homeopathic medicine

[jomifl]

Since the putative active ingredient in homeopathic medicine is diluted to statistical non -existence the adherents to this kind of therapy have explained that the curative properties reside in the memory of water(yeah right). Any comments?

[bednobs]

no

[Old_Geezer]

Just that whilst I like to keep an open mind about things, it doesn't sound credible to me. I'd be more convinced if a legitimate blind test showed it worked.

[Old_Geezer]

Distilled water ?

Anyway who says it doesn't ? May be boosting your immune system as you drink.

[cathfromsaron]

it has often worked for me, and science has also proved that bumble bees can't fly! x

[China Doll]

I think it's probably as effective as some sort of placebo, and that's as generous as I get towards it.

[jake-the-peg]

I wouldn't dismiss the power of placebo there has been some incredible research on it.

Including physiological changes after taking placebo and placebo surgery.

Does it work in the way that medecine works? bio-chemically? NO

Does it work in that people get better from it? YES

Is it ethical to use it on the NHS - Err Dunno?

[Old_Geezer]

No they haven't proved anything of the sort about bumble bees. At one time they simply didn't know enough to understand how they flew, but knowledge progresses.

[cathfromsaron]

i had a remedy from a qualified practitioner, for impacted/infected wisdom teeth and the dentist confirmed i no longer needed surgery!

it was amazing but nevertheless true!

[jake-the-peg]

You obviously don't understand placebo shortstraw if you think that if you get a cure by placebo it wasn't a genuine medical issue in the first place!

[China Doll]

Yes, a placebo is effective but I'm still not sure it should be available on the NHS... I have very mixed feelings towards this place http://www.rlhh.eu/

[jake-the-peg]

Well that's exactly what I mean by is it ethical China!

Oh the other hand if you're a GP and you've got someone with chronic pain from something like osteo-artaritis in front of you and you think they might respond to placebo

Is it ethical not to ?

Tricky area

[China Doll]

Exactly where I fall down too Jake, I think we're basically singing from the same hymn sheet and all that... :c)

[jake-the-peg]

Incidently do you think I could get away with selling Homeopathic Cannabis?

Suitably diluted of course

[China Doll]

Diluted cannibas? Well you could have a go but I wouldn't buy it off ya.... may as well dilute my wine while you're at it! ;oP

[jake-the-peg]

It depends if it works or not.

People have done fake knee surgery on people with long term pain and had positive results.

Placebo is so strong an effect you have to exclude it in trials by making them double blind.

That doesn't mean everyone's suitable for it.

Some research has shown increased levels of dopamine production in the brain in response to placebo - seems a likely mechanism.

A lot more likely than water with memory

[bigbadmarty]

Of course placebo has powerful effects . Homeopathics would never work on me since I know them to be worthless chicanery , whllst the mysticals could benefit from the personal attention . Jake - I dont think you'd risk prosecution since you wouldn't be selling a controlled substance ! ( I think a bloke in my local has the same idea )

[jomifl]

A dopehead neighbour of mine thought that my lupin seedlings were cannabis plants. Perhaps I should have sold him some (before they flowered) he may have enjoyed them.