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UK May Blacklist Homeopathy (bbc.co.uk)
New submitter Maritz writes: Vindication may be on the horizon for people who defer to reality in matters of health — UK ministers are considering whether homeopathy should be put on a blacklist of treatments GPs in England are banned from prescribing, the BBC has learned. The controversial practice is based on the principle that "like cures like," but critics say patients are being given useless sugar pills. The Faculty of Homeopathy said patients supported the therapy. A consultation is expected to take place in 2016. The total NHS bill for homeopathy, including homeopathic hospitals and GP prescriptions, is thought to be about £4m.
It's no different than prescribing a placebo, which does have a proven effect
The most common placebo is antibiotics prescribed for viral infections. Homeopathy is certainly better than that, since at least it is harmless (since there is nothing in it). It seems silly to ban homeopathy while overprescription of antibiotics is still rampant.
Please excuse my ignorance, but how is homeopathy different, say, than the flu vaccine?
As I understand it, homeopathy is based on the principle that 'like cures like" and that it is deemed 'junk science' or 'snake oil treatment' by modern medical science.
By comparison, the flu vaccine claims to 'protect' people from the influenza virus by injecting them with the influenza virus.
How is this not homeopathy?
Btw, I'm a programmer; not a doctor.
Thanks.
Political correctness is really just herd psychology pushed by insecure people who desperately seek social conformity.
Wrong Placebo is usually more effective than no treatment.
Jason.