Skeptics Stack Exchange
Skeptics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [alternative-medicine]

Use this tag for claims regarding cures and health practices which fall outside the boundaries of scientifically validated medicine.

Any healing practice, method, compound or procedure which falls outside the bounds of scientifically validated medicine either because it has not demonstrated significant, safe, repeatable results consistently under proper observing conditions, or has not yet had the opportunity to undergo such testing. Can also relate to the study, evaluation, and interpretation of data collected on such processes. Related term: Complementary Medicine.

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Did herbalist Maria Treben really systematically confuse inulin with insulin?

The widely read Austrian herbalist Maria Treben is frequently said to have fundamentally confused a number of biochemical concepts, theories, or at least names of substances. As seen with the always quoted example in the book — Angela Fetzner:…
LangLаngС
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What is the actual position of WHO regarding alternative medicine

I was sent a chain message over WhatsApp talking about how WHO supports alternative medicine and how it is a shame that it is being censored by some political parties in Spain. I would like to know what is the actual position of WHO regarding…
Gotey
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Can Elderberries "beat the flu, prevent colds, and strengthen your immunity"?

According to http://realfarmacy.com/diy-flu-syrup/, "Elderberry Beats the Flu, Prevents Colds, and Strengthens Your Immunity." As with all dietary advice I find on the internet, I'm hesitant to believe this claim (and I'd be very surprised if the…
Rob Watts
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Is Kambo frog poison dangerous and/or useful?

According to How Amazonian Tree Frog Poison Became the Latest Treatment for Addiction The use of kambo—the poison of a bright green frog—is on the rise as an alternative treatment for depression and drug dependency. Is it dangerous? Does it…
Kristoffer Nolgren
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Does the "Lightning Process" successfully treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

My partner suffers from Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) otherwise known as Chronic Fatigue Sydrome. It is a condition that remains not particularly well understood, even to the point where there doesn't seem to be any diagnosable root cause - just a…
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Will intranasal application of breast milk treat colds?

A friend just posted that their 2-year-old has a cold, and they want to prevent their two-week old from getting said cold. They plan to inject breast milk up the two-year-old's nose in an attempt to prevent spreading the cold to their infant. Is…
Stephen Collings
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Can yoga or stretching aid in cleansing organs?

I go to yoga class every Monday and Wednesday and my instructor says we are doing this stretch to cleans the "X" which can be either blood, kidneys, liver, etc. This website says yoga has "cleansing" effects on kidneys: Livestrong site Yoga…
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Does Protandim "reduce age-related symptoms"?

I have a friend who sells some sort of supplement called "Protandim", and I'm wondering if it actually works or is any good. I'm skeptical of it, but I'm not aware of any evidence either way. The unique blend of phytonutrients in Protandim signal…
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Is thyme antiviral?

Lots of sources claim that thyme has antiviral properties, kills off viruses, "should be taken at first sign of a cough or cold" etc. How supported by evidence are these claims? https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/thyme Thyme has a powerful ability…
theonlygusti
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Do "Rife machines" cure cancer?

The book The Cancer Cure That Worked: 50 Years of Suppression (ISBN 978-0982513866), by Barry Lynes, claims that: there are Rife instruments which, combined with dedicated practitioners and carefully developed protocols, are accomplishing stunning…
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Are there diseases that correlate with an “endocannabinoid deficiency”?

There was a study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters by Dr. Ethan Russo in 2004 that says many diseases being treated with cannabis correlate with an “endocannabinoid deficiency”, but I cannot read the study or find any more information about…
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Does carrying or consuming onions help to prevent heatstroke and/or reduce your body temperature?

Will consuming onions help to reduce your body temperature, or prevent heatstroke? Some common variations of this claim include applying onion juice to your skin, or even just carrying an onion in your pocket, hat, or even a bag (yes, that is…
RToyo
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Were the reference ranges of liver function tests set three times higher than their usual values during the research on the use of statins?

I am now holding a book called "The Hidden Therapies - What your doctor won't tell you" authored by Jerzy Zięba, who is widely considered to be a quack by medical authorities in my country. Nevertheless, the sheer amount of facts (or "facts"?) and…
gaazkam
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Was there any scientic research backing up the setting of the reference range of cholesterol up to 200 mg/dl?

I am now holding the original, Polish edition of a book called "The Hidden Therapies - What your doctor won't tell you" authored by Jerzy Zięba, who is widely considered to be a quack by medical authorities in my country. Nevertheless, the sheer…
gaazkam
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Did Gary Taubes prove that cholesterol levels between 200 mg/dl and 240 mg/dl are normal and healthy?

I am now holding the original, Polish edition book called "The Hidden Therapies - What your doctor won't tell you" authored by Jerzy Zięba, who is widely considered to be a quack by medical authorities in my country. Nevertheless, the sheer amount…
gaazkam
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