http://www.newrepublic.com/article/114899/paul-offits-do-you-believe-magic-reviewed-dangers
In class and in readings, we analyzed the very concept of alternative medicine; why it is used, by whom, for what reasons, and more. The article above is a summary of a book written by Paul Offit, a man adamantly opposed to the idea of alternative medicine.
There are a few different reasons that alternative medicine is used today by so many, and why its use is on the rise. Often it can be cheaper than conventional or over-the-counter medicine. There may be less side effects or a quicker solution to the issue at hand. However, Offit states that people often forget about the side effects of these alternative forms of medicine itself. He proceeds to list many different alternative treatment products often used and their possible harmful side effects, such as the hallucinations that nutmeg can cause. These effects can be harmful to the children who cannot choose for themselves and might be given treatment by their parents. He cites a specific case of Joey in New York who suffered from cyanide poisoning from the taking of too much of something called laetrile, to attempt to cure his case of Hodgkin’s Disease.
He calls out these givers of alternative medicine for taking advantage of sickly people and people in need. On top of this, many alternative medicine strategies are not backed by science, a huge reason for Offit’s opposition to the methods. He states that all forms of medicine should be held to the same standard and backed by science, many of which alternative methods cannot be.
A new debate arises from the conflict between conventional and alternative treatments of medicine. Should the FDA and government ban and regulate the use of such supplements and alternative medicine? Would this ban infringe upon the natural right for an adult to choose to intake whatever they deem necessary for their own body? Such arguments for either side may be analyzed in the near future.
