The homeopathy debate?

Question

One of the many lines I've seen the anti alt med ppl (ie. Kalos) say is that homeopathy has 0 evidence supporting it in any trials done. I said this was a generalization aimed to suit ones bias, rather than truth, and it's been an ongoing debate.

I was bored so I went to find a study that was ligitimate on homepathy, and this is what I came across

"Homeopathic medicines are high dilutions of natural substances
such as plants, minerals, and animals. In the most significant and
comprehensive review of homeopathic research ever
conducted, The Lancet (September 20, 1997) published a metaanalysis
of 89 blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical
trials and concluded that the homeopathic medicines in the
studies had a 2.45 times greater effect than placebo."
*keep in mind placebo does a decent ammount by itself.

Is that a fabrication, or what are the implications otherwise?

Answer 1

First, any article in the Lancet, I would want to know the actual purpose of the study, who funded and who executed. That is always very important information.

I'd look to the materia medica for info on homeopathic remedies and their efficacy before Lancet and a study of dubious origins.

You might want to check with actual homeopaths for where they get their information and proof of actual results. Unfortunately, in the 21st century, people seem more sold on "studies" than on actual personal experiences. I would never discount the positive personal experience for a study.

Though this one does show an increased level of efficacy over the Kalos diatribe, it still isn't necessarily outside the range of error or the whole story. Was a competent homeopath prescribing? Did they take into account the accuracy of diagnosis and homeopathic remedy applied?

I personal have known homeopathic to work 100% and keep remedies nearby for use. We've never suffered side effects that nouveau modern medicine pharmaceuticals cause.

I'd say, that looking for a medical study to prove the efficacy of homeopathic, or anything that will take money out of the pockets of Merck or other pharm companies is the equivalent of barking up the wrong tree.

If I were to compare the effects of WWI on environment, and the effects of home cooking on health as though they were equivalents Kalos and the other dissenters would laugh me out of the room. Well, . . ..I'm laughing here too. . .

Answer 2

The significance has to do with the people, not the remedies.... It demonstrates that behavioral principles of medicine are valid.... Why would people seek treatment outside of a doctors office....ask yourself that, and your homework will be well on its way... Edit - I was compelled to go out an howl at it ;) but no, I didn't think it was anything special either...I don't know about over there, but here the sizes have been so manipulated for fat folks that I'm five foot eight with a BMI of 18 and have to wear a girls size 5....figure that one....but yeah, I'm sure you could use some more Ben and Jerry's. Nitram? Well, you know....I mean that, you do.

Answer 3

More recent articles from The Lancet declare that there is no evidence to suggest that homeopathic medicine is of any value. Here is one article discussing The Lancet and homeopathic medicine.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4183916.stm


One thing that cracks me up is when James Randi and others will "overdose" on homeopathic sleeping medicines. They will take far more than what the homeopathic medicines say to take. Some of these homeopathic medicines even have overdose warnings. However, they people take these and suffer no ill consequences. They don't even get sleepy. It is no different than drinking water.

Don't forget that the homeopathic industry is a big time money maker and many people attack any claim that homeopathic medicine does not work. If the population realized it does not work then these companies making money off of the products would not be able to make the money. The conspiracy that the truth is hidden because there is money to be made or lost can go both ways.

Answer 4

Most of this debate revolves around anecdotes or clinical trials, and why it can't work, or how it does. OK, enough.

Try some. Test it yourself. That is what I did. I was so tired of the arguments. I'm used to herbs, where the active ingredients can be isolated and measured. Where cause and effect is well-known. I did my own trials on homeopathic remedies, to satisfy myself.

I wasn't impressed.

Don't listen to the opinions of others, especially those full of hot air and brown ordure. Buy some, try them. See for yourself.

Answer 5

Seems to me that having the medical establishment do research on homeopathy would be the same as having an Islamic terrorist do research on Southern Baptists ( or other ).

Since placebo is effective 30% of the time in any medication, the study would show that homeopathic meds are effective 73.5% of the time...that's pretty darn good!!!

Answer 6

We must remember that Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, Founder of Homeopathy was a M.D. in allopathy. Homeopathy born in the failure of Allopathy. Homeopathy is comparetively cheaper in cost and much effective. In more than 200 countries, Millions of people treated by Homeopathy. Hahnemann says "The physician's highest and only calling is to make the sick healthy, to cure, as it is called". He added " allopathy is a word of warning to all".

Answer 7

You have to keep in mind that it is all about the money that these drug companies are pulling in each year billions and billions so anything that will hurt their profits is debunked especially in the states but also around the world. Even the internet is bias when it comes to natural health. They will with hold the truth from you as they want people to be on their drugs and not take care of their own health.