“Natural Preservatives in Toiletries” and “Essential Oils” are areas in which one can get a PhD — and are considered scientific disciplines — in the UK. At least, that’s according to the Advertising Standards Authority. I know next to nothing about the structure of bureaucracy across the pond, but the question why an advertising board gets to decide what is and isn’t science doesn’t pass the sniff test. I know that in the US, the Federal Trade Commission enforces truth in advertising, but it’s the Food and Drug Administration, and arguably science-backed body (rather than a bunch of Mad Men), that sanctions companies for misleading drug ads. If that’s not enough, it turns out you can get a Bachelor of Science degree in herbal and homeopathic medicine.
Official: PhD in ‘Essential Oils’ or ‘Natural Toiletries’ = ‘a Scientist’
I also find, via ZapperZ, that astrology is a science in India.
whats wrong with herbal and homeopathic medicine.?
i doubt it could cure a serious ailment but i would assume that their are plants/herbs that cure mild things (such as aches and heartburn) while being less harsh than traditional OTC medication
Herbal medicine is, at best, untested, and homeopathic “medicine” simply doesn’t work.
@dragonstar57
The biggest problem with homeopathy are when someone uses it and avoids a proper treatment for something nasty, like cancer. Also, some practitioners offer homeopathic vaccination, which is criminal.
@tom
Apparently university-endorsed degrees in antiscience are on the decline in the UK.
http://www.dcscience.net/?p=4049