Homeopathy: Bulls$hit By Any Other Name

In some recent travels through the wild and wooly woods of woo, I came across a blog article that very neatly exemplifies how woo—homeopathy in this case—can fool

"toro osborne cordovilla" by -Merce-/CC-by-nc-nd via Flickr

folks into believing it is effective.

Dr. Phil Hariram appears to be a British G.P. with a strong belief in pseudoscience. Posts on his blog endorse such gems as astral projection, mental telepathy, and naturopathy.

In a post on homeopathy, Hariram tells readers:

“There may be numerous homeopathy treatment options for one health condition or illness… Because of this it can take much time to find the right treatment… Do not leave if the first treatment appears to be noneffective. [sic]”

Many of the minor ailments homeopathy claims to cure are self-limited; the sufferer will get better without any treatment at all. While you’re busy looking for just the right homeopathic preparation, your body is healing itself (a concept that is, after all, near and dear to alt-med devotees.) But if you feel better after taking Essence of Water, why not give the credit to the magic water?

“The great thing about trying homeopathic treatment options is that they are safe and natural. You can also use them in conjunction with conventional medications without noticing any unwanted side effects.”

That’s pretty convenient. You can take water with, you know, actual medication, without side-effects (or any effects.) If you feel better, score one for the water!

“Homeopathy treatment options should not be used instead of conventional medicine, but in conjunction with it… However there is nothing to stop you trying a homeopathy treatment at the same time because it will not cause unwanted interactions with your prescribed medication.”

Nothing except a desire not to fork over your hard-earned cash for a vial of water.