Michael Edmonds • Apr 23, 2013 •
It’s probably familiar to many of us … you are debating some issue when someone with an opposing comes out with “but I read a study that showed … ” and then goes on to explain how the so called study justifies their position. You then track down the study (assuming they can tell you where to find it) and … Read More
Michael Edmonds • Apr 16, 2013 •
Science is a process by which we attempt to explain the natural world around us. A good indication that we have a reasonable explanation for describing a particular phenomenon is that: 1) it is consistently supported by reliable experimental data and observations 2) it has a plausible mechanism Homeopathy fails on both counts. While supporters of homeopathy are often quick … Read More
Siouxsie Wiles • Apr 16, 2013 •
Tauranga homeopath Clive Stuart has had part of his complaint against an article on homeopathy (Homeopathy – Trick or Treatment?) published in the July 2012 edition of North & South, upheld by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC)*. While the PCC did not agree with his complaint that balance needed to be numerically equivalent (there were quotes from two … Read More
Michael Edmonds • Feb 09, 2013 •
While browsing at the bookshop today I came across the self styled New Zealand “Journal” of Natural Medicine, one of the most concentrated examples of quackery promotion that I have ever seen. Articles include: Eczema and the Homeopathic “Direction of Cure” The End of Antibiotics and the rise of Iodine as an effective Alternative DNA can be Reprogrammed by Words … Read More
Michael Edmonds • Jan 03, 2013 •
I recently came across this debate about Homeopathy between Professor Joe Schwarcz from the Office of Science& Society and Dr Andre Saine from the Canadian Academy of Homeopathy. I think Professor Schwarcz challenges homeopathy in a very civilised, yet probing way. … Read More
Michael Edmonds • Jul 19, 2012 •
Last month North and South magazine had a feature on Alternative medicine which sensibly pointed out the unlikelihood that many such treatments work, including homeopathy. In the letters section of this months magazine there are letters both applauding and condemning the article. One article, written by “Diane Willcock, MSc, PhD”, criticized the article and claimed that homeopathy was “developed using … Read More
Michael Edmonds • Jun 15, 2012 •
This week North & South magazine take on alternative medicine in thirteen pages of very thorough and well written articles. I can highly recommend it. I won’t repeat everything covered in the articles but very much appreciated the following quotes, originally from the book “Snake Oil and Other Preoccupations” by John Diamond. “It’s easy for the well-fed metropolitan with time … Read More
Michael Edmonds • Jun 11, 2012 •
The Global Wellness Naturally website sells a range of elixirs containing “programmed water”. Amongst the various elixirs available are those formulated to: work with energy levels and toxins in the body loosen tight muscles, tendons and ligaments to address damaged DNA, heavy metals, radiation, free radicals and toxins to ease sorrow and anger So how is this “miraculous” programmed … Read More
Michael Edmonds • May 06, 2012 •
Dr Joe Schwarcz is a prominent Canadian science communicator who visited New Zealand last year and gave some wonderful public lectures on how chemistry contributes to our society. He also writes some wonderful popular science books and writes a weekly column and newsletter called The Right Chemistry, as well as a podcast of the same name. His … Read More
Michael Edmonds • Apr 29, 2012 •
A 30 million dollar class action law suit has been filed in Canada against Boiron, the world’s largest manufacturer of homeopathic remedies, and Shoppers Drug Mart, who sells the remedies. At the heart of this lawsuit are marketing claims made regarding the product Oscillococcinum, sold as a treatment for flu-like symptoms. The packaging for this product states that it contains … Read More