• ImplyingImplications@lemmy.ca
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    5 days ago

    That’s also why some people believe in snake oil. People get desperate to try something after a few days of illness and then suddenly feel better after doing the thing. They would have gotten better without it, but the timing makes it seem like the thing cured them. It’s why we use double blind studies instead of anecdotes like this.

    • CoolThingAboutMe@aussie.zone
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      4 days ago

      Did you know actual snake oil was used in traditional Chinese medicine for arthritis. Aparently it’s quite high in Omega-3. But it got popular and then grifters started selling random concoctions and calling it snake oil and that’s how it became synonymous with quackery.

      Not really related to the point of your comment, I just read about it recently and thought it was interesting.