UPDATED 4.31PM: Green MP Steffan Browning admits it was a foolish move to sign a petition, calling for the World Health Organisation to try homeopathy as a cure for Ebola.

The backbencher is one of 5000 people who've supported the online petition.

Mr Browning says he didn't intend for it to become public knowledge - and in hindsight, putting his name to the petition was "unwise".

But he's not resiling from supporting the idea - although he says it should be left to the experts.

Steffan Browning says he imagines they're open to any ideas for ending the health crisis - and "why not" try this one.

Greens' health spokesman Kevin Hague says Mr Browning's support doesn't represent the party's views - and the issue is best left to medical experts.

He says "homeopathy has no place at all" in solving the health crisis.