I can remember being taught about homeopathy at university. The lecturer explained the processes involved in creating the products, the serial dilution and succession, which apparently make the product more potent.

But, like most pharmacists, I am a staunch believer in evidence-based decisions. So this mystical explanation only added to my inherent scepticism – and my disbelief at these products being sold in pharmacies. So when I was asked which strength ointment – 30c or 6c – would be best for stretch marks for a pregnant woman during a recent locum shift, I felt a tinge of frustration.

I did my best to explain the evidence base, or lack thereof, for the product and tried to recommend alternative treatments. In the end, she bought the 30c ointment and ignored my consultation. The need to discuss the use of homeopathy products – and in some way justify selling them in a pharmacy – left me feeling somewhat uneasy.

So I couldn’t help raising a smile when I read about a homeopathy conference in Germany where the delegates – it is believed accidentally – took a hallucinogenic drug instead of what I can only presume was their watered-down concoctions.

Attendees took the drug 2C-E, known as Aquarust in Germany, which has stimulant effects described as a cross between ecstasy and LSD. This resulted in 160 police, fire crews and ambulance staff turning up to deal with the 29 hallucinating homeopaths, who – according to reports – were “rolling in a meadow, talking gibberish”. Thankfully, no-one was badly hurt and there should be no long-lasting effects.

It is not yet clear whether these drugs were taken accidentally, intentionally or planted with ill-intent. However, one thing is clear, these were most definitely not homeopathic products – they had an effect.

Although this event will probably not dissuade customers from buying into the industry, it will bring a smile to my face when I am asked about the effect of homeopathic remedies.

Kristoffer Stewart is CPD and clinical editor of C+D. Email him at [email protected] or contact him on Twitter at @CandDKristoffer

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