General Discussion

backscatter712

(26,357 posts)

219. Gotta explain it in a little more detail...

Sun Aug 2, 2015, 11:57 PM

Aug 2015

First principle: Homeopathy treats you by giving you a bit of the hair of the dog that bit you. This is obviously why they use arsenic to treat the flu...

Second principle. Because giving patients substances like arsenic causes unwanted side effects like death, homeopaths have developed the advanced technique of diluting said substances by tens of orders of magnitude - a typical dilution is 30X, or one part in 10 to the 30th power. Diluting to 1 in 10^30 guarantees that there is not one single molecule of the substance in the solution, so they're giving the patient water, or a sugar pill with a drop of that water dripped on it.

Homeopaths will justify the dilution technique by telling you that diluting a solution makes it stronger.

When homeopaths are confronted with the issues of dilution by those with some knowledge of, well, chemistry and physics, they start spouting theories like "water memory" and "quantum vibrations" to explain how their magic water and sugar pills work.

After that, all that's left is the comedy...

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Homeopathy had No Place in Pharmacy: Canadian Pharmacist [View all] tammywammy Aug 2015 OP

I've always considered it quackery. n/t Lil Missy Aug 2015 #1

Like so many on DU, you have closed your mind. DU in general seems to have AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #18

Link to a scientific, peer-reviewed study, please. NYC Liberal Aug 2015 #23

There are literally hundreds of peer reviewed papers plus a "discovery" by a Nobel Laureate AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #32

Natural News? Really? Archae Aug 2015 #37

I think it's silly to consider ad hominem attacks from blogs AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #40

Fine, then show some actual evidence. Archae Aug 2015 #43

FAUX "News" has much in common with "Quackbusters", Stephen Barrett, American Council on Science and AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #47

OMG!!! The documentation of your article comes from the discredited Stephen Barrett, a/k/a AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #53

You post from naturalnews... SidDithers Aug 2015 #71

If you have problems with the word "natural" then you might not like this research by Nobel Laureate AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #75

For copyright purposes your only allowed to excerpt 4 paragraphs tammywammy Aug 2015 #77

So you want to pick on the Natural News citation too? Can't anyone on DU AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #175

Please edit your post to only a four paragraph excerpt. n/t tammywammy Aug 2015 #177

Well, now we know that everything I've posted will be trashed in you mind AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #205

You've managed to post to me twice on the same reply, yet still haven't edited your post tammywammy Aug 2015 #206

It's not the word "natural" that I have a problem with... SidDithers Aug 2015 #84

Who can blame any publication for picking up a great scientific story citing AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #108

Washington Times?... SidDithers Aug 2015 #111

She linked to NewsMax too. tammywammy Aug 2015 #112

Full moon was a couple nights ago, right?... SidDithers Aug 2015 #115

And the blue moon too... Historic NY Aug 2015 #259

And you always reply with "rofl" emojies. darkangel218 Aug 2015 #142

That's not true, Sid has quite a few responses in this thread without a rofl. tammywammy Aug 2015 #148

Only when it's appropriate... SidDithers Aug 2015 #200

because a good number of people here post shit that is fucking hilarious snooper2 Aug 2015 #228

No kidding! darkangel218 Aug 2015 #246

The best of it unintentionally so Major Nikon Aug 2015 #249

Mike Fucking Adams is an AIDS-denialist and a birther Major Nikon Aug 2015 #52

I did not defend Mike Fucking Adams. I criticised the method used AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #54

You regurgitated Mike Fucking Adams quackery Major Nikon Aug 2015 #80

Wrong. Don't know Mike Adams but do know the disreputable, laughable Quackwatch crew AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #90

AikidoSoul.... AlbertCat Aug 2015 #96

Thanks for your concern, but I've already been treated successfully AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #129

Homeopathy did not "cure" you. AlbertCat Aug 2015 #132

"value of homeopathy" -- the power to quickly separate fools from their money? X_Digger Aug 2015 #178

I know I'm asking for trouble by posting in this thread, mahatmakanejeeves Aug 2015 #227

ROFLMFAO LOL snooper2 Aug 2015 #229

Please, you can't really believe this drivel?! mr blur Aug 2015 #248

So NaturalNews is the gold standard, but Quackwatch is a joke Major Nikon Aug 2015 #98

You've put word in my mouth. Does that make you feel smart? AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #130

Series? Major Nikon Aug 2015 #149

..... tammywammy Aug 2015 #102

Please check your cited source. procon Aug 2015 #82

I don't read Natural News, but simply found the story about a well known and AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #131

You can't expect too much leeway when you use such a disreputable source. procon Aug 2015 #138

Appeal to authority. X_Digger Aug 2015 #182

Don't take it personally arikara Aug 2015 #186

Pshaw, all these 'fact' based people, demanding like 'proof' and shit. They should take it on faith! X_Digger Aug 2015 #190

How many times does it have to be said? It's just effing Water! GoneOffShore Aug 2015 #241

Hi. I understand Quantum Physics and I AM GOING TO DESTROY YOU. DetlefK Aug 2015 #233

+1000 Krytan11c Aug 2015 #234

Well Done, Detlef ProfessorGAC Aug 2015 #252

Thank you. MadrasT Aug 2015 #262

excellent post, thank you, I actually learned something today! steve2470 Aug 2015 #266

you might want to make an OP out of that, it's that good nt steve2470 Aug 2015 #267

oh yeah? Kali Aug 2015 #270

Does it count as homeopathy if I dilute water in alcohol? DetlefK Aug 2015 #281

oh yeah? You might understand quantum physics, Rainforestgoddess Aug 2015 #288

Oh, I know "quantum physics", "energy", "nano", "Einstein", "strings", "information"... DetlefK Aug 2015 #290

Nobody knows why aspirin works -- the mechanism of action, and yet, nobody goes nuts AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #154

See reply 156 n/t Krytan11c Aug 2015 #158

"Nobody knows why aspirin works" — Um, they most certainly do. NYC Liberal Aug 2015 #180

Correction: "Nobody who believes in homeopathy knows why aspirin works." Orrex Aug 2015 #202

Further correction: "nobody who believes in homeopathy understands how ANYTHING works" etherealtruth Aug 2015 #268

While not authoritative, you might check wikipedia before making claims about aspirin metalbot Aug 2015 #225

Not just aspirin, but magnets and the tides too! NickB79 Aug 2015 #291

There may be no evidence for your beliefs... cleanhippie Aug 2015 #31

So tell me, while I have actually studied the science, you are willing to AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #34

What actual "science" have you studied? What actual "scientific research" supports this? cleanhippie Aug 2015 #35

See reply number 23 to NYC Liberal -- NT AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #42

I'll save you the trouble of clicking through Major Nikon Aug 2015 #100

Your misrepresentation of my words is sad. You would lose any debate by doing this as AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #159

You post complete bullshit about homeoquackery and then insist on "truthful facts" Major Nikon Aug 2015 #163

The Hoary Anecdotal Evidence Fallacy Trotted Out Once Again To Stupefy The Ignorant... xocet Aug 2015 #74

If you are a scientist... Adrahil Aug 2015 #165

So you believe that if a given substance works, then diluting it 1,000,000 to 1 still works. hobbit709 Aug 2015 #83

Oh, it is much better than that.. A substance that HARMS you diluted by 10 to the 60th cures you. Thor_MN Aug 2015 #184

Lol whut? rjsquirrel Aug 2015 #222

No such thing as "alternative" medicine alarimer Aug 2015 #236

Magic memory water, tons of anecdotes and misguided research, and no evidence. Orsino Aug 2015 #254

Homeopathy is the very definition of quackery. /nt Marr Aug 2015 #257

Psychic Debunker The Amazing Randi used to Do a Homeopathic Bit in his speeches. doxyluv13 Aug 2015 #277

Promoting Homeopathy Is Unethical, Pure And Simple HuckleB Aug 2015 #282

Lil Missy, when your doctor gives you drugs does he explain the mechanism of action to you? AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #57

Jury results. This is pretty funny. pintobean Aug 2015 #97

Though I lack the patience to read Syzygy321 Aug 2015 #140

It has a hard time because it predates atomic theory and knowledge of the size of atoms muriel_volestrangler Aug 2015 #230

"homeopathy and science are mutually exclusive" etherealtruth Aug 2015 #2

"Do you know what they call alternative medicine that's been proven to work? Medicine." Electric Monk Aug 2015 #13

Fantastic video. I hope others click on it. hedda_foil Aug 2015 #21

Your reply is quite "light and dainty" like your poster name AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #19

Please tell me you are joking or have no idea what homeopathy is? etherealtruth Aug 2015 #86

Homeopathy cannot be explained simply and I won't attempt to do it here in this incredibly hostile AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #152

This message was self-deleted by its author tammywammy Aug 2015 #153

Arizona sciences better than you Krytan11c Aug 2015 #156

Your reference does NOT state the mechanism for pain relief, but only for thinning the blood to AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #185

We DO know how aspirin works. Adrahil Aug 2015 #164

My apologies. Apparently I didn't read this 1995 report which says, AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #204

Homeopathy will be accepted by people who understand science GoneOffShore Aug 2015 #271

Of course it's non-toxic.. it's water (and maybe sugar)! Let's just hope the sugar isn't HFCS. n/t X_Digger Aug 2015 #189

"...sums it up quite nicely". Your addition is lacking AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #36

You don't even know what homeopathy is do you? etherealtruth Aug 2015 #88

Not only, as etherealtruth pointed out, do you not seem to understand what homeopathy is... Silent3 Aug 2015 #91

It is quackery. Period. Archae Aug 2015 #3

Agreed 100%! tammywammy Aug 2015 #4

Are you an expert on homeopathy. What are your credentials? AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #20

Basic laws of physics. backscatter712 Aug 2015 #27

If you understood quantum physics, you could better understand why homeopathy works. AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #39

Ooh, the British Royals use it! backscatter712 Aug 2015 #41

Wow. You piss on the Royals and a Nobel Laureate. God knows who else you piss on, but I'll bet AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #63

Yes, the 'Royals' (mainly Prince Charles) are ignorant fuckers muriel_volestrangler Aug 2015 #72

You piss on the Royals and a Nobel Laureate. AlbertCat Aug 2015 #135

Woo woo credo #10 SidDithers Aug 2015 #67

I understand QM reasonably well. Lizzie Poppet Aug 2015 #70

quantum physics and medicine huh? Krytan11c Aug 2015 #121

Well do keep up with what you know. Don't want to scare you. AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #133

Thanks for your concern, but... Krytan11c Aug 2015 #139

Albert Einstein said, ""All matter is made up of energy in the form of electromagnetic frequencies." AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #55

You've convinced me. Orrex Aug 2015 #56

Hundreds of FDA approved drugs have been taken off the market. AND, Europe disallows AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #58

And never once has homeopathy been shown to work as described. Orrex Aug 2015 #60

Prove to me that homeopathy "never once has been shown to work as described" AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #64

Sory, but that's not how it works Orrex Aug 2015 #78

You have documented none of your empty remarks AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #113

Homeopathy is absolute bullshit from start to finish. Orrex Aug 2015 #117

$8 bucks?! Krytan11c Aug 2015 #125

Yep. Too funny. Only $3.69 for a 24-pack of Asprin at CVS. NYC Liberal Aug 2015 #191

You should be relieved to hear Syzygy321 Aug 2015 #151

There are also hundreds of drugs that are available in other countries, and banned in the US. SeattleVet Aug 2015 #209

Woo woo credo #36... SidDithers Aug 2015 #68

people couldn't see radio waves AlbertCat Aug 2015 #137

They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers... NYC Liberal Aug 2015 #188

Well, it took you two seconds to write that. Nothing but AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #61

Complete and utter quackery sub.theory Aug 2015 #276

Wooo pipoman Aug 2015 #5

Homeopathy: shit and sugar. backscatter712 Aug 2015 #6

Water does retain a memory of every type of energy on the planet AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #22

Got proof? n/t backscatter712 Aug 2015 #28

Can you prove that water doesn't have a memory? UNESCO covened an international AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #66

Rule one of arguments Krytan11c Aug 2015 #127

The crickets are very loud. GoneOffShore Aug 2015 #274

Define energy in this context. longship Aug 2015 #46

"every type of energy on the planet" Lizzie Poppet Aug 2015 #73

Homeo is da bomb UnderDome Aug 2015 #94

welcome to DU Kali Aug 2015 #162

That and there's also homeopathic beer. backscatter712 Aug 2015 #194

Is this the kind of 'water' which is used in homeopathy? xocet Aug 2015 #87

There is a local alt med practitioner who gets patients AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #123

Nope not energy medicine Krytan11c Aug 2015 #128

from doctors who respect his ability to heal people that the docs can't help. AlbertCat Aug 2015 #144

Like in the video....? n/t xocet Aug 2015 #201

Did you watch the video? xocet Aug 2015 #263

Heheh... SidDithers Aug 2015 #269

Thanks for the link. I had not seen that. I spend too much time on DU relative to ScienceBlogs... xocet Aug 2015 #272

Keep it up and this thread is going to surpass MoonBombing Major Nikon Aug 2015 #101

That's gonna be tough. zappaman Aug 2015 #124

I think the poster that was called "Lil Missy" tkmorris Aug 2015 #210

Yep. I'm sure if he just keeps posting his frantic arguments over and over, he'll change minds... backscatter712 Aug 2015 #199

Even shit. AlbertCat Aug 2015 #141

Did you know water sleeps? You can get better memory retention when letting water sleep snooper2 Aug 2015 #231

You Forgot About The Soothing Music ProfessorGAC Aug 2015 #255

Have you tried playing Beethoven to your jar of water? bhikkhu Aug 2015 #264

Oh FFS, really? Nt Logical Aug 2015 #244

Sure doesn't. NuclearDem Aug 2015 #7

Next you'll say phrenology has no place in psychology. Binkie The Clown Aug 2015 #8

I prefer trepanation SwankyXomb Aug 2015 #239

Sorry, people. I disagree. I once had a very sore throat. I had a Homeopath-e-ist make me some.. BlueJazz Aug 2015 #9

Thank your immune system. Deadshot Aug 2015 #11

Well, you convinced me! zappaman Aug 2015 #93

Thank You, zappaman. I didn't have the courage to tell the poster before you I was kidding. BlueJazz Aug 2015 #95

It got a strong foothold here in the 19th century, because so many remedies back then eridani Aug 2015 #10

I agree. Deadshot Aug 2015 #12

That Mitchell and Webb Look: Homeopathic A&E FrodosPet Aug 2015 #14

Should be laws against this sort of grifting. nilesobek Aug 2015 #15

I was surprised how popular it was in Austria Recursion Aug 2015 #16

It's not just in Austria that homeopathy is used widely AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #24

It's still bullshit, no matter who buys into it. Orrex Aug 2015 #33

Buying into it is a safe thing to do. It costs very little and it works. But you do need AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #79

It doesn't work. HuckleB Aug 2015 #283

My God! Look at the comments following the article. COLGATE4 Aug 2015 #17

Homeopathy is complicated. My spouse has studied the Materia Medica for over twenty years AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #25

The placebo effect is a well-understood phenomenon COLGATE4 Aug 2015 #26

Colgate, I would love you as an ally. Would you please consider reading AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #76

There is no scientific case for homeopathy. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2015 #29

Wrong. There is a scienfic case and I've made it. The author you cite is Edzard Ernst, who is AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #44

Explain how you get around Avogadro's number. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2015 #45

Two or three Avogadro's will make terrific guacamole! Orrex Aug 2015 #51

The poster does not know what Avogaro's number is tkmorris Aug 2015 #213

So, so, so much horseshit disguised as word salad Godhumor Aug 2015 #48

Edzard Ernst is/was a homeopath. longship Aug 2015 #62

Homeopath supporters first have to explain how it works. longship Aug 2015 #30

"goes against everything we know" AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #65

Homeopathy has been around since 1796. longship Aug 2015 #81

Excellent post! GoneOffShore Aug 2015 #242

;-) nt longship Aug 2015 #243

From Paul Richter, cartoon caption: NCjack Aug 2015 #38

in today's world profit trumps truth olddots Aug 2015 #49

And homeopathy is bullshit in any world Orrex Aug 2015 #50

You hit the nail on the head. AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #110

On the old Fidonet... Archae Aug 2015 #59

DUers are notoriously ignorant of real science, but that doesn't stop many from AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #116

Lol! zappaman Aug 2015 #126

Of course. Archae Aug 2015 #136

I can't believe there are DUers arguing for homeopathy... SidDithers Aug 2015 #69

Huh? Are you doing a magic trick using a distraction technique Mr. Dithers? AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #105

Explain how an extreme dilution of any homeopathic solution... SidDithers Aug 2015 #118

Yeah, like NaturalNews Major Nikon Aug 2015 #157

Fifteen years ago, I might have argued that liberals accept science where conservatives do not. Act_of_Reparation Aug 2015 #224

I find it mostly depends on the science. alarimer Aug 2015 #238

The science is not really done by mega-corporations Major Nikon Aug 2015 #251

Ditto Johnny2X2X Aug 2015 #261

You've been here long enough to know SwankyXomb Aug 2015 #240

If homeopathy actually worked, even for some things sometimes, The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2015 #85

Big Pharma CANNOT make a profit from substances that it cannot patent. AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #99

Bullshit. Bayer makes billions on aspirin jberryhill Aug 2015 #134

Bayer makes billions on aspirin AlbertCat Aug 2015 #147

And then there's digitalis, which comes from the foxglove plant The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2015 #203

many drugs derived from plants have been synthesized by BigPharma, a/k/a AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #208

Except that there isn't any arsenicum in homeopathic remedies. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2015 #212

And small amounts of arsenic can be good for the heart. AlbertCat Aug 2015 #235

+1 darkangel218 Aug 2015 #143

aw, it looks like there might be one person to defend and protect Kali Aug 2015 #168

"Their strategy is to spread medicine with Syzygy321 Aug 2015 #179

Oh look, the natural fallacy. X_Digger Aug 2015 #198

"What Big Pharma does is the OPPOSITE of homeopathy." - That's a good thing. Liberal Veteran Aug 2015 #237

Yes, it does mean you are wrong. Nt Logical Aug 2015 #247

Big pharma! zappaman Aug 2015 #253

It is heartening to see edhopper Aug 2015 #89

Well done! zappaman Aug 2015 #92

Ms. Zappaman, I'm sure "Natural News" is not all bad although it's only one source of information AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #103

I'm guessing you think it's funny/insulting to refer to people as female. zappaman Aug 2015 #122

I'm guessing you think it's funny/insulting to refer to people as female. AlbertCat Aug 2015 #150

I made no mention of the word "female" zappaman. NT AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #211

Oh, you dropped the Ms this time. zappaman Aug 2015 #221

and a genuine "medical professional" too! Kali Aug 2015 #145

Just like you, who didn't know what a "student nurse " was, and accused me of "making it up" darkangel218 Aug 2015 #146

gosh that makes so much sense! Kali Aug 2015 #155

You should Google student nurse. I know you have 0 medical training, that is why darkangel218 Aug 2015 #166

Did you know student nurses are not allowed in the spirit world? snooper2 Aug 2015 #232

Did you ever figure out that diet and acupuncture aren't homeopathic? tammywammy Aug 2015 #161

Oh yah. They are however, part of alternative medicine, which you still call quakery. darkangel218 Aug 2015 #167

Actually, you have no idea what I consider quackery. tammywammy Aug 2015 #171

I actually have a pretty good idea, from your previous posts. darkangel218 Aug 2015 #173

I'm sure she knows what a student nurse is tammywammy Aug 2015 #174

She didn't know what a student nurse was years ago. darkangel218 Aug 2015 #176

I could not care less about your squabble with Kali. tammywammy Aug 2015 #181

You could not care less? darkangel218 Aug 2015 #183

BTW, FYI, many hospitals here in FL, include alternative medicine in their plan of care. darkangel218 Aug 2015 #187

There are ALWAYS people willing to take your money tkmorris Aug 2015 #217

please won't you educate me about what a student nurse is? Kali Aug 2015 #196

You forget quickly what you post in the past , don't you?? darkangel218 Aug 2015 #223

well, when you link to it and we all see how you are totally off the wall wrong, Kali Aug 2015 #226

Blah blah blah lol! darkangel218 Aug 2015 #245

indeed - blah blah blah Kali Aug 2015 #265

It absolutely does work--and here's how!!!!!! MADem Aug 2015 #104

.... tammywammy Aug 2015 #106

There is also solid evidence that the "Placebo Effect" is evident AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #107

The point is, though, I could give you sterilized dog poop and TELL you it was homeopathic, MADem Aug 2015 #109

Homeopathic dog poop is available, btw... SidDithers Aug 2015 #114

Seriously? That's a thing? tkmorris Aug 2015 #218

It's a little difficult to stop anaphlactic shock with the "placebo effect" as it is a serious, life AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #170

My allergy dr uses homeopathy womanofthehills Aug 2015 #195

So glad to hear that you're doing well. Both MCS and its close cousin Toxic Encephalopathy are AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #215

Yes. darkangel218 Aug 2015 #169

That's why such drugs must demonstrate repeatable efficacy Major Nikon Aug 2015 #172

Yes, a lot of value in "cures" relying on ignorance... Thor_MN Aug 2015 #192

Don't waste your time with them . darkangel218 Aug 2015 #193

Thank you for your sweet comment. I've been beat up a lot here tonight. AikidoSoul Aug 2015 #216

Enjoy the embrace of the woo. GoneOffShore Aug 2015 #273

I'm a friend. 840high Aug 2015 #279

Duh. That does not justify promoting quackery. HuckleB Aug 2015 #284

+100 nt LostOne4Ever Aug 2015 #119

Homeopathy is pseudoscience. nt LostOne4Ever Aug 2015 #120

With a large helping of horseshit. GoneOffShore Aug 2015 #275

Hokey religions and ancient superstition are no match for real medicine. Agnosticsherbet Aug 2015 #160

People who believe in homeopathy are suffering from chakra misalignment. Liberal Veteran Aug 2015 #197

I know very little about homopathy davidpdx Aug 2015 #207

Long story short: it's moronic quackery. Arugula Latte Aug 2015 #214

Gotta explain it in a little more detail... backscatter712 Aug 2015 #219

Yeah, the chemistry and physics parts are not something I understand at all davidpdx Aug 2015 #220

I'll give you some relevant bits. backscatter712 Aug 2015 #250

I was an art major in college PasadenaTrudy Aug 2015 #256

Spot on Johnny2X2X Aug 2015 #260

Thanks davidpdx Aug 2015 #280

Not really. backscatter712 Aug 2015 #285

Thanks davidpdx Aug 2015 #289

I did not know they are allowed to sell homeopathic remedies at pharmacies. Rex Aug 2015 #258

They sell homeopathic asthma inhalers. LeftyMom Aug 2015 #278

That's disturbing. People die of asthma. backscatter712 Aug 2015 #286

Absolutely. LeftyMom Aug 2015 #287