Boots and their claims (UK specific)

[scepticalpreacher]

I've been following the Boots saga and did some digging around their site. I found this an essential oils based spray product designed to stop people from snoring. (I'd link to it but I'm new here so the forum won't let me).

They make the following claim.

"A combination of essential oils to help stop snoring. Effective in reducing snoring for 4 out of 5 users. Spray Formula."

This seems like a a very specific claim. I asked them if they had research to back this up (looking for a link to the BMJ, Lancet or similar) but they said they this information is "comercially sensitive".

I know I can't report them to the Advertising Standards Agency (I checked their rules and they only deal with paid adverts on sites) but am considering reporting them to Trading Standards. Anyone have experience of reporting these things and maybe some tips?

Thanks,

Sean.

[Jeff Wagg]

"Commercially Sensitive" may mean that if they told you they had no research, they'd have trouble selling the product.

Or, in this day and age, would anyone care?

[Lamuella]

I think in this circumstance, "commercially sensitive" means "extrapolation from five anecdotal accounts"

[Mojo]

I know I can't report them to the Advertising Standards Agency ...You can if they've repeated the claim in any sort of leaflet. I'll have a look around one of their shops next time I'm passing.

[scepticalpreacher]

You can if they've repeated the claim in any sort of leaflet. I'll have a look around one of their shops next time I'm passing.

Cheers Mojo. I'll have a look around for some of their adverts.

Would be very handy if you could let me know if you find something.

[SteveGrenard]

This site is devoted to feedback of all the stop snoring angles including "an ever growing" list of sprays:

http://www.putanendtosnoring.com/remedies.htm


a list of all the sprays out there for snoring:

http://www.putanendtosnoring.com/spray-list.htm

[Soapy Sam]

This site is devoted to feedback of all the stop snoring angles including "an ever growing" list of sprays:

http://www.putanendtosnoring.com/remedies.htm


a list of all the sprays out there for snoring:

http://www.putanendtosnoring.com/spray-list.htm


They missed CS gas and Sarin, either of which will stop you snoring.

[Pyrrho]

Aromatic oils such as peppermint oil may have a mild relaxing effect on tissue--but I don't see how that would limit snoring.

[SteveGrenard]

Aromatic oils such as peppermint oil may have a mild relaxing effect on tissue--but I don't see how that would limit snoring.

It doesn't. Any astringent, relaxation or lubricating effect are short lived to non-existent (homoeopathic formulas) as natural secretions wash them away. About as long as it takes you to fall asleep and start snoring.

[scepticalpreacher]

It doesn't. Any astringent, relaxation or lubricating effect are short lived to non-existent (homoeopathic formulas) as natural secretions wash them away. About as long as it takes you to fall asleep and start snoring.

I know essential oils are something used in aromatherapy and fancy air fresheners. I found it odd to see the same term cropping up in something that you spray in your mouth. Reminds me of the shampoos that contain vitamins despite the fact that skin and hair are not capable of absorbing these vitamins.

(Corrected the post so that it now says aromatherapy instead of homeopathy)

[SteveGrenard]

I know essential oils are something used in homeopathy and fancy air fresheners. I found it odd to see the same term cropping up in something that you spray in your mouth. Reminds me of the shampoos that contain vitamins despite the fact that skin and hair are not capable of absorbing these vitamins.

What do homeopathicos dilute oil(s) with?

[scepticalpreacher]

What do homeopathicos dilute oil(s) with?
Sorry, good point. I meant to say Aromatherapy, not homeopathy.

[Mojo]

Cheers Mojo. I'll have a look around for some of their adverts.

Would be very handy if you could let me know if you find something.I had a look at the leaflets in one of their lager stores on Saturday. Nothing about this, as far as I could see. Also, they no longer seem to have leaflets about CAM in general.

Around the corner was a shop selling TCM. While they had various dubious claims made on their POS materials, the leaflets they were offering were somewhat toned down. It looks as if people are cottoning on to what the ASA deals with and what is regulated by the local trading standards people.

[scepticalpreacher]

I had a look at the leaflets in one of their lager stores on Saturday. Nothing about this, as far as I could see. Also, they no longer seem to have leaflets about CAM in general.

Around the corner was a shop selling TCM. While they had various dubious claims made on their POS materials, the leaflets they were offering were somewhat toned down. It looks as if people are cottoning on to what the ASA deals with and what is regulated by the local trading standards people.

Smart buggers. Thanks for the info. I think I'll give trading standards a call today then and see what they think about the web site.


Sean.

[tkingdoll]

I had a look at the leaflets in one of their lager stores on Saturday.




Crikey, they're really diversifying now! First off-licences, what next, Boots massage parlours?