As if it ever stopped “striking”? Homeopathy has been written about before here. It’s been defying both modern medical understandings, science and the most basic standards of logic for centuries, but it seems that it’s still got what it takes to be the basis of a few more scams. It also seems that the Brits are especially susceptible to crack-pot ideas of homeopathic cures. In the UK, there’s no shortage of homeopathic shops and consultants, doing their business right alongside legitimate establishments and having no trouble getting customers.

Recent reports involve Malaria, that nasty mosquito-spread parasitic disease which is always miserable and sometimes fatal. The only good thing about Malaria is that it’s treatable with modern anti-malaria drugs. Taking these drugs when traveling in Malaria-ridden areas helps prevent the parasitic protozoa from taking hold and causing illness. They’re recommended for anyone who might be at risk of exposure. And if the drugs are not taken beforehand and the traveler does contract the diseases, they should be treated by immediately.

But apparently the homeopaths are cashing in on the fact that these drugs are rather expensive and can occasionally have a few side effects. Most newer drugs are well tolerated, but occasionally nausea, fatigue, and in rare circumstances, depression can occur. Of course, homeopathic treatments tend to have no side effects, because they contain almost no active ingredient, and often none at all. However, the thriving business and claims that homeopathic treatments are effective at preventing the disease has lead to many unprotected travelers and even a few deaths. Health officials in Brittan are warning consumers to visit their doctors and use actual medications to fight Malaria, but the homeopaths have no problem lining their pockets with the money of hapless consumers.

And how do they claim it works? Well, according to one homeopathic practitioner, your body has an energy field which can have “Malaria mosquito shaped holes.” The treatments offered help plug those holes so the mosquitoes can’t get through. That’s right… if you don’t believe me check out from this article.

Source:
BBC Report
Follow-up information

More info on homeopathy can be found at Quackwatch.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 at 11:17 am and is filed under Bad Science, Not Even Wrong, Obfuscation, Quackery, media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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