Are you feeling sick?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Current News : One Thread

Alternative Medicine

The History of Medicine

2000 B.C. - Here, eat this root 1000 A.D. - That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer. 1850 A.D. - That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion. 1920 A.D. - That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill. 1945 A.D. - That pill is ineffective. Here, take this penicillin. 1955 A.D. - Opps....bugs mutated. Here, take this tetracycline. 1960-2000 - 39 more "oops"....Here, take this more powerful antibiotic. 2005 A.D. - The bugs have won! Here, eat this root.

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2001

Answers

[bump] The History of Medicine

2000 B.C. - Here, eat this root
1000 A.D. - That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. - That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1920 A.D. - That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1945 A.D. - That pill is ineffective. Here, take this penicillin.
1955 A.D. - Opps....bugs mutated. Here, take this tetracycline.
1960-2000 - 39 more "oops"....Here, take this more powerful antibiotic.
2005 A.D. - The bugs have won! Here, eat this root.


-- Anonymous, June 02, 2001


Boy! this is the truth, hey!

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2001

there seems to be a lot of healthful and natural type cures here at this site.

Has anyone tried any of these, or even heard of any of them?

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2001


After reading about successful clinical studies by reputable agencies on the glucosamine/chondroitin compound, I've been taking it for several months now. My problem isn't arthritis (although I have teh first stages), it's cronomalacia. I do believe there's been some improvement. My "bad" kneecap no longer "sticks" in a long stab of pain as it used to when straightening my leg out and it seems a bit more flexible. I've also noticed a distinct lessening of ache in that knee too. This is only anecdotal, of course, but the tablet is worth trying. It's not cheap--I found the best price at Costco, although I believe Maggie knows of a good source on the Net.

I don't know if the site mentions goldenseal but I thoroughly recommend it for fast and invisible healing of cuts or other wound. Worked for me! (It's also very expensive, buy only a small amount of the powdered root--a pinch is all you need anyway.) It's said to be an antibiotic but I don't know if it is or not.

My doctor (Duke hospital system) recommends chromium picolinate to help keep my blood sugar balanced. I don't know if it's that or what, but he calls me his star patient because I always have good numbers. Of course, I still take Glucophage, but I've got it down from 3/day to 1/2 twice a day. I also take vitamin E, which is supposed to be good for sugar control.

Evening primrose oil is also recommended by my doctor as an aid in keeping hot flashes to a minimum. I don't suffer as baldy as I used to, but I also take HRT (synthetic) too.

I also take niacin instead of lipitor for cholesterol control. I don't know if it works; I shall know at my next physical. (It's shown good results in controlled studies too.)

I note the site promotes the use of colloidal silver. I know a lot of people believe in that stuff; I'm one of those who don't. If it ain't had a successful, controlled clinical study, I don't buy it. (The pinch of goldenseal was sprinkled lightly on my cut hand by a fellow co-op volunteer--a week later, there was no sign--nothing--of the injury caused by a paring knife point in my palm.)

I take a number of supplements which fill up 21 compartments (3/day) in a large plastic pill dispenser. If there are no reports of toxic effects from an alternative medicine, I say try it for a while.

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2001


Moderation questions? read the FAQ