I have some great news!
I'm a capoeira obsessive, and obviously ended up mentioning it in my SITP talk at some point. Through considerably less than six degrees of separation, one of the audience (hello if you're reading!), mentioned that she'd seen this talk from a guy that did capoeira, to one of my capoeirista friends, who then asked if it was me, as I was (unsurprisingly) the first that sprang to mind.
The great thing is that, so I'm told, she's "into alternative medicine and stuff like that" but that she's re-assesing how she thinks about them. This is great, and the best possible thing I could have heard about the talk! It was, so I'm told, down to my clear, plain arguments.
Now it's true that very small fry like myself don't have any significant fraction of the impact of Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens or PZ Myers when it comes to addressing issues of skepticism etc, but it all does make a difference. So, if you, dear reader, would class yourself as very small fry as well, and wonder if you're having any impact in tackling pseudoscience and such, then take heart, as it's probably more than you think, and it all adds up!
As I've mentioned capoeira, I'll leave you with an interview about capoeira I did on Radio 2 in the hope that I can have a bit more of an impact in the regard too ; )
Showing posts with label homeopathy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeopathy. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Homeopahtic overdose done and dusted, what should I do next?
Well, Tuesday's talk went well, thanks for all the compliments. As for the video recording, less so. The batteries ran out - alas, I thought it charged off a USB, but actually the FlipCam I had takes old fashioned double As.
So, my Boots Insomnia pill were a combination remedy with the following: Kalium Bromatum, Coffea Cruda, Passiflora Incarnata, Avena Sativa, Alfalfa and Valeriana Officinalis.
As the links show, each of these have numerous symptoms. The closest we can get to an actual match is from the Alfalfa:
Of all the symptoms to get a close match it obviously had to be the diarrhoea.
Now, there are well over 50 possible symptoms, and that I got only one of these, once, after also eating a discounted chicken dish, over the course of four months further adds to my certainty, that when it comes to homeopathy, there's nothing in it.
What have I learnt? Homeopaths don't like facing up to criticism; fail to take a holistic approach when it comes to evidence; and that, answering Martin Robbin's article that started this all off, they are not, as a community, mature and capable enough to look at the evidence and reach a consensus.
I am waiting to hear, following a question at Skeptics in the Pub, how homeopaths get pure water with which to make homeopathic remedies.
So, there we go, thanks to everyone for their support. Now to find another project. I'm going to see if I can find the time to do an Alpha Course, failing that, am open to suggestions. What other woo shall I do and blog about?
In other news, this is happening tonight, I might be able to get to it after capoeira training. It would be quite fun to ask about homopathic overdosing...
So, my Boots Insomnia pill were a combination remedy with the following: Kalium Bromatum, Coffea Cruda, Passiflora Incarnata, Avena Sativa, Alfalfa and Valeriana Officinalis.
As the links show, each of these have numerous symptoms. The closest we can get to an actual match is from the Alfalfa:
Abdomen.--Bloated. Hysterical cramps. Thin, watery diarrhœa, with lumps of coagulated milk, with violent screaming in children. Greenish, papescent, bloody stool. Spasms in bowels after food and at night in bed.
Of all the symptoms to get a close match it obviously had to be the diarrhoea.
Now, there are well over 50 possible symptoms, and that I got only one of these, once, after also eating a discounted chicken dish, over the course of four months further adds to my certainty, that when it comes to homeopathy, there's nothing in it.
What have I learnt? Homeopaths don't like facing up to criticism; fail to take a holistic approach when it comes to evidence; and that, answering Martin Robbin's article that started this all off, they are not, as a community, mature and capable enough to look at the evidence and reach a consensus.
I am waiting to hear, following a question at Skeptics in the Pub, how homeopaths get pure water with which to make homeopathic remedies.
So, there we go, thanks to everyone for their support. Now to find another project. I'm going to see if I can find the time to do an Alpha Course, failing that, am open to suggestions. What other woo shall I do and blog about?
In other news, this is happening tonight, I might be able to get to it after capoeira training. It would be quite fun to ask about homopathic overdosing...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Homeopathy overdose: The Big Reveal
So, I've still not posted what symptoms I *should* have had from the homeopathic insomnia pills I had.
Well...
I'm not going to tell you!
All will be revealed at tonight Skeptics in the Pub Cheltenham, which I'll hopefully pop on to You Tube.
In the mean time, let's watch Crispian Jago again:
Well...
I'm not going to tell you!
All will be revealed at tonight Skeptics in the Pub Cheltenham, which I'll hopefully pop on to You Tube.
In the mean time, let's watch Crispian Jago again:
Thursday, March 31, 2011
I survived!
Well, my four month homeopathy overdose is done, and I survived. If you're any where near Cheltenham, you may wish to come to my talk for Skeptics in the Pub.
Relatedly, I saw this post on the Refractive Index blog via David Allen Green (aka Jack of Kent), which is a good little summary of the ways twitter can be used.
Previously, I'd been aware that James Delingpole is a climate change denier, but didn't know about his thoughts on homeopathy. Without a trace of irony, he criticised skeptics for "grotesque, self-aggrandising aura of smugness". This from a man who describes himself as "I'm lovely and right about everything", and who, in the same article, goes on to assert:
Let's get this clear, James Delingpole is wrong, AGW is something to worry about, and, all the arguments I have heard from climate change deniers thus far are nicely countered here (this includes those in Delingpole's piece).
Unfortunately, some people aren't as amenable to reason as others, and as the Refractive Index blog shows, when David Allen Green asks, quite reasonably:
And gets this in reply:
We can see just where the issue with tone is (amongst many other things).
Relatedly, I saw this post on the Refractive Index blog via David Allen Green (aka Jack of Kent), which is a good little summary of the ways twitter can be used.
Previously, I'd been aware that James Delingpole is a climate change denier, but didn't know about his thoughts on homeopathy. Without a trace of irony, he criticised skeptics for "grotesque, self-aggrandising aura of smugness". This from a man who describes himself as "I'm lovely and right about everything", and who, in the same article, goes on to assert:
Furthermore, to attempt such an argument constitutes the most sublime hypocrisy. AGW is the most expensive unproven hypothesis in the history of science. Wiser heads – such as the new intake at the US House of Representatives, a majority of whom have voted to withdraw funding from the IPCC because it is so heavily politicised and devoid of scientific credibility – are increasingly cognizant of this uncomfortable truth. Not a shred of convincing empirical evidence has yet been produced to show that human CO2 emissions pose any kind of serious threat to the health of the planet.
Let's get this clear, James Delingpole is wrong, AGW is something to worry about, and, all the arguments I have heard from climate change deniers thus far are nicely countered here (this includes those in Delingpole's piece).
Unfortunately, some people aren't as amenable to reason as others, and as the Refractive Index blog shows, when David Allen Green asks, quite reasonably:
And gets this in reply:
We can see just where the issue with tone is (amongst many other things).
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Society of Homeopath's response
Here is the Society of Homeopath's response to my complaint:
One quick point: When I posted about registering a complaint, it was a good while before I sent the letter. I double checked to make sure I did as the Society of Homeopaths said, and they said to send the letter recorded delivery, and it took me a week or too to get to get to the Post Office. Their response was actually quite quick.
My complaint focused on these parts of their Key Principles and Practices:
1.1 Put the individual needs of the patient first.
1.3 Treat everyone fairly, respectfully, sensitively and appropriately without discrimination.
1.4 Work to foster and maintain the trust of individual patients and the public.
1.5 Listen actively and respect the individual patient’s views and their right to personal choice.
1.6 Encourage patients to take responsibility for their own health, through discussion and provision of information.
1.13 Respond promptly and constructively to concerns, criticisms and complaints. - Ignored completely.
Of course, as their response shows, they have a get out clause: if they doubt your seriousness and sincerity, they can ignore all of the above.
I must admit to feeling hard done by - if the Society thinks that what I'm doing merits me seeing a registered homeopath, then why is it that their members are free to disagree with their official body, and ignore me?
Whilst I disagree that homeopathy works, they think that homeopathy does work, and therefore they must think that, as a healthy individual, I'll be putting my health at risk. Thus, they show a complete and total disregard for my health.
Or, of course, they actually know it's all BS, and are just in it for the money, so obviously are unconcerned.
Not just that, but what of the health of others? I'm sure most of us will have seen the "Don't drive or operate heavy machinery" warnings on medications. I'm healthy, and taking an insomnia treatment - my sleep will be affected (if we assume homeopathy works). If they gave this the thought I have, are they not worried that when I drive (operating heavy machinery is always a risk, I am unqualified), am I endangering other road users? Granted, they don't know if I drive - but it would have been good to get some generic advice like this.
To finish the letter "We do not wish to enter into further correspondence with you on this matter" just says it all really.
About the Society of Homeopaths:
Not really accurate, is it?
So why did I contact homeopaths? What did I want?
Well, I wanted to know what they thought. Genuinely. Also, what effects they might warn me about (see above about driving for example). Maybe they would have seen an opportunity - they're not going to stop me from overdosing, they could have used this to their advantage. Granted, I'm just one person, but this is (as far as I know) the only overdose of its kind. It's new ground in homeopathic overdosing! Not you're "one dose and you're done" 10:23 campaign (though I applaud that campaign), this is, in total 4 months, or 121 days of overdosing. It's 968 tablets (plus an additional bonus 72 tablets for 10:23).
Here's a quote from Martin Robbins' piece that started it all:
They are quite clearly, as an industry, not mature at all.
In the meantime, I maintain that from my experience, if you are a homeopath, you are either an outright fraud, or a child, with your fingers in your ears going "la la la can't hear you" when presented with criticism. Or ,as Ben Goldacre has said "hpaths are an angry nasty bunch, which is why ppl write about them so much!". I wonder if the anger comes from the fact that homeopathy doesn't work, they know it, and their income stream is under threat?
But I'd also like to add that many homeopaths, if they are not frauds, appear to be genuinely horrible people - they believe their quack remedies work, yet they are more than happy to sit back and let a skeptic put their health (life?), and, potentially, the lives of others at risk. That's not the action of someone who genuinely cares about the well being of others.
Granted, my health, nor that of others has ever been at risk from this overdose. However, from the perspective of someone who thinks homeopathy works, then they must think that it has been.
Tonight I take the last overdose.
Soon as I can after that I'll check out what symptoms homeopaths say I would get with my treatment, and we can compare these to the few that I (sort of) got.
For those that have asked about my financial support of the industry, I'm off setting my woo footprint by helping Sense About Science.
One quick point: When I posted about registering a complaint, it was a good while before I sent the letter. I double checked to make sure I did as the Society of Homeopaths said, and they said to send the letter recorded delivery, and it took me a week or too to get to get to the Post Office. Their response was actually quite quick.
My complaint focused on these parts of their Key Principles and Practices:
1.1 Put the individual needs of the patient first.
1.3 Treat everyone fairly, respectfully, sensitively and appropriately without discrimination.
1.4 Work to foster and maintain the trust of individual patients and the public.
1.5 Listen actively and respect the individual patient’s views and their right to personal choice.
1.6 Encourage patients to take responsibility for their own health, through discussion and provision of information.
1.13 Respond promptly and constructively to concerns, criticisms and complaints. - Ignored completely.
Of course, as their response shows, they have a get out clause: if they doubt your seriousness and sincerity, they can ignore all of the above.
I must admit to feeling hard done by - if the Society thinks that what I'm doing merits me seeing a registered homeopath, then why is it that their members are free to disagree with their official body, and ignore me?
Whilst I disagree that homeopathy works, they think that homeopathy does work, and therefore they must think that, as a healthy individual, I'll be putting my health at risk. Thus, they show a complete and total disregard for my health.
Or, of course, they actually know it's all BS, and are just in it for the money, so obviously are unconcerned.
Not just that, but what of the health of others? I'm sure most of us will have seen the "Don't drive or operate heavy machinery" warnings on medications. I'm healthy, and taking an insomnia treatment - my sleep will be affected (if we assume homeopathy works). If they gave this the thought I have, are they not worried that when I drive (operating heavy machinery is always a risk, I am unqualified), am I endangering other road users? Granted, they don't know if I drive - but it would have been good to get some generic advice like this.
To finish the letter "We do not wish to enter into further correspondence with you on this matter" just says it all really.
About the Society of Homeopaths:
"Our vision is ‘homeopathy for all’ and we aim to achieve this both by supporting our membership and by raising the profile of homeopathy in general.
The Society of Homeopaths is the largest organisation representing professional homeopaths in Europe with over 1400 members on its Register.
Our members practise in accordance with The Society's Code of Ethics and Practice and carry full public liability and indemnity insurance.
Our Professional Conduct Department offers impartial assistance should difficulties arise between a patient and one of our members."
Not really accurate, is it?
So why did I contact homeopaths? What did I want?
Well, I wanted to know what they thought. Genuinely. Also, what effects they might warn me about (see above about driving for example). Maybe they would have seen an opportunity - they're not going to stop me from overdosing, they could have used this to their advantage. Granted, I'm just one person, but this is (as far as I know) the only overdose of its kind. It's new ground in homeopathic overdosing! Not you're "one dose and you're done" 10:23 campaign (though I applaud that campaign), this is, in total 4 months, or 121 days of overdosing. It's 968 tablets (plus an additional bonus 72 tablets for 10:23).
Here's a quote from Martin Robbins' piece that started it all:
So consider this post an open challenge to homeopaths out there:
How does one overdose on homeopathy?
Why are you not campaigning for clearer information on labels?
Are you as a community mature and capable enough to look at the evidence and reach a consensus?
In the meantime, health authorities are voting with their wallets. NHS Bolton are the latest in a string of trusts to halt the use of homeopathy following the damning verdict of MPs earlier this year on the quack remedies. If homeopaths expect to have any credibility whatsoever, they need to start engaging with questions like those above in a meaningful or constructive way.
They are quite clearly, as an industry, not mature at all.
In the meantime, I maintain that from my experience, if you are a homeopath, you are either an outright fraud, or a child, with your fingers in your ears going "la la la can't hear you" when presented with criticism. Or ,as Ben Goldacre has said "hpaths are an angry nasty bunch, which is why ppl write about them so much!". I wonder if the anger comes from the fact that homeopathy doesn't work, they know it, and their income stream is under threat?
But I'd also like to add that many homeopaths, if they are not frauds, appear to be genuinely horrible people - they believe their quack remedies work, yet they are more than happy to sit back and let a skeptic put their health (life?), and, potentially, the lives of others at risk. That's not the action of someone who genuinely cares about the well being of others.
Granted, my health, nor that of others has ever been at risk from this overdose. However, from the perspective of someone who thinks homeopathy works, then they must think that it has been.
Tonight I take the last overdose.
Soon as I can after that I'll check out what symptoms homeopaths say I would get with my treatment, and we can compare these to the few that I (sort of) got.
For those that have asked about my financial support of the industry, I'm off setting my woo footprint by helping Sense About Science.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Homeopathy overdose: Fourth and fifth symptoms (probably contains more information than you want to know)
Well, to do this overdose properly, I must report on all aspects of any ill health. Regrettably, I must now inform you about the state of my bowels.
Yesterday I had an interview for a PGCE place. I usually don't iron my shirts, I let them hang and dry, and they're good enough for the office. However, being an interview, I wanted to look as smart as possible. So instead of getting up, going to the loo, then showering (as is my normal routine), I went to iron my shirt (and at the same time boil some eggs for the presentation I had to give). Alas, I had a case of the runs whilst ironing my shirt. I don't know why. The previous night, I had a chicken linguine from Asda that was discoutned as it needed eating that day. Did this cause it, or was it my homeopathy overdose after nearly four months giving me a genuine symptom? Could it have been that, had I followed my normal routine, I'd never even have worried, as I'd have passed off my morning's motion as a bit runny, but nothing to worry about? None of these thoughts crossed my mind at the time. My main concern was sorting out the mess, and getting to the interview on time.
Thankfully, I'd allowed plenty of extra time, which allowed me to get ready, and to get to a pharmacy for some Imodium (other options may be available, but I just went with the only one I could think of, given the time pressure). When there I found Imodium plus. This would not just (hopefully) sort the diarrhoea, but also wind (and bloating and stomach cramps, but I wasn't experiencing any of these things). Breaking wind in an interview is bad enough, I did not want to discover how I would cope with soiling myself in such a situation, and must admit that until the interview started, I was terrified of breaking wind, lest it was more than gas that was emitted. After it had started, I was totally focused though, and didn't think about my situation until...
During the interview, my sensation of taste changed. Now, the leaflet (there is always time to read the leaflet of new drugs you are going to take. I did this before purchasing them. If you don't read the leaflet that comes with any new drug, you're an idiot) did list this as one of the more common side effects of the imodium, but, of course, this could also be the homeopathy pills finally having an effect.
I'm pleased to report that last night, and this morning, I passed motion as normal, as I poo twice a day usually (both were a healthy Type 4 on the Bristol Stool Scale). The last time I had uncontrollable runs was about five years ago from food poisoning. After my trip to Brazil in '09 I also got the runs, but, thankfully never soiled myself, and had antibiotics to clear them up. I give this background to show that it's quite rare.
This is the first symptom that is out of the blue. Dodgy chicken seems more likely, but, maybe homeopathic pills, when taken for nearly four months, gives you a single case of the runs. Friday of next week is the last day of the overdose.
I'd also like to say to all the homeopaths that have doubted my seriousness and sincerity: I have just admitted, to the entire world (potentially) that I pooed my pants, and my pooing habits. I am approaching this overdose seriously by actually reporting everything. Given the choice, I'd rather not let people know these things, and, I suspect, I might have just taken a dip in readership.
As for the interview, I think it went well. The decision on whether I have a place was made yesterday, but, the interviewers let the Uni know their decision, and the Uni then let me know.
The Society of Homeopaths have replied to my complaint, and (time willing), I'll address this properly next week.
Yesterday I had an interview for a PGCE place. I usually don't iron my shirts, I let them hang and dry, and they're good enough for the office. However, being an interview, I wanted to look as smart as possible. So instead of getting up, going to the loo, then showering (as is my normal routine), I went to iron my shirt (and at the same time boil some eggs for the presentation I had to give). Alas, I had a case of the runs whilst ironing my shirt. I don't know why. The previous night, I had a chicken linguine from Asda that was discoutned as it needed eating that day. Did this cause it, or was it my homeopathy overdose after nearly four months giving me a genuine symptom? Could it have been that, had I followed my normal routine, I'd never even have worried, as I'd have passed off my morning's motion as a bit runny, but nothing to worry about? None of these thoughts crossed my mind at the time. My main concern was sorting out the mess, and getting to the interview on time.
Thankfully, I'd allowed plenty of extra time, which allowed me to get ready, and to get to a pharmacy for some Imodium (other options may be available, but I just went with the only one I could think of, given the time pressure). When there I found Imodium plus. This would not just (hopefully) sort the diarrhoea, but also wind (and bloating and stomach cramps, but I wasn't experiencing any of these things). Breaking wind in an interview is bad enough, I did not want to discover how I would cope with soiling myself in such a situation, and must admit that until the interview started, I was terrified of breaking wind, lest it was more than gas that was emitted. After it had started, I was totally focused though, and didn't think about my situation until...
During the interview, my sensation of taste changed. Now, the leaflet (there is always time to read the leaflet of new drugs you are going to take. I did this before purchasing them. If you don't read the leaflet that comes with any new drug, you're an idiot) did list this as one of the more common side effects of the imodium, but, of course, this could also be the homeopathy pills finally having an effect.
I'm pleased to report that last night, and this morning, I passed motion as normal, as I poo twice a day usually (both were a healthy Type 4 on the Bristol Stool Scale). The last time I had uncontrollable runs was about five years ago from food poisoning. After my trip to Brazil in '09 I also got the runs, but, thankfully never soiled myself, and had antibiotics to clear them up. I give this background to show that it's quite rare.
This is the first symptom that is out of the blue. Dodgy chicken seems more likely, but, maybe homeopathic pills, when taken for nearly four months, gives you a single case of the runs. Friday of next week is the last day of the overdose.
I'd also like to say to all the homeopaths that have doubted my seriousness and sincerity: I have just admitted, to the entire world (potentially) that I pooed my pants, and my pooing habits. I am approaching this overdose seriously by actually reporting everything. Given the choice, I'd rather not let people know these things, and, I suspect, I might have just taken a dip in readership.
As for the interview, I think it went well. The decision on whether I have a place was made yesterday, but, the interviewers let the Uni know their decision, and the Uni then let me know.
The Society of Homeopaths have replied to my complaint, and (time willing), I'll address this properly next week.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Homeopathy overdose: Third symptom!
Last night I felt quite fatigued during my run, and especially so at my capoeira class afterwards.
Now, exercise (obviously) makes me tired, but this was much more than usual, and miles 3 and 4 last night were a particular challenge, physical (and mentally, I had to really push myself to keep running and to not walk. Though, as it turns out, despite the dip in pace around that, I still managed to get a new pb for a 10k, and beat my fastest mile by a second!).
Now, could this be the homeopathic pills not giving me enough rest; or could it have been the cumulative total of 32 miles I'd run since the week began, with 3 hours of capoeira as well, staying late at Skeptics in the Pub chatting, followed by volunteering until 02:30 in the morining on Wednesday into Thursday (after my speed training and capoeira class), with work at 09:00 on the Thursday?
I'll go for the latter, but I felt much more tired than usual, so am reporting it.
Later last evening, whilst tucking into a chicken drumstick, liberally splashed with extra hot Tobasco sauce, some of it flicked off, ninjaed under my glasses and got in my eye. It certainly perked me up enough to watch 10 O'Clock live to the end. I do not recommend it as a method of waking you up, as it is *very* painful.
Now, exercise (obviously) makes me tired, but this was much more than usual, and miles 3 and 4 last night were a particular challenge, physical (and mentally, I had to really push myself to keep running and to not walk. Though, as it turns out, despite the dip in pace around that, I still managed to get a new pb for a 10k, and beat my fastest mile by a second!).
Now, could this be the homeopathic pills not giving me enough rest; or could it have been the cumulative total of 32 miles I'd run since the week began, with 3 hours of capoeira as well, staying late at Skeptics in the Pub chatting, followed by volunteering until 02:30 in the morining on Wednesday into Thursday (after my speed training and capoeira class), with work at 09:00 on the Thursday?
I'll go for the latter, but I felt much more tired than usual, so am reporting it.
Later last evening, whilst tucking into a chicken drumstick, liberally splashed with extra hot Tobasco sauce, some of it flicked off, ninjaed under my glasses and got in my eye. It certainly perked me up enough to watch 10 O'Clock live to the end. I do not recommend it as a method of waking you up, as it is *very* painful.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Electrifying confounding factors Batman!
Last night's Skeptics in the Pub was great! It was a talk by Andy Lewis of Quackometer fame (this blog reassuringly scored 0 Canards).
His talk "The Persistence of Delusion" was very interesting, and looked at a lot of quack medicine.
He also had actual old school quackery, namely an Improved Magneto Electric Machine for Nervous Diseases:
Close up of the instructions for treating various ailments:
Andy asked for a volunteer. We all know what came next:
The machine is essentially a dynamo, with you making up the rest of the circuit. It was an interesting experience, I felt it all the way up to my shoulders, with my forearms and biceps twitching like mad. Some said that this could invalidate my homeopathy overdose. At the time I thought "I'm not going to let that get in the way of me getting some good old fashioned quack medicine from an Magneto Electro Machine". Thinking about it though, I don't think that it does.
Firstly, we must remember that I am a healthy individual that is taking a homeopathic remedy, so, I should experience the symptoms which the pills should treat, namely insomnia. Now, this device, I'm sure, isn't injurious to my health, as Andy Lewis seems like too much of a sensible person to risk getting sued. I could be wrong, but I'm still feeling fine now, and slept rather well (though I did dream about the death of a family member).
Secondly, and more importantly, if having an electric current passed through you in some way messes with the homeopathic treatment, then one would hope that it would say so on the packet. My pills make no mention to avoid this. In fact, I couldn't see any mention about it at all. Granted, most people won't encounter a Magneto Electric Device, but, under similar principles, they might go for a TENS machine; they might also try and get their body fat measured, which again works by having an electric current passed through you, and the resulting resistance being measured to work out what percentage of you is fat (as muscle and fat have differing resistance you see); or they could go for one of those arcade games which gives you an electric shock until you let go. There are, surprisingly, many options available to you, should you wish to get (safely) electrocuted.
We are left with two possibilities:
This will have had no bearing on my overdose.
OR
This will have had an effect, and could invalidate me from getting any symptoms from these products (though none have presented in over three months now). Howevber, if this is the case, homeopaths are again being rather cavalier with other people's health by not warning them of these effects, and thus preventing them from getting the treatment they need.
This whole overdose started when Martin Robbins challenged homeopaths to better label their products so one could see what to do if one overdoses. Upon reading that, and being part of the group C, my overdose naturally followed. So, if it is the later, I wouldn't be surprised, as, it seems, no action has been taken by the homeopaths in response to Martin, and the homeopaths I've communicated with don't actually seem to care about my health.
His talk "The Persistence of Delusion" was very interesting, and looked at a lot of quack medicine.
He also had actual old school quackery, namely an Improved Magneto Electric Machine for Nervous Diseases:
Andy asked for a volunteer. We all know what came next:
The machine is essentially a dynamo, with you making up the rest of the circuit. It was an interesting experience, I felt it all the way up to my shoulders, with my forearms and biceps twitching like mad. Some said that this could invalidate my homeopathy overdose. At the time I thought "I'm not going to let that get in the way of me getting some good old fashioned quack medicine from an Magneto Electro Machine". Thinking about it though, I don't think that it does.
Firstly, we must remember that I am a healthy individual that is taking a homeopathic remedy, so, I should experience the symptoms which the pills should treat, namely insomnia. Now, this device, I'm sure, isn't injurious to my health, as Andy Lewis seems like too much of a sensible person to risk getting sued. I could be wrong, but I'm still feeling fine now, and slept rather well (though I did dream about the death of a family member).
Secondly, and more importantly, if having an electric current passed through you in some way messes with the homeopathic treatment, then one would hope that it would say so on the packet. My pills make no mention to avoid this. In fact, I couldn't see any mention about it at all. Granted, most people won't encounter a Magneto Electric Device, but, under similar principles, they might go for a TENS machine; they might also try and get their body fat measured, which again works by having an electric current passed through you, and the resulting resistance being measured to work out what percentage of you is fat (as muscle and fat have differing resistance you see); or they could go for one of those arcade games which gives you an electric shock until you let go. There are, surprisingly, many options available to you, should you wish to get (safely) electrocuted.
We are left with two possibilities:
This will have had no bearing on my overdose.
OR
This will have had an effect, and could invalidate me from getting any symptoms from these products (though none have presented in over three months now). Howevber, if this is the case, homeopaths are again being rather cavalier with other people's health by not warning them of these effects, and thus preventing them from getting the treatment they need.
This whole overdose started when Martin Robbins challenged homeopaths to better label their products so one could see what to do if one overdoses. Upon reading that, and being part of the group C, my overdose naturally followed. So, if it is the later, I wouldn't be surprised, as, it seems, no action has been taken by the homeopaths in response to Martin, and the homeopaths I've communicated with don't actually seem to care about my health.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Help improve UK medicines legislation
Long story short: MHRA are currently asking the public about some aspects of their regulation, including what wording should be on some homeopathic products and this is an ideal opportunity to tell them what we think.
Homeopaths are worried and are trying to organise a way of ensuring they can continue to mislead the public. Here's a template letter you can send to the MHRA (written by @Billysuggar in a comment at my last link):
Homeopaths are worried and are trying to organise a way of ensuring they can continue to mislead the public. Here's a template letter you can send to the MHRA (written by @Billysuggar in a comment at my last link):
Ms Andrea Farmer
MHRA, Area 5M
151 Buckingham Palace Road
Victoria, London SW1W 9SZ
...date...
Dear Ms Farmer,
I am writing to you about the MHRA consultation document entitled "Review of Medicines Act 1968: informal consultation on issues relating to the PLR regime and homeopathy".
As a member of the public who values evidence based medical practice, and recognises the dangers inherent in misleading claims for medical efficacy, I am deeply concerned by the current orchestrated campaign in support of unproven homeopathic treatments, and their potential to delay or avoid the application of proven medical therapies, which is led by self-interested homeopaths.
I consider it to be a fundamental duty of a democratic society to ensure that patients and clinicians are provided with clear information about potential remedies which is founded on reliable scientific evidence. This includes homeopathy, the effecacy of which, as you know, is not supported by the current scientific consensus.
I contend that the marketing of any substance which may be offered for sale or application, with an implied or explicit claim of medical efficacy, and which may be considered by patients or clinicians to be suitable as a substitute for, or an addition to, conventional therapeutic remidies, should be subject to the same Marketing Authorisation (MA) requirements as the therapeutic remidies for which they may be substituted.
Therefore I strongly urge the MHRA to move homeopathic products to full Marketing Authorisation (MA) requirements, rather than the NRS or simplified scheme.
Yours
sincerely,
...name...
...address...
So, let's spread the word and get the emails/letters sent.
Thanks.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
10:23 Challenge
I was hoping to take part tomorrow, at the same time as everyone at the QED conference, but then I realised my homeopathic remedy came 72 tablets a box and that today is 72 days since my long term overdose started, and I liked that. With the 10:23 challenge being for the weekend of the 5th and 6th, I took an entire packet at 10:23 today.Since my long term overdose started, I've taken 8 tablets every day, which is 2 more than the maximum recommended dose (2 tablets 4 hours before bed, 2 tablets immediately before bed, and, if needed, a further 2 during the night). That's 576 in total, and 144 more than is recommended. Today takes me up to 216 more tablets than needed. I might take another pack tomorrow though - it was actually quite nice eating that many at once (I have quite a sweet tooth).
It's at this point I should inform/remind people that one of the principles of homeopathy is that like treats like. So, under homeopathic principles, caffeine could be used to treat insomnia. No, this doesn't make sense. However, as I am fit and well, taking a homeopathic treatment should give me the symptoms it is trying to cure. I chose an insomnia remedy as I sleep really well, and am a fit and healthy individual. Also, as I hated supporting the industry, I offset my woo footprint by donating to Sense About Science.
So far, I'm feeling fine - the only bad things I've experienced since this overdose were a cough in December, and a stiff neck in January.
In fact, with my marathon training having gone up a notch, I'm actually feeling better than ever, and am consequently sleeping *really* well too (after running 8 miles, then having an hour and a half of capoeira, I think most people would sleep really well!).
Oh, I can't really mention my marathon, and the not say "Please sponsor me, it's for the Meningitis Trust" : P
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Homeopathy overdose update: I wish to register a complaint...
...about these homeopaths what I contacted not two and a bit months ago.
The Society of Homeopaths recommended that I contact a registered homeopath. I looked on their list of registered homeopaths and contacted six. Twice, on Nov 30th and again on Jan 8th. I have heard nothing from them. I am therefore registering a complaint. I shan't reproduce it here, as the process for complaints says it should be kept confidential, which is fair.
So, instead, here's the Dead Parrot sketch instead:
Also,this weekend is the 10:23 Challenge. Alas, I can't make QED, and will be busy during the weekend, but will take the time to take a massive overdose at 10:23, in addition to my usual overdoses. If you're in Cardiff, join in too. Actually, if you're anywhere in the world, take part!
If you buy any homeopathic products, you can offset your woo foot print.
The Society of Homeopaths recommended that I contact a registered homeopath. I looked on their list of registered homeopaths and contacted six. Twice, on Nov 30th and again on Jan 8th. I have heard nothing from them. I am therefore registering a complaint. I shan't reproduce it here, as the process for complaints says it should be kept confidential, which is fair.
So, instead, here's the Dead Parrot sketch instead:
Also,this weekend is the 10:23 Challenge. Alas, I can't make QED, and will be busy during the weekend, but will take the time to take a massive overdose at 10:23, in addition to my usual overdoses. If you're in Cardiff, join in too. Actually, if you're anywhere in the world, take part!
If you buy any homeopathic products, you can offset your woo foot print.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Homeopathy overdose half way mark
Well, my homeopathy overdose is two months in now.
I must confess that last week I didn't get enough sleep. However, this was because I was reading "Why Does E=MC2 (and why should we care?)" by Professors Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw. It was excellent, and I couldn't put it down, even when it was time for me to get some sleep.
I've nothing against physics, but found biological sciences more interesting, and so, haven't done physics past GCSE, as I chose biology, chemistry and maths for A Level. Consequently, my knowledge of physics, whilst probably a little above average, isn't as strong, and it was great to read and learn something entirely new.
I enjoyed the way the book was written, and now have a clearer understanding of Einstein's theories of Special Relativity and General Relativity. It was also really good to get a bit more knowledge about the Higgs boson, and a bit of deeper understanding of the LHC.
My friend Chris did say he spotted a couple of wee errors in the book, but I don't think these get in the way of the points they are trying to make.
It would be interesting to see what university level physicists make of the book, but I'd give it a 10/10, and will read it again, as I'd like to get a firmer grip in my head of the contents of the book.
I must confess that last week I didn't get enough sleep. However, this was because I was reading "Why Does E=MC2 (and why should we care?)" by Professors Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw. It was excellent, and I couldn't put it down, even when it was time for me to get some sleep.
I've nothing against physics, but found biological sciences more interesting, and so, haven't done physics past GCSE, as I chose biology, chemistry and maths for A Level. Consequently, my knowledge of physics, whilst probably a little above average, isn't as strong, and it was great to read and learn something entirely new.
I enjoyed the way the book was written, and now have a clearer understanding of Einstein's theories of Special Relativity and General Relativity. It was also really good to get a bit more knowledge about the Higgs boson, and a bit of deeper understanding of the LHC.
My friend Chris did say he spotted a couple of wee errors in the book, but I don't think these get in the way of the points they are trying to make.
It would be interesting to see what university level physicists make of the book, but I'd give it a 10/10, and will read it again, as I'd like to get a firmer grip in my head of the contents of the book.
Friday, January 14, 2011
A thought about homeopaths
The great Rhys Morgan tweeted the 10:23 campaign to 360homeopathy, who I'd not seen before, so I checked out her website, and saw this emphasis mine):
I stumbled upon Homeopathy many years ago when I had a colicky baby and a co-worker suggested these white little pills to put under her tongue. I didn't think much about it as I wasn't really that interested in what it was but more that I wanted to give my baby some relief.
My initial thought was "Wooah, how could you not care what was going into your child?" I'm fortunate enough to have some very good friends. I'm not a father now (but hopefully in the future), but I'm fairly sure that even if my Hypothetical Partner (let alone any of my friends) had white pills to give to my Hypothetical Child, whilst I'd trust her completely, I'd still very much want to know what it was that was being given.
It made me wonder if this is one of the differences between supporters of alternative medicine, and skeptical types like me. Even if I trust someone *a lot* I still want to know the whys and wherefores. I guess "Why?" is just a big part of my life, and less so for others...
(I don't know why this is though, ha ha)
I stumbled upon Homeopathy many years ago when I had a colicky baby and a co-worker suggested these white little pills to put under her tongue. I didn't think much about it as I wasn't really that interested in what it was but more that I wanted to give my baby some relief.
My initial thought was "Wooah, how could you not care what was going into your child?" I'm fortunate enough to have some very good friends. I'm not a father now (but hopefully in the future), but I'm fairly sure that even if my Hypothetical Partner (let alone any of my friends) had white pills to give to my Hypothetical Child, whilst I'd trust her completely, I'd still very much want to know what it was that was being given.
It made me wonder if this is one of the differences between supporters of alternative medicine, and skeptical types like me. Even if I trust someone *a lot* I still want to know the whys and wherefores. I guess "Why?" is just a big part of my life, and less so for others...
(I don't know why this is though, ha ha)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Homeopathy overdose: Second symptom!
The NHS Choices website says the following on warming up before exercise:
Given I play capoeira and am training for my sixth marathon, I already know that.
So what you might be thinking?
Well, my house mate has just got an XBox Kinect, and we were playing Fighters Uncaged on it. As my housemates commented I was "proper going for it". Result is, I've pulled something in my neck, and it's really quite painful when I move in certain ways.
Whilst this has nothing to do with my homeopathy overdose, it will quite probably affect my sleep, and even if it doesn't, I'm reporting all adverse aspects of my health.
Of course, my first symptom and this are not really symptoms at all, and (ignoring the butterfly effect and all that) I would have got them whether I was overdosing on homeopathy or not. It does make me wonder how many genuine medical issues have been ignored when someone developed an actual medical condition whilst involved in a proving, and didn't get it seen to, as they put it down to the remedy and not to genuinely being ill.
Time for bed now, it's well past my bed time!
Should I warm up before exercise?
Warming up is essential before your training session. “Without a warm-up your workout won't be as efficient as it could be,” says Robin. “Your muscles will be less supple, so you're more likely to injure yourself.”
Given I play capoeira and am training for my sixth marathon, I already know that.
So what you might be thinking?
Well, my house mate has just got an XBox Kinect, and we were playing Fighters Uncaged on it. As my housemates commented I was "proper going for it". Result is, I've pulled something in my neck, and it's really quite painful when I move in certain ways.
Whilst this has nothing to do with my homeopathy overdose, it will quite probably affect my sleep, and even if it doesn't, I'm reporting all adverse aspects of my health.
Of course, my first symptom and this are not really symptoms at all, and (ignoring the butterfly effect and all that) I would have got them whether I was overdosing on homeopathy or not. It does make me wonder how many genuine medical issues have been ignored when someone developed an actual medical condition whilst involved in a proving, and didn't get it seen to, as they put it down to the remedy and not to genuinely being ill.
Time for bed now, it's well past my bed time!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Homeopathy overdose: Frauds and children
Well, it's been over a month since I started my homeopathy overdose, and my sleep is, as yet, undisturbed (apart from being woken towards the end of December by a mouse. I don't think any homeopath is going to claim their insomnia remedy works by bringing mice in to produce disturbed sleep as a symptom to cure disturbed sleep).
What's been most interesting to me is the reactions of homeopaths.
Dana Ullman of Homeopathy Education Services sadly no longer trusts me, and doesn't wish me to quote his emails. Despite seeing my willingness to correct my mistakes and the fact that I was genuinely asking questions about homeopathy, I was told I lacked a spirit of enquiry and had false assumptions. In an email I wrote "Also, I have updated my blog accordingly. I did make a false assumption when you mentioned combination remedies, I also realise that for a proving you'd obviously want just one the one substance, otherwise you couldn't attribute what caused symptoms. However, isn't it time for combination provings? Take two things together, which are known to produce certain symptoms, and see what happens if taken together." Surely this demonstrates both my willingness to enquire, and also demonstrates my ability to correct false assumptions I've previously had.
(Incidentally, in my last email to Dana I said "I will be blogging about this exchange, but will keep it entirely anonymous if you prefer, and refer to you as "a homeopath". Given that I've dealt with people from the USA and the UK, this should be sufficient." As he didn't reply, I've made the assumption that he won't mind my identifying him).
The Society of Homeopaths told me to see a registered homeopath. I got in touch, by email, with six local registered homeopaths. Not one has got back to me. I'm contemplating registering a complaint with them.
The night before last there was also this tweet from @homeopathy info:
Another skeptic being treated for mental health problems [also @tkingdoll @mjrobbins] worries about placebo effects http://bit.ly/e8mXg3
However, as @mjrobbins tweeted:
The response to @homeopathyinfo 's pathetic use of depression as a smear on me and the others is heart-warming http://bit.ly/fUPHZ5
Ben Goldacre described homeopaths as "hpaths are an angry nasty bunch, which is why ppl write about them so much!"
I tend to agree - I'd like to add thin skinned as well. Also reckless with the health of those that don't beleive in, and question, homeopathy - they quite clearly say that there are risks to a homeopathy overdose (see the article that got this whole thing started), however, if someone goes ahead and (in their eyes) puts their health at risk, they don't care.
In the original article, Martin asked of the homeopathic community: Are you as a community mature and capable enough to look at the evidence and reach a consensus?
Quite clearly the answer is no. The questions that springs to my mind is: How many of them react this way because they are willfully perpetrating a fraud; and how many are essentially children with fingers in their ears going "La la la! Can't hear you! La la la!"?
(I'm aware that the above might be a false dichotomy, but I really can't think of any more than those two ways to describe them, but I'm open to suggestions).
What's been most interesting to me is the reactions of homeopaths.
Dana Ullman of Homeopathy Education Services sadly no longer trusts me, and doesn't wish me to quote his emails. Despite seeing my willingness to correct my mistakes and the fact that I was genuinely asking questions about homeopathy, I was told I lacked a spirit of enquiry and had false assumptions. In an email I wrote "Also, I have updated my blog accordingly. I did make a false assumption when you mentioned combination remedies, I also realise that for a proving you'd obviously want just one the one substance, otherwise you couldn't attribute what caused symptoms. However, isn't it time for combination provings? Take two things together, which are known to produce certain symptoms, and see what happens if taken together." Surely this demonstrates both my willingness to enquire, and also demonstrates my ability to correct false assumptions I've previously had.
(Incidentally, in my last email to Dana I said "I will be blogging about this exchange, but will keep it entirely anonymous if you prefer, and refer to you as "a homeopath". Given that I've dealt with people from the USA and the UK, this should be sufficient." As he didn't reply, I've made the assumption that he won't mind my identifying him).
The Society of Homeopaths told me to see a registered homeopath. I got in touch, by email, with six local registered homeopaths. Not one has got back to me. I'm contemplating registering a complaint with them.
The night before last there was also this tweet from @homeopathy info:
Another skeptic being treated for mental health problems [also @tkingdoll @mjrobbins] worries about placebo effects http://bit.ly/e8mXg3
However, as @mjrobbins tweeted:
The response to @homeopathyinfo 's pathetic use of depression as a smear on me and the others is heart-warming http://bit.ly/fUPHZ5
Ben Goldacre described homeopaths as "hpaths are an angry nasty bunch, which is why ppl write about them so much!"
I tend to agree - I'd like to add thin skinned as well. Also reckless with the health of those that don't beleive in, and question, homeopathy - they quite clearly say that there are risks to a homeopathy overdose (see the article that got this whole thing started), however, if someone goes ahead and (in their eyes) puts their health at risk, they don't care.
In the original article, Martin asked of the homeopathic community: Are you as a community mature and capable enough to look at the evidence and reach a consensus?
Quite clearly the answer is no. The questions that springs to my mind is: How many of them react this way because they are willfully perpetrating a fraud; and how many are essentially children with fingers in their ears going "La la la! Can't hear you! La la la!"?
(I'm aware that the above might be a false dichotomy, but I really can't think of any more than those two ways to describe them, but I'm open to suggestions).
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Homeopathy overdose - first symptoms!
Well, as I mentioned in my first post on this, I do sometimes do voluntary shifts with a charity, at night. This is one of those nights.
My sleeping has been fine, and nothing out of the ordinary.
I do however have:
A sore throat/cough.
I have had it since Monday, and it still persists.
On Saturday, I was in Liverpool, doing a street collection for Breast Cancer Campaign (raised £396.60 in loose change)*. I was outside from 09:30ish until 18:30ish (with a few breaks in between, in total I'd wager, about 45 mins). I also got drunk that night, but was in bed by midnight.
Sunday I went to Manchester, my car thermometer said it was minus four as I parked in Manchester. This time it was Marie Curie Cancer Care I spent from about 10:45ish to 17:00ish (though took more breaks, total of about 1h 15 inside) outside.
For this, I did have six layers on, including a beautiful tiger onesie from Primark. However, I had no gloves, and my face was entirely exposed.
Whilst collecting, you're speaking all day to people, encouraging them to put their coppers (or to be honest pound coins, notes, and if they want to be totally old skool, cheques), into your bucket.
Now it *could* be my homeopathy overdose at work here, or it could have been the excessive time in the cold, using my voice. However, I'll be reporting any other out of the ordinary stuff as I go along. Ordinary stuff would just be more boring than usual, after all.
This is also a suitable time to high light the next 10:23 campaign - they're looking for 10 countries, 23 cities, and more than 1023 activists.
*Also a time to end a misconception - people collecting loose change on the street are always volunteers, and don't get paid a penny. Unless they're doing it illegally. Always check they have a copy of their collecting permit on them, and a sealed container for the money.
My sleeping has been fine, and nothing out of the ordinary.
I do however have:
A sore throat/cough.
I have had it since Monday, and it still persists.
On Saturday, I was in Liverpool, doing a street collection for Breast Cancer Campaign (raised £396.60 in loose change)*. I was outside from 09:30ish until 18:30ish (with a few breaks in between, in total I'd wager, about 45 mins). I also got drunk that night, but was in bed by midnight.
Sunday I went to Manchester, my car thermometer said it was minus four as I parked in Manchester. This time it was Marie Curie Cancer Care I spent from about 10:45ish to 17:00ish (though took more breaks, total of about 1h 15 inside) outside.
For this, I did have six layers on, including a beautiful tiger onesie from Primark. However, I had no gloves, and my face was entirely exposed.
Whilst collecting, you're speaking all day to people, encouraging them to put their coppers (or to be honest pound coins, notes, and if they want to be totally old skool, cheques), into your bucket.
Now it *could* be my homeopathy overdose at work here, or it could have been the excessive time in the cold, using my voice. However, I'll be reporting any other out of the ordinary stuff as I go along. Ordinary stuff would just be more boring than usual, after all.
This is also a suitable time to high light the next 10:23 campaign - they're looking for 10 countries, 23 cities, and more than 1023 activists.
*Also a time to end a misconception - people collecting loose change on the street are always volunteers, and don't get paid a penny. Unless they're doing it illegally. Always check they have a copy of their collecting permit on them, and a sealed container for the money.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Homeopathy overdose update: Homeopathic Educational Services can't read
In my previous post I showed that instead of taking my overdose seriously (which you would expect, given I'm playing about with my sleep here. Am I going to be safe to drive, or operate heavy machinery?), the British Homeopathic Society chose to label me as mentally ill. (I emailed Lisa for any comment, she replied "Dear David, I have no comments to make about your blog. You will see in my signature my role in the BHA/Faculty and I have no opinions on the matter. Lisa Peacock, Education & Web Administration Officer").
The Homeopathic Educational Service demonstrated their inability to read and follow links:
Notice how Dana thinks it is Martin who is overdosing, and not myself.
I linked to the product I am taking, Boots insomnia tablets. They are indeed a combination remedy, as you can see (active ingredients Kali brom, Coffea, Passiflora, Avena sativa, Alfalfa and Valeriana). No guessing needed.
So, this leads to some questions:
If combination remedies do not work, why can I find no evidence of homeopathic organisations complaining that they are selling useless remedies? Indeed, I have found support for Boots and their homeopathic range.
It's also interesting that homeopathy doesn't work in combination. Caffeine for example isn't a pain killer, but when added to aspirin, can make it more effective. One wonders why combinations of homeopathic remedies don't work.
UPDATE: Dana pointed out, correctly, that he wasn't saying they didn't work, but that combinations shouldn't be used in a proving (which makes sense - unless you want to test known remedies in combination, to see if they can have compound effects like aspirin and caffeine). It does appear, however, that he doesn't quite grasp that I'm here to overdose on homeopathy, and not to undertake a "proving"
My tablets are 6C (though this info is on the box, and I couldn't find it on the web link, to be fair), which we are told, is not potent enough. So where is the evidence that 6C isn't as good as 30C or above? Isn't this also important information to have, and very relevant, to working out what safe and unsafe doses of homeopathy are? Also, if 6C isn't potent enough, again, where are the homeopaths bemoaning the poor products from Boots?
Also, given their lack of rigour in reading just one blog post, I am left with a lack of confidence in their ability to assess peer reviewed journals.
They finish with "It is your experience and your risk." Which does really back up Martin's original post that started this all off. There is, as they say, a risk to homeopathic overdose. So why does no one explain what one is, and what one should do if you overdose by accident, or on purpose?
The Homeopathic Educational Service demonstrated their inability to read and follow links:
David,
Anyone who engages in a "homeopathic proving" (an experiment in which a HEALTHY subject is given continual doses of a potentized homeopathic medicine with the intent to discover what symptoms it will cause) must not have any health issues at present and must NOT know what medicine they are taking. It is intriguing that Martin Robbins, who has previously demonstrated an unscientific attitude, does not follow these basic scientific guidelines. I am also guessing that the "insomnia" remedy he plans to take is a homeopathic combination remedy (a remedy with multiple ingredients)...THAT is another no-no, further evidence of the straw man Martin is famous for creating...and it is probably a lower potency than 30C.
One should take a 30C of a remedy once or twice daily until symptoms emerge (up to 30 days).
Please note that homeopaths do not find that every subject will experience symptoms of a proving, though the majority of people experience symptoms of the medicine ingested as determined by Kent's REPERTORY, a list of symptoms that each medicine has previously been known to cause and/or cure.
I give you this advice without any encouragement from me for you to engage in a homeopathic proving. It is your experience and your risk.
Dana Ullman
Notice how Dana thinks it is Martin who is overdosing, and not myself.
I linked to the product I am taking, Boots insomnia tablets. They are indeed a combination remedy, as you can see (active ingredients Kali brom, Coffea, Passiflora, Avena sativa, Alfalfa and Valeriana). No guessing needed.
So, this leads to some questions:
It's also interesting that homeopathy doesn't work in combination. Caffeine for example isn't a pain killer, but when added to aspirin, can make it more effective. One wonders why combinations of homeopathic remedies don't work.
UPDATE: Dana pointed out, correctly, that he wasn't saying they didn't work, but that combinations shouldn't be used in a proving (which makes sense - unless you want to test known remedies in combination, to see if they can have compound effects like aspirin and caffeine). It does appear, however, that he doesn't quite grasp that I'm here to overdose on homeopathy, and not to undertake a "proving"
My tablets are 6C (though this info is on the box, and I couldn't find it on the web link, to be fair), which we are told, is not potent enough. So where is the evidence that 6C isn't as good as 30C or above? Isn't this also important information to have, and very relevant, to working out what safe and unsafe doses of homeopathy are? Also, if 6C isn't potent enough, again, where are the homeopaths bemoaning the poor products from Boots?
Also, given their lack of rigour in reading just one blog post, I am left with a lack of confidence in their ability to assess peer reviewed journals.
They finish with "It is your experience and your risk." Which does really back up Martin's original post that started this all off. There is, as they say, a risk to homeopathic overdose. So why does no one explain what one is, and what one should do if you overdose by accident, or on purpose?
Friday, November 26, 2010
Homeopathy Overdose update: British Homeopathic Association call me mentally ill
I asked three homeopathic organisations this:
Hi, I am embarking on a homeopathic overdose. http://furtherthoughtsfortheday.blogspot.com/2010/11/homeopathy-overdose.html I wondered if you had any comments to make on this, in terms of the potential risks to my health, what I might expect, and your thoughts on if what I am doing is reckless etc I look forward to hearing from you, David
All three replied! Two of the responses, I feel, merit posts of their own. The third I'll combine in a post with some further thoughts on homeopathy. I've a busy weekend ahead, but thought I'd get this post out now, and the other two on Monday.
Lisa Peacock of the British Homeopathic Association wrote:
This doesn't deal with my issues at all. What I am attempting to do is highlight the issue that homeopathy doesn't seem to offer any explanation for safe and unsafe dosing. Given that in "proving" (where homeopathic treatments are tested) healthy individuals are given the treatment, to find out what symptoms result, and thus what symptoms can be treated in an unwell individual (as in homeopathy like treats like). If in proving people experience symptoms, this is potentially quite serious because then, surely, we should be expecting there to be an unsafe level at which these treatments shouldn't be taken. If not, why not?
As Martin Robbins says:
What the BHA have done is not only trivialise this issue, but also mental health, by suggesting that by choosing to potentially disrupt my sleep in a personal investigation of how homeopathy affects me, that I am mentally ill.
Mental illness is a real issue for many people, and for reasons I won't go into, is another cause that is close to my heart.
You would have hoped that they would have read what I sent them, and realised that I was being sincere with my request for advice, as I finished the post saying:
Given the direct challenge from Martin, and the fact that they are presented with someone who is actually going to be overdosing, every day, for four months, brushing me off with a trivialisation of this, and mental health, leaves me with a very poor impression of the organisation indeed.
As for the overdose: I followed my dosing instructions (but with 4 pills each time, not two). Last night I slept as well as I normally do, went to bed a wee bit later than normal as went to see London Boulevard (good film, but it's gritty and quite violent, so may not float everyone's boat). Felt good this morning. Have the usual tiredness one would expect with a Friday. Feeling good though - it's been a great week at work!
Also, I did say that I'd be looking at the active ingredients to find out what I could be expecting to experience. I will do this at the end of the experiment, granted this is hardly the most controlled of experiments, but if I am unaware of exactly what symptoms I will get (as there is no insomnia to treat), then it's about as blind as I can keep this.
Hi, I am embarking on a homeopathic overdose. http://furtherthoughtsfortheday.blogspot.com/2010/11/homeopathy-overdose.html I wondered if you had any comments to make on this, in terms of the potential risks to my health, what I might expect, and your thoughts on if what I am doing is reckless etc I look forward to hearing from you, David
All three replied! Two of the responses, I feel, merit posts of their own. The third I'll combine in a post with some further thoughts on homeopathy. I've a busy weekend ahead, but thought I'd get this post out now, and the other two on Monday.
Lisa Peacock of the British Homeopathic Association wrote:
Dear David
As an organisation that works with fully trained doctors we would be concerned that anyone is considering overdosing on any type of medication. I would suggest you contact a mental health professional, a doctor or The Samaritans immediately as it maybe that you are suffering from some kind of mental problem.
Kind regards
Lisa
Lisa Peacock
Education & Web Administration Officer
British Homeopathic Association
Hahnemann House
29 Park Street West
Luton LU1 3BE
Email: lpeacock€britishhomeopathic.org
Direct line: 01582 408676
http://www.britishhomeopathic.org
This doesn't deal with my issues at all. What I am attempting to do is highlight the issue that homeopathy doesn't seem to offer any explanation for safe and unsafe dosing. Given that in "proving" (where homeopathic treatments are tested) healthy individuals are given the treatment, to find out what symptoms result, and thus what symptoms can be treated in an unwell individual (as in homeopathy like treats like). If in proving people experience symptoms, this is potentially quite serious because then, surely, we should be expecting there to be an unsafe level at which these treatments shouldn't be taken. If not, why not?
As Martin Robbins says:
Of course this may be because they don't really know. In that case homeopaths should be working as hard as possible to reach a collective, evidence-based consensus on what, if anything, is actually 'an overdose', and what the public should do if they take one. That would be the ethical, responsible thing for the industry to do.
What the BHA have done is not only trivialise this issue, but also mental health, by suggesting that by choosing to potentially disrupt my sleep in a personal investigation of how homeopathy affects me, that I am mentally ill.
Mental illness is a real issue for many people, and for reasons I won't go into, is another cause that is close to my heart.
You would have hoped that they would have read what I sent them, and realised that I was being sincere with my request for advice, as I finished the post saying:
Of course, so far, there is no consensus on what an overdose constitutes. I am potentially putting my health at risk. I really value my health and well being. Such is my believe that with homeopathy, there is nothing in it.
I do hope I am not proved wrong.
Given the direct challenge from Martin, and the fact that they are presented with someone who is actually going to be overdosing, every day, for four months, brushing me off with a trivialisation of this, and mental health, leaves me with a very poor impression of the organisation indeed.
As for the overdose: I followed my dosing instructions (but with 4 pills each time, not two). Last night I slept as well as I normally do, went to bed a wee bit later than normal as went to see London Boulevard (good film, but it's gritty and quite violent, so may not float everyone's boat). Felt good this morning. Have the usual tiredness one would expect with a Friday. Feeling good though - it's been a great week at work!
Also, I did say that I'd be looking at the active ingredients to find out what I could be expecting to experience. I will do this at the end of the experiment, granted this is hardly the most controlled of experiments, but if I am unaware of exactly what symptoms I will get (as there is no insomnia to treat), then it's about as blind as I can keep this.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Homeopathy overdose
So, as I mentioned on Wednesday, prompted by Martin Robbins challenge to homeopaths, I am going to start overdosing on homeopathy for a prolonged period.
I have selected "Boots insomnia tablets", for a couple of reasons:
1) It is very rare for me to have any problems sleeping at all. Consequently, as homeopathy operates under "like treats like", and I don't have any problems with insomnia, one would expect me to start having problems with sleep. This is something I really don't want to do, as I am very busy, all the time, and sleep is important!
2) Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on. I'm not on a massive wage, and this is out of my pocket, so I can stock up on the cheap! On top of that, I don't like to give my money to stuff like this, so will "offset" my homeopathy support by fundraising an equal amount to Sense About Science. Feel free to help me out on this front!
How to overdose? A number of suggestions were given to Martin, but the majority seemed to imply taking the dose over a longer time frame than was recommended. The instructions for the pills state:
This gives a max dose of six tablets in a day. I would like to go crazy and take a packet a day, but in this age of austerity, I will take 4 tablets at a sitting, giving me a total of 8 in a day. I will continue with this for four months.
I will have pen and paper next to my bed, in which I will record my bed time, and how I feel in the morning.
I do voluntary work on a night shift, about once a week, which results in a bed time of 02:45ish, contrary to 23:30 when I normally go to bed. I get up for work at 07:30, I usually hit snooze once though. I usually don't feel so refreshed on a morning after the night shift, but haven't found it affecting my work. My sleeping patterns at weekends aren't as defined, but I'll make a note of time to bed, and time up.
If the Boots is out of stock I can't help that, but I intend to start this experiment later today.
I've not had a chance to fully investigate what the active ingredients that have been diluted do, but will do so, and in my next post on this. This will allow me to detail what symptoms should appear. This means that if I get ill with something unrelated, we can see whether any of the symptoms of that match what we would expect, and also, if my arms drop off, we can discount that as an effect of the homeopathy, and more on my failure as a chainsaw juggler (you get the idea).
As Martin says:
Obviously I am a subject of one, this gives me no degrees of freedom, so any results will only serve as an anecdote, and won't help in this challenge. However, we know from such an approach as Martin has challenged the homeopaths to produce, if any one did this with paracetamol, they could kiss their liver, and then their life (that order) good bye.
Of course, so far, there is no consensus on what an overdose constitutes. I am potentially putting my health at risk. I really value my health and well being. Such is my believe that with homeopathy, there is nothing in it.
I do hope I am not proved wrong.
I have selected "Boots insomnia tablets", for a couple of reasons:
1) It is very rare for me to have any problems sleeping at all. Consequently, as homeopathy operates under "like treats like", and I don't have any problems with insomnia, one would expect me to start having problems with sleep. This is something I really don't want to do, as I am very busy, all the time, and sleep is important!
2) Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on. I'm not on a massive wage, and this is out of my pocket, so I can stock up on the cheap! On top of that, I don't like to give my money to stuff like this, so will "offset" my homeopathy support by fundraising an equal amount to Sense About Science. Feel free to help me out on this front!
How to overdose? A number of suggestions were given to Martin, but the majority seemed to imply taking the dose over a longer time frame than was recommended. The instructions for the pills state:
Two tablets four hours before bed and two tablets immediately before bed. A further two tablets may be taken during the night if required. Tablets to be sucked or chewed and to be taken between meals.
This gives a max dose of six tablets in a day. I would like to go crazy and take a packet a day, but in this age of austerity, I will take 4 tablets at a sitting, giving me a total of 8 in a day. I will continue with this for four months.
I will have pen and paper next to my bed, in which I will record my bed time, and how I feel in the morning.
I do voluntary work on a night shift, about once a week, which results in a bed time of 02:45ish, contrary to 23:30 when I normally go to bed. I get up for work at 07:30, I usually hit snooze once though. I usually don't feel so refreshed on a morning after the night shift, but haven't found it affecting my work. My sleeping patterns at weekends aren't as defined, but I'll make a note of time to bed, and time up.
If the Boots is out of stock I can't help that, but I intend to start this experiment later today.
I've not had a chance to fully investigate what the active ingredients that have been diluted do, but will do so, and in my next post on this. This will allow me to detail what symptoms should appear. This means that if I get ill with something unrelated, we can see whether any of the symptoms of that match what we would expect, and also, if my arms drop off, we can discount that as an effect of the homeopathy, and more on my failure as a chainsaw juggler (you get the idea).
As Martin says:
...homeopaths should be working as hard as possible to reach a collective, evidence-based consensus on what, if anything, is actually 'an overdose', and what the public should do if they take one. That would be the ethical, responsible thing for the industry to do.
Obviously I am a subject of one, this gives me no degrees of freedom, so any results will only serve as an anecdote, and won't help in this challenge. However, we know from such an approach as Martin has challenged the homeopaths to produce, if any one did this with paracetamol, they could kiss their liver, and then their life (that order) good bye.
Of course, so far, there is no consensus on what an overdose constitutes. I am potentially putting my health at risk. I really value my health and well being. Such is my believe that with homeopathy, there is nothing in it.
I do hope I am not proved wrong.
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