Mar 23, 2004 -- The controversy over homeopathic medicines
Clark has picked on dietary supplements and herbal remedies for about 10 years because of the risks involved. He doesnt like the idea of companies being able to make virtually any claim about their products, many of which arent true. Congress made a decision in 1994 saying that herbal remedy companies could say anything they wanted without penalty. And many consumers have been injured or died from using these substances. So, what about homeopathic medicines? You may have seen the recent 20/20 piece on homeopathic medicines and doctors, who believe that they can cure you or treat you with more natural substances. Unlike the herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines are given in very small doses with very specific directions. The 20/20 piece claimed that these medicines dont work, and the show cited several sources. But apparently, people werent affected by that piece. People are spending nearly a half a billion dollars a year on these remedies and the sales are showing no signs of slowing. Its basically faith overcoming science. Clark has heard that these substances are not harmful at all, which is good. But people in the research were given placebos, thinking theyre were taking some homeopathic remedy. So, Clark wants you to know that you may be getting duped. These products cant cure cancer or any other disease, so dont buy into it.