 4974 Quebec Street NW - Washington, DC 20016 - USA
based on a predisposition blocking the healing process. Integrative Medicine Institute
539 Harkle Road - Santa Fe, NM 87505 - USA
Anton Rohrer, MD Hom. and former Chairman of the
Austrian Society for Homeopathic Medicine (ÖGHM), International Association for Veterinary Homeopathy
(IAVH)
confirms these observations: “The fact that well-chosen
Sonnhaldenstrasse 4 - 8370 Sirnach - Switzerland
homeopathic medicinal products are not effective in a
patient might be a symptom pointing to the need of a Internationale Medizinische Gesellschaft für
nosode. As a specific stimulus, nosodes can activate the Elektroakupunktur nach Voll e. V. Stuttgart (EAV)
healing power of the organism. Therefore, nosodes are Am Promenadenplatz 1 - 72250 Freudenstadt - Germany
also applied as reaction inducing medications12. However, Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis
in most cases nosodes are used according to the Law of General Secretary - Cuenca 87 Col. Alamos - 03400 Mexico D.F.
Similars with regard to their symptom picture.” - Mexico
Õsterreichische Gesellschaft für Homöopathische Medizin
According to the experience of David S. Riley, MD Hom. (ÖGHM)
and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of New Mariahilferstrasse 110 - 1070 Wien - Austria
Mexico Medical School, and Medical Research Director
of the Integrative Medicine Institute in Santa Fe, USA, Zentralverband der Ärzte für Naturheilverfahren e. V.
(ZÄN)
nosodes are well established in every-day practice.
Am Promenadenplatz 1 - 72250 Freudenstadt - Germany
In future, it might be necessary to develop new nosodes
REFERENCES
especially for emerging chronic diseases. Karl-Heinz
Gebhardt, MD Hom and Honorary President of the German
1
Council Directives 2001/83/EC on medicinal products for
Association of Homeopathic Medical Doctors (DZVhÄ) adds: human use and 2001/82/EC for veterinary use. Official Journal
No. L 311
“Nosodes produced according to the homeopathic 2
Homöopathisches Arzneibuch. (Current official edition)
manufacturing methods are clinically proven and 3
Pharmacopee Homeopathique Francaise. (Current official
represent an essential part of the treasure of edition)
homeopathic medicinal products. In most cases, the 4
Julian, O. A. Materia Medica of the Nosodes, Harjeet, 1982
application of a nosode induces an immediate positive 5
Vill, P , Erfahrungsheilkunde 3/2003 Karl. F. Haug Verlag/
switch of the disease state.” Medizinverlage, Stuttgart
6
See also: Hahnemann, S. Die chronischen Krankheiten: Ihre
eigentümliche Natur und homöopathische Heilung.2.
Auflage. Haug, Ulm (1956)
7
Coulter, H.L. , Divided Legacy, A History of the Schism in
Medical Thought Vol IV, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley,
California, 1994
8
Bellavite, P et al, Immunology and Homeopathy.1. Historical
Background, eCAM pp 441 – 453, Oxford Journals, Oxford
University Press, 2006
9
Day, C. Clinical trials in bovine mastitis, the use of nosodes
for prevention. British Homeopathic Journal 75: 11–14 (1985
10
Day, C. Control of stillbirth in pigs using homeopathy.
Veterinary Records 114: 216 (1984)
11
Vithoulkas, G. The Science of Homeopathy. Grove Press,
Inc., New York, 1980
12
Rohrer, A. Carcinosinum – Ein Mittel unserer Zeit. Documenta
Homeopathica. Band 11. Maudrich, Wien (1991)
4