Dr. Walt Larimore has written a very mixed bag of a book, combining useful general advice about supplements and “natural medicine” with some questionable specifics about individual products. Walt Larimore, MD, is a family physician, a medical journalist, a best-selling author, and a Christian evangelist whose organization Focus on the Family has… read more "The Natural Medicine Handbook"
Okinawan Flat Belly Tonic
Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic is yet another scam weight loss product made up of a random grab-bag of vitamins, minerals, and powders. A message appeared in my email in-box with the subject line “bulging belly”. It turned out to be an advertisement for another way to supposedly lose weight without… read more "Okinawan Flat Belly Tonic"
Another in a Pattern of Really Stupid Marketing Videos, This One Claiming Tinnitus Has Nothing to Do with the Ear and Is 100% Curable.
Is that ringing not in your ears? Can it be cured? Recently I have written about several really stupid marketing videos for dietary supplements e.g. here. They suck you in by promising to reveal a secret, but you have to watch the entire video to learn the secret. One says “5… read more "Another in a Pattern of Really Stupid Marketing Videos, This One Claiming Tinnitus Has Nothing to Do with the Ear and Is 100% Curable."
Lose Weight without Diet or Exercise? Where’s the Proof?
Can obese people lose weight without diet or exercise, by just taking this pill? Yeah, sure! Pull the other one! I’ve been getting emails with “Confirmation numbers” in the Subject Line, numbers like 711, 526, 95311. One even says “Your order is pending”. The numbers don’t confirm anything; they are… read more "Lose Weight without Diet or Exercise? Where’s the Proof?"
Rightful for Pain: Deceptive Advertising and a Dangerous Ingredient
Rightful is an herbal supplement mixture offering pain relief and much more. Its claims are deceptive and not backed by good science. Not only that, but one of its ingredients is contraindicated. Would you rather choose a pain remedy based on art or science? How are mixtures of herbal remedies… read more "Rightful for Pain: Deceptive Advertising and a Dangerous Ingredient"
Stupid Videos Meet Penis Growth Scams
There is a pattern of stupid, misleading videos promoting dietary supplements. This video discloses a secret African ritual for penis enlargement; the “ritual” consists of taking a pill with 14 natural ingredients. The claims are too silly to take seriously. Earlier this month I wrote about a pattern I had noticed in… read more "Stupid Videos Meet Penis Growth Scams"
‘Clinically Tested’—What Does That Mean?
They used to call useless treatments “snake oil.” We don’t hear that term anymore; now they may be called “dietary supplements” or “natural remedies.” A dietary supplement may contain a single herb or a combination of several ingredients. The ads frequently say they have been “clinically tested” or “clinically proven.”… read more "‘Clinically Tested’—What Does That Mean?"
A Pattern of Deceptive Video Ads for Supplements
I’ve been seeing a pattern of deceptive videos that promise to reveal a secret but make you watch the entire video to learn what it is. They feature alarmist stories, emotional language, and testimonials, but no actual science. They make claims that can’t be believed. Glasses are an effective remedy… read more "A Pattern of Deceptive Video Ads for Supplements"
Kambo: Frog Poison for Health?
The Kambo fad: people are applying frog poison to burns created on their skin, making them vomit repeatedly and feel terrible. They think this torture has health benefits. There’s no evidence that it does anything but poison them. Could anything be more ridiculous? 2020 was a terrible year in many… read more "Kambo: Frog Poison for Health?"
Salonpas
Salonpas is an over-the-counter topical NSAID used to treat pain. It’s probably safe and might be worth trying for minor pain, but the effect is small and the advertising is more hype than substance. Do you get annoyed when the media keep repeating the same commercials? I do. And recently… read more "Salonpas"