Placebo methods of treatment
Confusions and concerns are increasingly growing over the use of various types of synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, not only because of their serious side effects but also, as experts say, often these drugs do not do any good to settle the symptom. For instance, statin drugs are being used to lower blood cholesterol (LDL) which reduces the risk of heart attack among patients with high LDL or bad cholesterol level. People are getting more interested to go for herbal drugs. Perhaps all the diseases can be kept under control if the patient could be assured by some way that s/he has the capability to resist certain disease.
Placebo is a method of administering substance or procedure, not a specific medication, for the condition being treated. It may be done with some drug or just a sham (sugar pills). In fact placebo, originally a Latin word, which means “I will please” was first used in medicinal context in the 18th century and was defined as "any medicine adapted more to please than to benefit the patient". Placebo produces psychological effects on the patient and increases his/her confidence towards cure. It stimulates brain function and improves the immune system. Meanwhile, placebo in some cases yield negative effects too, when it is called “nocebo”.
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