A review of high quality homeopathy trails have shown positive outcomes, it has been reported.

Holistic medicine works in some areas better than others, the National Center for Homeopathy said.

It was responding to a report published in the medical journal the Lancet by a medic at the University of Berne.

A professor of Health Research at Southampton University George Lewith has criticised the study, saying the research in the report was not clear.

It failed to outline which trials were used to make the negative assumptions about homeopathy, which was not normal medical practice.

Two studies have since shown the benefits of homeopathy, since the research in the Lancet in August.

Homeopathy is generally considered effective for several medical conditions, including allergies, upper respiratory tract infections and flu.

Prof Matthias Egger of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Berne has not responded to the criticism of his report, they said.

Homeopathy uses plant, animal and mineral extracts to treat people’s bodies and minds.

According to the Society of Homeopaths, it dates back to ancient Greece.