Pixelated Semantics

Pseudo-science as propaganda

A clear example of the use of scientific research as propaganda that aims to detract from natural medicine. On first reading, reasearchers appear to have damned the Echinacea plant as a remedy. However, they tested a different species and part of the plant to the medicinal variety (they used an extract of the echinacea angustifolia plant root - medicinal echinacea is echinacea purpurea and the flowers are used), and they also used a different extraction method to the standard. This deliberate sidetracking is compounded by the testing against a single type of cold, where echinacea is used against a range of illnesses ("colds, flu and other respiratory infections, [...] earache, acne, wound healing, mouth and throat infections, skin disorders and candida"), as well as having variations in quality, species and extraction method. Most outlets report the "debunking" of the use of the remedy, without reporting the corollary facts that demonstrate the research and the reporting seem designed to achieve propaganda aims rather than further public health. It would be interesting to know whether a large pharmaceutical company sponsored the work - it would be typical. Indeed, one of the few responses to the "faulty" research seems to itself be under the shadow of a sponsoring corporation with an interest in the remedy.

Item posted by AutoEditor at 10:38 am ::