2 ms·

I agree with you that the two chemicals are indistinguishable; I just think that that's not really the issue when people prefer 'natural' products. Now, most pe

I agree with you that the two chemicals are indistinguishable; I just think that that's not really the issue when people prefer 'natural' products. Now, most people also don't get the distinction you're making, because they're not chemists. What they see, and what they're reacting to, goes more like this: Joe Public> I have a headache. Folk Medicine Dr> Here, drink some willowbark tea. DrugCo Chemist> No, take this aspirin. It's chemically identical to the active substance in willowbark tea, but much more convenient! Joe Public> My headache is better, but now my stomach hurts. That never happened with the tea. DrugCo Chemist> Oh, you have an ulcer. You're a sick person. Take this antacid medicine! Joe Public> My stomach feels better, but now I'm constipated. DrugCo Chemist> Wow, you're really sick... here, take this laxative! Folk Medicine Dr> All these unnatural drugs are killing you. You should really just take the tea. Joe Public> Yeah, I think you're right. Natural is better.

theophrastus 10y ago
yes, and the relative merits of well defined substances versus macerated hot water plant extracts will be discussed to the end of time. just don't ascribe magical 'vital' properties to either one. by the bye, drink enough willowbark "tea" and you might succumb to salicin poisoning. it's said to have shortened Beethoven's life. (next up: homeopathy doesn't cause any side effects)
- DougWebb 10y ago
  You seem to think I'm arguing with you. I'm not. I'm trying to explain why people claim that "natural is better", even if they understand that the active components are the same. Also, you're the one talking about magical vital properties, not me. It's a well-established fact that substances in combination can have a different overall effect than they do in isolation. There's nothing magical about it. Homeopathy is an absolute scam. And yes, there are scammers who take advantage of the 'natural is better' idea to sell useless products.

theophrastus 10y ago

yes, and the relative merits of well defined substances versus macerated hot water plant extracts will be discussed to the end of time. just don't ascribe magical 'vital' properties to either one. by the bye, drink enough willowbark "tea" and you might succumb to salicin poisoning. it's said to have shortened Beethoven's life. (next up: homeopathy doesn't cause any side effects)

DougWebb 10y ago
You seem to think I'm arguing with you. I'm not. I'm trying to explain why people claim that "natural is better", even if they understand that the active components are the same. Also, you're the one talking about magical vital properties, not me. It's a well-established fact that substances in combination can have a different overall effect than they do in isolation. There's nothing magical about it. Homeopathy is an absolute scam. And yes, there are scammers who take advantage of the 'natural is better' idea to sell useless products.