Herbal Medicine may be risky for kids

Herbal medicine may be risky for kids, says a CBC headline.

 "Perhaps the most serious harm occurs when effective therapies are replaced by ineffective alternative therapies," he said. "In that situation, even an intrinsically harmless medicine, like a homeopathic medicine, can be life-threatening," Ernst said.

The danger noted is quite broad and all encompassing. It could range from the herb itself through to doing research and having a different prioritization of health care options. I didn't know that being informed was a "risk." One must not disagree with the medico monopoly, I suppose. The consumer of health care is apparently not allowed to have a different risk aversion priority set than the provider of health care. Differing values is a problem with all monopolies.

 

The dangerous and often feckless modern medical paradigm does not like competition. Fortunately, the individual's right to choice in health care is exerting its power (just as choice has overcome monopoly religion and monopoly politics).

Consumer-driven health care will continue to grow the Alternative paradigm. And, eventually, the Alternative paradigm will hold the same responsibility in life and death as the medicos. One should not be surprised by this development. And this is a good thing.

Just as in politics and religion, only competing views can properly vet truths. In health care, if the medico monopoly cannot hold the trust of individuals because of differing beliefs then competing interests should prevail.

"Choice" and "each to their own" will make for a better system.

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