Homoeopathy a risk to lives with unfounded claims

However, India-based homoeopath S K Dasgupta has refused to buy Ernst's argument.  "Homoeopathy is a system of medicine in which a drug and a disease that produce similar symptoms cancel each other out in some way thereby restoring the patients to health. This principle of 'Like can cure Like' actually forms its basis," Dr Dasgupta told PTI.  

Even the British Homoeopathic Association has denied that the treatments are dangerous. But, Ernst of Exeter University has announced a 10,000-pound prize for any proof of a successful homoeopathic treatment, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.  

In fact, according to him, homoeopathic treatments are a "public health problem" needed be more tightly regulated.  

His comments came just a day after a British Government report called for "urgent" controls on herbalists, acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, amid fears over patient safety.  

Its recommendations, to be considered by ministers, include a proposal that new practitioners would have to study for a degree before they could practise.