As a follow-up to my recent post on doing your homework on prescription drugs, it’s time to talk about the non-prescription, homeopathic, or alternative “remedies” that are so popular nowadays.
The AP analyzed FDA side effect reports, and has found that many homeopathic remedies are, at best, mostly worthless, and, at worst, potentially harmful. Take, for instance, the example presented on Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel and Nasal Swabs, which may have caused anosmia (loss of one’s sense of smell) in hundreds of people.
Why did it take so long for information like this to come to light? Federal checks for safety, effectiveness, or ingredients are not required for homeopathic remedies. How can this be, you ask? Well, in 1938, a trained homeopath and senator, Royal Copeland, managed to pass a law that gives homeopathic remedies the same legal status as pharmaceuticals, and the law has been in place ever since.
The AP found out many things about homeopathic remedies, including the fact that many can have as much as 10% alcohol or more. Homeopathic remedies, of course, don’t have to meet the FDA’s strict limits on alcohol in medicines. Other homeopathic remedies are derived from prescription drugs or poisons like strychnine, snake venom, and arsenic. Talk about selling snake oil!
This blog post is not meant to strike fear into the hearts of readers. Rather, it’s to further highlight the need of people to DO THEIR HOMEWORK. For example, we all want our colds to go away faster; however, many scientists and doctors have shown that taking homeopathic remedies that claim to make colds go away faster don’t actually work. It’s actually better to stick to your mom’s and grandmother’s remedies – lots of (preferably hot) liquids and lots of rest. Chicken soup actually does have many healing qualities (and as far as I know, no one has ever lost their sense of smell by eating chicken soup!).
Remember, when it comes to your health, you are the only one who knows your body – and you’re also the only one who has to live in that body. It’s good to explore all options, just make sure that no matter what option you’re exploring – be it on the advice of a medical doctor, a homeopath, or your mom – do your research. Make sure that you’re not the victim of a snake oil salesman.
Related article: AP IMPACT: Zicam not alone in side effect reports
#1 by Travis on June 22nd, 2009
I agree that people need to do their own homework – and FDA approval is no substitute for that responsibility. Plenty of people have been harmed by FDA-approved drugs as well.