Summary sheet: Nosodes
July 2007
office@echamp.be
– www.echamp.org
The Use of Nosodes in Homeopathy
‘Nosodes’ is the term used for a specific group of remedies widely used in homeopathic
prescribing. They have been an essential part of the European homeopathic tradition for
over two hundred years. Results from clinical trials and data collection in homeopathic
practice show a long track record of safety for these products.
Typically, homeopathic medicinal products originate from plants, animals, organic and
inorganic substances. The first step in the pr
eparation of a homeopathic medicine is the
preparation of the ‘mother tincture’, its most co
ncentrated liquid form
. The second step is
a process of systematic serial dilution and ‘succussion’ (vigorous shaking with impact)
known as ‘potentisation’. The more physically
dilute the solution, the higher the potency.
Nosodes are made from disease products of human or animal origin, or from pathogens or
from products derived from the decomposition of animal organs, cultured micro-organisms
or body fluids containing pathogens or pathol
ogical agents. They are prepared according to
standard methods of manufacture for homeopathic medicinal products. The
Pharmacopoeias in current use include additional rules to produce safe, non-infectious
starting material by different sterilisation me
thods. The subsequent serial dilution adds
further safety and renders them as safe as other homeopathic remedies. Nosodes are
manufactured and prescribed in higher
potencies (i.e more dilute) only.
The track record of safety of these products is reinforced by clear and regulated
manufacturing processes, ensuring that they are safe and meet the EU definition of a
homeopathic product: ‘any medicinal product prepared ... in accordance with a
homeopathic manufacturing procedure describe
d by the European Pharmacopoeia or, in
the absence thereof, by the pharmacopoeias
currently used officially in the Member
States’.
Nosodes are prescribed by homeopathic doct
ors, practitioners and veterinarians world-
wide for the treatment of acute as well as
chronic diseases. Remedies made from the
supposed causative agents or products of a disease are usually prescribed to a patient
suffering from that same disease. They may be used to treat residual problems when an
illness has been overcome in earlier life and to reduce hereditary problems.This school of
homeopathy is known as Isopathy.
In 2005, a survey of homeopathic doctors found that 95% considered nosodes to be
important in their clinical practice. Similarly a 2005 study reported that nosodes had been
of vital importance for successful homeopathic treatment of chronic ailments in an
average of 33% of patient cases. Nosodes also play an essential role in the successful
homeopathic treatment of farm livestock.
Nosodes have a clear place in the European regulatory context. For patients, practitioners
and professional organisations, they will contin
ue to play an essential role in homeopathic
treatment.
For further information and references please
see ECHAMP Position Paper (2006) ‘Nosodes
in Homeopathy: Significance and Viral Safety’.