http://www.care2.com/greenliving/is-homeopathy-safe.html
Is Homeopathy Safe?
By Vicky Uhland, Natural Solutions
For centuries, people around the world have used homeopathy to treat everything from seasickness to cancer. But this summer’s recall of Zicam, a popular homeopathic nasal cold remedy containing zinc, raised questions about the safety of this somewhat mysterious science.
Homeopathy uses natural substances from plants, minerals, or animals to ward off disease, operating under the principle “like cures like.” For example, if you’re suffering stomach woes, taking a tincture containing a tiny amount of arsenic–which upsets the stomach–can trigger your immune system to fight the illness. The theory is that a scary-sounding substance like arsenic helps rather than harms you because it’s diluted to miniscule potencies.
But when the FDA reported that more than 130 people lost their sense of smell after using Zicam, the recall sparked a flurry of articles questioning not only homeopath’s effectiveness, but also its safety. Zicam execs have appealed to the FDA to reverse its decision, citing four studies showing that the zinc used in Zicam does not affect smell–and that scientists have found that simply having a cold can cause permanent loss of smell. Either way, some homeopaths argue that the zinc in Zicam isn’t diluted enough for the treatment to even be considered homeopathic.
The European Council for Classical Homeopathy took on the safety issue by reviewing 28 international studies published since 1995. Of more than 8,000 study participants, none had a serious adverse reaction (defined as life threatening, disabling, causing hospitalization, or creating birth defects) from any homeopathic treatment. And an American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists study found that reports of any kind of adverse reaction–even a simple headache–from homeopathic remedies were on par with those from popping vitamin or mineral pills. More people reported complications from taking over-the-counter medicines for asthma, colds, or pain relief than they did from homeopathic remedies.
Practitioners point out that the FDA regulates homeopathy the same way it does pharmaceuticals, meaning homeopathic medicines are subject to more stringent formulation and labeling laws than supplements. Sounds like we should keep the arnica on hand after all.
Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.
Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.
More from Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine (130 articles available)
related stories
-
(7 comments)
-
(13 comments)
-
(3 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
24 comments
add your comment »James Randi's explanation of homeopathy: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2785985155605802136#
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
hey, wait a minute there Sandra~~~you need to study a bit harder. While many Homeopathic remedies are the little sugar pills you describe there are other forms. For instance drops (usually flower essences) that are added to water and sipped. I happen to be using such a remedy right now. I believe Zycam can be classed as Homeopathic. Homeopathic= like cures like..basically.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Seems like circular reasoning - homeopathy is effective because the combined FDA/Pharma ghoul wants to get rid of homeopathy because homeopathy is effective.
While it's true that the greater long-term profitability of "disease management" and treating symptoms as opposed to biological cures absolutely does frame their drug development choices, and has spawned myriad "lifestyle drugs" and new syndrome diagnoses, it would be silly to say that drug companies are intentionally concealing effective treatments. That verges on the conspiracy theories about suppressed cures for AIDS, cancer, etc. or that the patent for unlimited free energy devices is sitting in the basement of an oil company.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
To Jim S.
Big Pharma would not be interested in homeopathic medicine, because they might make too many people well, and lose customers. Not good business practice!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Zicam is hardly a homeopathic remedy. Just because a big corporation calls it such, doesn't mean it is. If the truth be known, the FDA would love to find homeopathy unsafe so they could get rid of it. Homeopathic remedies are little coated milk sugar pills. No one who is familiar with homeopathic remedies would consider Zycam homeopathic. Give me a break!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Why wouldn't big Pharma like to sell and profit from homeopathic "medicine" if they could? What's to stop them? They already sell many other types of snake oil.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Of course the corrupt FDA would love to discredit all types of Natural Medicine as they're not profiting from sales as they are from the BigPharma boys. Yeah, it's a cynical viewpoint but it's sure founded in factual information, do some research.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Have used homeopathic medicines successfully, both oral and topical, for twenty years now. Use them on two-leggeds and four-leggeds alike and have never had any problems.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
When it's all said and done, life is but an illusion. And we are all the architects of that illusion.We are all 'right' in our own little ego 'lunch boxes'. The Ego is the one that counts!
All that aside, I like the comments, and chatter. Keep it up.
The academic minds are fun too! Conceding is usually a tough one, in this mindset. :-)
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
As a retired nurse who has studied and used homeopathic medication for years I have no doubt as to the safety and efficacy of homeopathy. First Zicam used a delivery system that is not your standard method, second you must always follow the directions. Zinc should be used very very sparingly and not for long periods of time. I think that if any medication is not used appropriately there can be adverse effects. Alopathic drugs are far far more dangerous and even lethal at times and yet no one is screaming to shut down the system. No one should ever use a drug, alopathic or homeopathic with out knowing the possible adverse effects and the safest way to use the drug. Ultimately we are all responsible for our own health and well being.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: