The Stream

The homeopathy controversy

The scientific community despises homeopathy, so why do millions swear by it?

Homeopathy has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with colleges and pharmacies dedicated to the alternative medicine system. But some scientists say it’s quackery, and any improvement is a placebo effect. As India’s prime minister is encouraging more alternative medicine, and US and UK authorities are taking aim at the alternative treatments, The Stream digs into the controversy.

Joining this conversation are:

Dr. Peter Fisher @PeterAGFisher
Director of Research, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine

Dr. Michelle Dossett @BensonHenry
Physician & Researcher, Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine

David Colquhoun @david_colquhoun
Professor of Pharmacology, University College London
dcscience.net
 

What responsibility do doctors have to patients taking a treatment critics call a placebo? Let us know in the comments below.