Despite homeopathic treatment prescribed by the NHS being at the request of patients, the practice has received criticism due to the total amount spent on the alternative therapy totaling £12 million across the UK over the last three years. The treatment is based on the theory that like treats like, and patients are prescribed minute doses of plant extracts diluted down that aim to treat the underlying cause of illness, rather than simply relieving the symptoms.
Criticism has come from a number of people including Professor of Complementary Medicine, Edzard Ernst, who has said that homeopathic remedies are little more than sugar pills, and their effects are placebo. There have been calls for doctors to stop prescribing homeopathic treatment for patients as a result of this, although not everybody is of the opinion that homeopathy is a waste of time.
