The has been further debate on the homeopathy question (http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/audio/2010/feb/23/homeopathy-mps-useless-nhs). The particular concern is, that although the amount of money allocated to such treatments by the NHS is rather low (especially in contrast with that spent privately), everything else that is provided by that body has to go through a cost versus efficacy analysis. No one disputes that the placebo effect (being 'treated' by someone as well as 'receiving' a preparation) can make some people feel better. The 'remedies' in homeopathy are, however, so dilute that they are effectively pure water (actually purer than many bottled waters). This alone makes it very difficult to postulate a mechanism of action based on our knowledge of physiology and biochemistry. It is claimed that all the properly designed studies (e.g. those that give the patient no clue about which preparation they are receiving) to date fail to distinguish homeopathic treatments from known placebo. The expressed concern is not only that money is being wasted but that people may be tempted to rely on homeopathy when they require treatment with established medicines.
2 comments:
Yes. It's a worry. For me, homeopathy is not worth it. But I always was a sceptic who liked proof.
I read a recently published book that analysed the scientific effectiveness of this and other therapies/ alternative medicines / methods etc. It could find no difference between homeopathy and the placebo effect (which is a reality).
The author himself, when questioned, daily uses:
Vitamin C - 500 mg per day
Omega fish oil - I forget how much
And half a tablet of gastric-coated heart aspirin.
That's good enough for me. And I add a little selenium because NZ soils are short of it.
None of those additions will hurt (playing it safe?). There are reports that high doses of Vitamin C can influence concentration levels when driving but 500 mg should be OK. The major problem with homeopathy is the dilution effect (to virtually nothing). It's interesting that some placebos seem more effective than others e.g. big, green sugar pills are said to be 'more active' than small, red ones!
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