The most nonsensical nonsense of 2018: 20 of my favourite slices of baloney

Over the years, I have become somewhat of an expert in spotting nonsense in the realm of alternative medicine, also known as SCAM. Here are – in no particular order – the 20 most remarkable examples of baloney that I came across (and wrote about) in 2018.

1. Based on a totally inadequate study (which was tweeted by homeopaths as a success story), Indian homeopaths concluded that Ibuprofen and Belladonna 6C are effective and provide adequate analgesia with no statistically significant difference. Lack of adverse effects with Belladonna 6C makes it an effective and viable alternative.
2. Chinese researchers conducted a meta-analysis and found that Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection was associated with a curative effect for patients with angina pectoris.
3. A German ‘journalist’ and PR-man likened critics of homeopathy (naming me and others) to the Nazis during the 1930s.
4. A ‘landmark study‘ was celebrated by homeopaths (shortly afterwards it was suspected to be fraudulent. The journal published this note: Readers are alerted that the conclusions of this paper are subject to criticisms that are being considered by the editors. Appropriate editorial action will be taken once this matter is resolved.)
5. The World President of the International Homeopathic Medical league published a book entitled ‘Cancer is Curable with Homeopathy’
6. The WHO has decided to tolerate nonsensical TCM diagnoses by including a classification system on TCM in their next ICD.
7. Osteopaths conducted a laughably insufficient study concluding that the results demonstrate that Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy should be considered in the treatment of patients with chronic symptoms of MS.
8. Chinese authors reviewed the evidence on injectable TCM-preparations and found them to be ‘promising’ despite the lack of good evidence for them.
9. The ‘Royal College of Chiropractors‘ made a rather pathetic attempt to re-invent chiropractic.
10. A ‘respectable’ German medical journal published a homeopath’s claim that homeopathy can cure cancer.
11. The UK Society of Homeopaths published recommendations that have the potential of killing many holidaymakers.
12. The skeptical movement was called ‘an offshoot of the Communist Party‘ by a proponent of SCAM.
13. I was accused of having falsified my qualifications.
14. Dana Ullman decided that “evidence based medicine” can no longer be trusted.
15. The Sunday Times broke my BS-meter.
16. German osteopaths decided to promote intra-vaginal manipulations.
17. A homeopath from Delhi advocated homeopathy for treating AIDS/HIV.
18. A naturopaths was sued by a naturopath for telling the truth about naturopathy.
19. Some homeopaths advocated increasing the height of children by giving them homeopathic remedies!
20. A doctor from a Gerson clinic claims that Dr. Gerson, murdered in 1959, remains the most censured doctor in the history of medicine as he was reversing virtually every degenerative disease known to man, including TERMINAL cancer…

This is, of course, a highly personal choice. It nevertheless suggests that we have still more than enough work to do, if we want to instil some reason into SCAM.