[blendergeek]

If the homeopathic remedies don't harm anyone (I know that some have, this comment only references the remedies that don't), what is the problem with them being sold and used?

Many cold medicines have side effects, some are even abused recreationaly. Given that human bodies tend to recover with or without cold medicine (and given the shaky legs that Phenylephrine stands on), what is the issue with people using "fake medicine"?

Homeopathic remedies cannot be abused recreationaly. They aren't precursors to meth. They are better in every way (except the don't work better than a placebo). But, if all a patient needs is a placebo (people recover from the common cold just fine without medicine), homeopathic remedies are perfect.

Remember the hippocrattic oath: First of all, do no harm. Safe, well prepared homeopathic remedies shouldn't do harm. Many cold medicines do.

[evilduck]

Why not just prescribe a crystal and some essential oils instead? Maybe have them sacrifice a chicken tomorrow evening at dusk? Actually, if they send me $400 in Bitcoin I will simply cure them with the power of prayer. Nobody is making meth off of my well wishes either.

[worik]

> Actually, if they send me $400 in Bitcoin I will simply cure them with the power of prayer.

Sounds like a business plan

[blendergeek]

Why a prescription? If the patient can get a placebo fix without a prescription, isn't that better?

Of course having a "healer" present with a "prescription" may make people feel better. So maybe prescribing crystals is better than pharmacy homeopathic remedies.

However, none of this needs to cost $400. Given that these are all placebos, they should cheap and safe.

[evilduck]

Nah, if they need to believe in homeopathic cure-alls it most definitely needs to cost $400. Compared to a Medbed, I'm offering a total bargain.

[dymk]

> what is the issue with people using "fake medicine"?

Because people are being tricked into thinking they’re taking medicine, preventing them from seeking out medical care.

[blendergeek]

The choice is

over the counter cold medicine

vs

homeopathic "remedies".

Neither of these cure diseases. Neither of these prevent the seeking of medical care. Both of them may make people feel better (the placebo effect can be powerful). Only one of these is frequently abused by teenagers as a recreational drug.

[blincoln]

There are plenty of people who take homeopathic and other alternative products instead of prescription products because they can't afford the prescription products, and fraudulent advertising makes them think the alternative is more or less equivalent.

I actually had someone at a pet store try to sell me homeopathic medication instead of dewormer because they were out of actual dewormer. Do you think that's harmless to someone who doesn't know the difference between giving their pet real medication vs. magic woo water?

[whamlastxmas]

Your appendix is about to burst, the surgeon is busy, but do some yoga near this crystal and it’ll clear right up

[worik]

> There are plenty of people who take homeopathic and other alternative products instead of prescription products because they can't afford the prescription products,

True

But worse people use homeopathic remedies because they do not trust modern medicine

Harmless for cold cures, not harmless for infectious diseases

[blendergeek]

I'm only advocating for homeopathic cold medicine. Real cold medicine does not cure the common cold and does have harmful side effects.

Your examples are cases where homeopathic remedies should not be marketed beside real medicine.