Observations of a lurker.
The problem I have with alternative medicine is the lack of an organized
theory of action.
Homeopathy does have a theory, but compared to the scientific method
which has given us modern medicine, it is ludicrous. I will say nothing
more on this.
Herbs contain biologically active compounds which can cause both
beneficial and harmful effects, just a modern pharmaceuticals do.
Indeed, many if not most of our pharmaceuticals are derived, sometimes
remotely, from folk medicine, from plants (ie herbs) used for ages to
cure illnesses. However, modern medicines have survived a rigorous
testing procedure before being released for use. This testing procedure
continues even after the medicine is approved by the FDA.
The adaptogen . . . I have never heard of this term. I believe that it
is without scientific merit.
I Believe, this is the cornerstone of alternative medicine. Advocates
believe, with all their hearts, in an aspect of AM, and cannot or will
not consider evidence against their beliefs. Some, that will not, ie
Dave, do so for apparently monetary reasons. Others seem to be true
believers, ie Jan.
Doubt, truly this is the cornerstone of the scientific method. Doubt
and proof is demanded on a daily basis. It is perfectly normal for the
medical community to announce that a procedure is no longer efficacious
compared to other newer or even older methodologies, and should be
replaced. Change is expected and welcomed, the goal being to provide a
better service to humankind.
However, this cannot be said of alternative medicine. No matter what
treatment, methodology, or procedure, any questioning of the
efficaciousness is viewed with suspicion, with outcries of conspiracy,
of suppression by organized medicine, or of the cabals of the evil
pharmaceutical industry.
I applaud all who stand against the tide, who try, vainly in some cases,
to educate the ignorant.
I have found this group entertaining.
As my mother was fond of saying:
“ There is only one thing worse than being ignorant, and that is
knowing something that is not true.”
BTW, I started lurking on these and other groups, when my PSA spiked in
the last year, going from less than 4 to more than 10. I have completed
a course of antibiotics, hopefully it was an infection, and am awaiting
my appt to have the PSA checked again.
j