As a curmudgeonly septuagenarian and one whose long past career history was in an analytical, applied science related profession, I might be the sort of old dude expected to scoff at alternative medicines. However, because of personal experience, I do not.
There are two non-prescribed “medicines” which I take every day which have served me very well. The first is the herbal remedy ‘saw palmetto’ which was recommended to me by, of all people, my GP, who is of Chinese heritage - which, perhaps, may or may not explain his affinity with non “Big Pharma” remedies. However, of interesting relevance is that this bloke was also a pharmacist before he became a GP so I reckon that he would know his subject matter pretty well.
Anyway, this GP suggested that I could give saw palmetto a go to relieve an ageing “men’s problem” and his observation was that there were reports that the remedy worked for some people. My subsequent online research told me that it was indeed a numbers game as it worked for some people but not for all. Nonetheless, I gave it a go and after about six weeks, it started working for me. Several years have passed and I continue to benefit from this over-the-counter* treatment every day.
(Actually, I no longer buy it ‘over the counter.’ Instead, I buy in online from the cheapest supplier, which is always one of two or three well known branded chemist shops.)
The second alternative “medicine” that I take is CoQ10 which was recommended me by a family member as possibly being a remedy for the extremely painful leg muscle aches that I experienced with long term use of a very commonly prescribed cholesterol preventative drug. Severe leg muscle aching appears to be a known side effect of this drug. Once again, it took a few weeks to take full effect but several years later, I would not consider not taking it daily as I no longer suffer the debilitating leg muscle pain that I used to wake up with on every single day of my life.
I mention all of this because I notice in today’s Fairfax media that a prominent Choice associate who campaigns in the complementary medicine space has resigned his activities in that area and that Choice is considering whether to “nominate a new representative or resign altogether.”
Something that troubles me is that the prominent associate mentioned is quoted as saying, "Complementary medicines are a profitable, export-oriented industry. But it’s export-oriented because it’s producing bullshit.”
The vehemence implied in this latter assertion might suggest to a bystander like me that the person representing Choice in this area might have an intrinsic disposition of disbelief at the benefits of alternative medicines.
That cannot be a good thing for the sort of balanced, unbiased, disinterested perspectives that Choice subscribers expect of Choice evaluations. I would hope that (a) Choice does continue to have representation in the relevant forums, working parties, evaluation committees etc that relate to alternative medicines and that (b) such representation is open minded and fair minded.
On a day when the media is reporting that an anti vaxxer campaigner with widespread fame as a ‘celebrity chef’ has lost a lot of sponsors because of the manifestation of his extreme views on some topics, it is a reminder that Choice members really need evaluations and representation that is balanced and what might be expected by the average person on the number something-or-other bus.
Choice, please find someone to represent us who has a balanced view of alternative remedies because they can be very, very effective.
