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For the first time mandatory warning for homeopathic remedies
For the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies, there are no scientific evidence, according to critics. Proponents point out that such evidence exists well. In the United States, manufacturers of such products now either have to prove that their product actually works or provides it with warnings.
Healing or charlatanry?
While homeopathy is actually adored by some people, others refer to the procedure as charlatanry. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the small white beads is hard to find. Although some physicians point out that homeopathy is effective, for example, in pain, according to studies, but an Australian research team found in a study that such drugs do no better than placebo. Stricter rules for homeopathic remedies are now being introduced in the US. Homeopathic producers must provide their goods with a clear warning in the future if scientific evidence is lacking.
Stricter rules for homeopathic remedies are being introduced in the US. Homeopathic producers must provide their goods with a clear warning in the future if scientific evidence is lacking. (Image: Björn Wylezich / fotolia.com) Missing scientific evidence
Homeopathy means to administer to patients in strong dilution the substances that cause the disease in the opinion of homeopaths. Patients often report an improved condition through such treatment. This is partly because of how the placebo effect can work - the belief in the effect alone works. On the other hand, homeopaths usually focus intensively on their patients.
Lack of scientific evidence on the effects of homeopathy is unimportant to many: experience is more important to you than studies.
"People want to believe in miracles," says Dr. Natalie Grams. The doctor, who had practiced a homeopathic practice and a critical book on homeopathy ("Homeopathy rethought - what patients really helps") wrote, said in a critical discussion with "Heilpraxisnet": "People do not necessarily tend to rationality in the first place , We like to believe in miracles, we find great promises more appealing than critical thinking and consistent questioning - all of us. "
Stronger efficiency and safety processes
In the US, homeopathic remedies are now harder to sell their merchandise. The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (FTC) has introduced stricter guidelines.
Homeopathic products that are sold as non-prescription drugs will have to undergo stricter efficacy and safety processes in the future - or carry a warning.
According to an FTC communication, claims for homeopathic efficacy and safety claims are similar to those for other products. "Companies need to provide competent and reliable scientific evidence when they want to advertise that a product is suitable for treating a particular disease," the statement said.
Consumers are being misled
For the vast majority of homeopathic remedies, FTC's efficacy is based only on "traditional homeopathic theories, and there are no valid studies using current scientific methods that prove efficacy."
"For advertising claims that such homeopathic products have a therapeutic effect, lacks a sound basis". In the case of corresponding claims, consumers are purposefully led astray.
Manufacturers now either have to prove that their product actually works or print warnings on their packaging. There would then have to be in the future: "There is no scientific evidence that this product works." Or: "The claims of the product are based solely on homeopathic theories of the 18th century, which are not recognized by most modern medical experts."
Special status in German pharmaceutical law
In Germany homeopathy enjoys a special status in pharmaceutical law. The effectiveness of the funds need not be proven by scientific studies.
"Why then homeopathy was included in the drug law, from today's perspective is no longer understandable," says Dr. med. Natalie Grams. "Homeopathy is an outdated healing theory from the pre-scientific era, whose basic assumptions are in complete contradiction to scientific and medical knowledge," says the expert. (Ad)