Christmas – The Quackometer Blog

Steiner Schools Criticise Mainstream Schools’ stance on ‘Father Christmas’

17th December, 2012 20

A spokesperson for the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship in the UK has today warned that mainstream schools could be covertly teaching occult and mystical philosophies to school children. Trevor Teflon, a Steiner School headmaster said, “We are worried that the seasonal and mythical character of ‘Father Christmas’, whilst appearing harmless and fun, is being used to indoctrinate children with spiritual concepts.” At the heart of the Steiner teachers’ concerns is that children, [read more…]

Your Perfect Homeopathy Kit for Christmas

27th December, 2011 22

Have you over-done it this Christmas? Don’t worry. That homeopathic pharmacy to the Royals has the perfect remedy kit to see you through the following days. Ainsworths Pharmacy is pleased to bring you the following remedies. Remember, these are homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of Christmas overindulgence. Turkey 30C – Do you have an ubiquitous feeling of never ending dryness? Feeling that even spiced [read more…]

Bogus Science and Other Christmas Gifts

20th November, 2009 2

Yes, like it or not, now is the time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the geek in your life. Last year we were treated to a slew of great books about quackery, many of them now available in paperback. Nonetheless, there are still many great new books, not all just about alternative medicine, and I would love to tell you about a few of them here. John [read more…]

Mistletoe and Cancer

24th December, 2008 7

Merry Christmas! Last Christmas, we looked at the quackery surrounding myrrh. This year, it is time for me to have little whine about mistletoe. Christmas would not be the same without a little cheeky kiss under this herb – usually with someone you really ought not to. But, its role at Christmas undoubtedly stretches back in time to more paganistic practices. According to Pliny the Elder, it was central to [read more…]

Gold, Frankincense and Mirazid

31st December, 2007 7

I do find the Bible disappointing in one or two areas. For a work supposedly divinely inspired, it is remarkably lacking in handy life enhancing tips like how to cure nasty diseases and relieve common aches and pains. There really is little in the way of pharmacology and medicine in the Bible. Not even basic lifestyle, exercise and nutrition tips. “Do not smoke” should have made it into the commandments, [read more…]