Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Homeopathic Treatment for Long COVID

This study is investigating whether homeopathy can help people suffering from Long COVID. Researchers are testing two types of homeopathic treatment: a specific anti-Long COVID remedy and a personalised treatment plan created by a homeopath. These treatments will be compared with the usual care people receive for Long COVID. The aim is to see if these homeopathic approaches can improve symptoms and overall wellbeing for those with the condition. Participants will share how they are feeling through online questionnaires, and some will receive the homeopathic treatments while others continue with their usual medical care. It's a small study to gather initial information about these treatments.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

St. Mary's University, Twickenham

Enrolment target

120

Start

15 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2028

Long COVID Long COVID Symptoms

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new ways to help people who are still experiencing symptoms months after having COVID-19, a condition often called Long COVID. Researchers want to see if homeopathic treatments, which use highly diluted substances to trigger the body's healing, could make a difference. They're going to compare two different ways of using homeopathy: one involves a specific homeopathic remedy chosen for Long COVID, and the other offers a more personalised treatment plan created by a qualified homeopath. This allows them to see if these approaches can help improve people's symptoms and general health compared to simply continuing with their usual medical care.

The main goal is to find out if these homeopathic treatments can actually make people feel better. The study is a "pilot" study, meaning it's a smaller, initial investigation. This helps the researchers understand if it's worth doing a much larger study in the future. By carefully comparing those who receive homeopathy with those who don't, they hope to learn more about its potential effectiveness.

They will be asking people to fill out online forms about their symptoms and how they generally feel. Some people will then be offered the homeopathic treatments, while others will continue with their current care. This allows the researchers to fairly compare the different groups and see if there are any real improvements related to the homeopathic treatment. They're particularly interested in changes to symptoms and overall wellbeing.

Key takeaways

The study is investigating homeopathic treatments for Long COVID.
It compares two different homeopathic approaches with usual medical care.
Participation involves filling out online questionnaires monthly.
Some participants will receive homeopathic treatment, others will not.
This is a small, pilot study to explore potential benefits.
The goal is to see if homeopathy can improve Long COVID symptoms and wellbeing.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who had COVID-19 at least 12 weeks ago and has since been diagnosed with Long COVID by a doctor or an NHS Long COVID clinic. You must currently be experiencing at least one symptom of Long COVID as defined by the NHS, and you should be interested in taking part in research.

There are some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you haven't had COVID-19 or if you haven't been officially diagnosed with Long COVID. If you're not currently experiencing any symptoms, or if you can't give your agreement to take part, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you can't use online forms or attend video calls, or if you're already receiving homeopathic treatment, you wouldn't be able to join. If you've started any new Long COVID medication or treatment in the last month, or if you have a life-threatening condition, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have COVID-19 at least 12 weeks ago?
Has a doctor formally diagnosed you with Long COVID?
Are you currently experiencing Long COVID symptoms?
Can you complete online forms and use video calls (like Zoom)?
Are you NOT currently receiving homeopathic treatment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked to fill out some online questionnaires about your symptoms and how you're feeling. You'll need to complete these questionnaires every month for the duration of the study.

After you've completed two of these monthly questionnaires, some participants will be randomly chosen to receive a specific homeopathic remedy for Long COVID. Others will continue with their usual care for a while. After one month, some of those who received the initial homeopathic remedy may then be offered a different, more personalised homeopathic treatment. This means your treatment path might change during the study. You will continue filling out monthly questionnaires throughout your time in the study. The total duration of your participation will depend on which treatment path you follow, but it will involve regular online check-ins.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that you might receive a homeopathic treatment that could help improve your Long COVID symptoms and overall wellbeing. However, there's no guarantee it will work for everyone, as this is a research study to see if it's helpful. There are generally very few direct risks associated with homeopathic treatments themselves. The main commitment for you would be the time and effort to complete the online questionnaires and potentially attend online consultations. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

St Mary's University
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID is when you continue to experience symptoms weeks or months after first getting COVID-19, even if you weren't very ill to begin with.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complementary therapy that uses very diluted substances to try and trigger the body's natural healing abilities.

Will I definitely receive homeopathic treatment if I join?

Not necessarily. Participants are randomly put into groups, so some will receive homeopathy and some will continue with their usual care as part of the comparison.

How long will the study last for me?

You'll be asked to complete monthly questionnaires for the duration of the study. Your specific involvement with treatments might vary, but the questionnaire part is ongoing.

Is this homeopathy recognised as a standard NHS treatment?

No, homeopathy is not currently a standard NHS treatment for Long COVID. This study is researching its potential benefits.

How to find out more

Philippa Fibert, PhD, MSc, B.Ed, B.Sc

philippa.fibert@stmarys.ac.uk +447543345046 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.