My Mum is Making Me Take Homeopathic Medicine

[Legend]

Here's the deal. I'm scared I might be coming down with a cold sore on my lip. Questioning why I was applying Tea Tree Oil to my lip, my Mum decided she knew what to do. She gave me some homeopathic cr@p which literally tastes like nothing.

I told her I might as well drizzle water over it, to which she maturely replied, "stop being such a skeptic".

"It's fake and you're wasting your money."
"Not if it works." At which point I pulled every last strand of my hair out of my head.

She is the most stubborn person I know.

Honestly...

Alex.

[ImaginalDisc]

My mother tried the same thing on my just a few weeks ago when I went for a visit.

There's a reason we don't get along.

[Legend]

I know.

The argument continues as I'm typing this.

She said to keep applying it, so I ran to the tap and put water on my lip. "Don't be so ignorant." No, no...that's what SHE told ME.

"Spend your money on medicine. Stuff that's proven to actually work."
"I have. It doesn't always work."

I walked out with a red face.

I'm not applying that rubbish to my tongue ever again.

Alex.

[ImaginalDisc]

I think what I said when my mother insisted I take some homeoathic medicine was "I'm losing my voice, but I'm not thirsty, thanks"

[Miss_Kitt]

Not to intrude, but are you young enough that your Mum still makes these decisions for you?? If not, a courteous, "I'll do what I think is right with my body, thank you," should do -- and be polite and sincere, not snotty, with your tone.

If you're simply a very mature 12, then remember that it's just water, and placate her. It's worth it to not have her rummaging through your bureau drawers looking for naughty magazines.

-- MK

[Legend]

Originally Posted by ImaginalDisc

I think what I said when my mother insisted I take some homeoathic medicine was "I'm losing my voice, but I'm not thirsty, thanks"

Ha. That's awesome. I might just have to sig that. With your permission of course...

Quote:

If you're simply a very mature 12, then remember that it's just water, and placate her. It's worth it to not have her rummaging through your bureau drawers looking for naughty magazines.

I'm 16. Make of that what you will. She'd not shut up if I refused to take it. Then get pissed off, then yell, then take my "privileges" away, be annoyed for the rest of the day and hold a grudge with me which I along with my two younger brothers and Dad will have to bear for a solid 48 hours. I question a rebellion's worth.

Alex.

[Chimera]

It doesn't help when drugstores peddle the stuff in the same area as the real medicine. I've been purchasing Afrin and Mucinex in the "cold and flu" section and am forced to look at the Oscillococcinum proudly stacked right next to it. Creeps.

[arthwollipot]

Then just take the damn stuff. It can't possibly make your condition worse, and if it avoids unpleasant conflict with your mother, it's probably worth it.

Keep using what you know works though. That way when your mum says "see? look how well ot worked" you can say "well, I was actually using this other stuff as well, and that's what worked".

[arthwollipot]

Originally Posted by Chimera

It doesn't help when drugstores peddle the stuff in the same area as the real medicine. I've been purchasing Afrin and Mucinex in the "cold and flu" section and am forced to look at the Oscillococcinum proudly stacked right next to it. Creeps.

I was in a pharmacy a little while back, and I noticed that the homeopathic anti-snoring remedy was sitting right next to the boxes of earplugs.

[Uncayimmy]

Start walking around with pebbles in your mouth and doing strange dances to no music. When you mum asks, tell her you believe it will work. When she says that's silly, tell her you're trying not to be a skeptic.

[Jeff Corey]

Do wot I done with me mum when she guve me the cod liver oil or datura tea. Pop her in the snotlocker good and hard. Doz it everry time.

[Legend]

Originally Posted by UncaYimmy

Start walking around with pebbles in your mouth and doing strange dances to no music. When you mum asks, tell her you believe it will work. When she says that's silly, tell her you're trying not to be a skeptic.

I am so doing that. You've reached legendary status in my books.

Quote:

Do wot I done with me mum when she guve me the cod liver oil or datura tea. Pop her in the snotlocker good and hard. Doz it everry time.

I'm lost.

Alex.

[Jeff Corey]

Originally Posted by Legend

I am so doing that. You've reached legendary status in my books.



I'm lost.

Alex.

Sorry, I forgot that people speak other forms of English here. I just had to look up "Taking the mickey " on another thread.
Yer snotlocker is your nose, nez,pinocchio or nixon.

[ImaginalDisc]

It is the burden of every child to pretend that their parents aren't, at least occasionally, clueless idiots.

Parents have the same burden.

[Legend]

Quote:

It is the burden of every child to pretend that their parents aren't, at least occasionally, clueless idiots.

She truly is. At least often...

Quote:

Sorry, I forgot that people speak other forms of English here. I just had to look up "Taking the mickey " on another thread.
Yer snotlocker is your nose, nez,pinocchio or nixon.

I'd like to refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave a few moments ago.

Taking the mickey out of teenagers?

Alex.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

Join the club.

My mother is particularly drawn to nonsense (she does believe in a variety of eye-roll inducing things but isn't invested much at all in them) but lately she's begun to believe in the "detoxifying effects" of algae. It's intended to be used for weight-loss and supposed to be popular in Japan, allegedly.

I tried looking for information online about thisbut could find nothing, not even in the Skeptic's Dictionary. It must be an obscure belief.

[Legend]

Indeed that is an odd one.

Alex.

[Miss_Kitt]

Originally Posted by Legend

...

I'm 16. Make of that what you will. She'd not shut up if I refused to take it. Then get pissed off, then yell, then take my "privileges" away, be annoyed for the rest of the day and hold a grudge with me which I along with my two younger brothers and Dad will have to bear for a solid 48 hours. I question a rebellion's worth.

Alex.

Sorry if my post was unclear. It's worth taking the stuff to not have her hacked at you. Being a teenager is a difficult time for a number of reasons, but having a blatantly irrational parent just makes it worse.

It's exactly like handing the policeman your driver's license when he asks: Just follow the form to avoid the hassle. Save your strength for the important things.

Best wishes, most sincerely, and be glad she isn't making you handle rattlesnakes to get gawd's blessing!!

Regards, MK

[Jonquill]

Tell her that homepathic medicine works best when used in conjuntion with Zovirax, say it raises the vibrational energies or something

[Legend]

Originally Posted by Miss_Kitt

Sorry if my post was unclear. It's worth taking the stuff to not have her hacked at you. Being a teenager is a difficult time for a number of reasons, but having a blatantly irrational parent just makes it worse.

It's exactly like handing the policeman your driver's license when he asks: Just follow the form to avoid the hassle. Save your strength for the important things.

Best wishes, most sincerely, and be glad she isn't making you handle rattlesnakes to get gawd's blessing!!

Regards, MK

Indeed. Thank you.

As for the stupid rubbish, I think I'm just gonna take it, seeing as that's apparently the best thing to do according to you guys.

I'll still crack a few jokes though...

Alex.

[rjh01]

Try laughing (slightly) in her face. Or treat her with contempt. Just do not take her seriously. The secret is to behave in the opposite way to her.

I must admit I never did work out how to deal with a stupid mother.

Do you have any brothers or sisters? Can they help?

If you have a cold sore then the answer is to go to the doctor and get the diagnosis confirmed. Then the chemist can give you some proper treatment. Will not cure it but it will reduce the severity and length of time it exists.

Google "cold sores" for more information.

Reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_simplex

[wollery]

Originally Posted by EeneyMinnieMoe

Join the club.

My mother is particularly drawn to nonsense (she does believe in a variety of eye-roll inducing things but isn't invested much at all in them) but lately she's begun to believe in the "detoxifying effects" of algae. It's intended to be used for weight-loss and supposed to be popular in Japan, allegedly.

I tried looking for information online about thisbut could find nothing, not even in the Skeptic's Dictionary. It must be an obscure belief.

Because we all know that the average Japanese needs to lose weight.

No? Must be all the algae they eat.

[polarbear777]

Originally Posted by Jonquill

Tell her that homepathic medicine works best when used in conjuntion with Zovirax, say it raises the vibrational energies or something

Oh, that's a good one. Great line. You have to try saying that one.

Your mom sounds like a caring lady who probably works hard to take care of the family. She might be a little bit difficult to get along with. It appears that you are the one who has a more rational and reasonable mind though. If you confront her, reject her help and make her feel stupid you will be undercutting one of the only means she knows to show affection to you. She wants to help you. If you want her to be more reasonable and skeptical, you first have to win her favor and trust. Go along with some of her stuff. Especially if it doesn't hurt you. Plant some sincere questions like: "Why do you think this will be so good for me?", etc. Learn how she thinks. Then later you can more gently discuss with her what you know, if and when she is open to it. You can't force someone to learn.

Keep building good relationships. Then you can help poeple like your mom avoid such foolishness as homeopathy. Every person that can learn skepticism or critical thinking from us, is one more empowered and free citizen in our country. Skepticism is the front line of liberty, not the NRA.

[lionking]

As arthiwollipot said, it's probably wise to just take it. But these sort of things will come up regularly. There's only so many times you can turn the other cheek. Just last Christmas (2007, that is) at our Managers Christmas party, I was regaled by a series of testimonials in favor of dowsing, faith healing, the power of prayer etc until I cracked, called it all rubbish and gave reasons. I'm glad I did it, but it hardly added to my popularity.

I guess that I'm saying that there comes a time when all skeptics are challenged. Many just shut up and go with the flow. Some (like me) don't. You just need to weigh up the consequences, and in your case and at this time, it is not worth the fight.

[rjh01]

The choice of whether to fight or not is up to Legend. The issue is not Homeopathic Medicine. he issue is the relationship between him and his mother. We do not know the big picture. So our advice is not worth the paper (electrons?) it is written on.

[DC]

use it an show you mom its not working

[Mojo]

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

Then just take the damn stuff. It can't possibly make your condition worse...

A minor caveat: check exactly what is in it. Some medicines labelled as "homeopathic" can actually contain active ingredients (not in the UK, but I don't know what the regulations are for this in Australia).

[Mojo]

Originally Posted by Dictator Cheney

use it an show you mom its not working

We're talking about a cold sore here: that's an ideal condition for homoeopathy because it will go away of its own accord. If Legend uses the homoeopathic medicine, his mum will almost inevitably be able to apply the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy.

[biomorph]

Originally Posted by Legend

Here's the deal. I'm scared I might be coming down with a cold sore on my lip.

Hey, it's not that scarey..

Quote:

Questioning why I was applying Tea Tree Oil to my lip, my Mum decided she knew what to do. She gave me some homeopathic cr@p which literally tastes like nothing.

Ok......there this thing that mothers do called bringing up kids, right?

She has, in many instances no doubt done the right thing for you without your express permision I guess earlier in your life.

You're here yeah?

It gets habitual, and when you have to "let go" the kid the process can be long drawn out and pain for both sides.

Sometimes its hard to let go you know?

Quote:

I told her I might as well drizzle water over it, to which she maturely replied, "stop being such a skeptic".

There you go, in effect she's saying to you as she has had to many times "stop wriggling" as if you are younger.

These two things feel sometimes like a sort of unwanted intrusion. That is you're already there, and the parent has to catch up with that.

Quote:

"It's fake and you're wasting your money."
"Not if it works." At which point I pulled every last strand of my hair out of my head.

This is where the situation escalates as resistance is encountered.

However getting this far means you are getting into a sort of arms race, which I think is not so productive.

Find some other way.

Quote:

She is the most stubborn person I know.

Honestly...

Alex.

Well if she has ever had stick up for you that's a good thing, isn't it?
If she hasn't, then it's still an asset if she has to in the future..

If she insisted that what she thinks is good for you is possibly more harmful than hpthy, then I'd be more concerned. Fortunately Hpathy dosn't do anything.

My point here is perhaps its that time when you need to get her in a relaxed setting and discuss your personal healthcare and who is responsable for that at any given situation.

Ie
you break leg, she calls ambulance.

you have headache? you sort it out.

Arguing about specific methods I feel might not be so useful.

She also allowed to waste her money where she pleases, so far. Stay off that too, thats not going to make her feel
like you are addressing the issue.

To me that would say instinctively " you've run out of ammo and you do think it works but now you are just being an awkward baby" and boy she's probebly seen some of them, somewhere.

Maybe not you.

Having a view on this can be taken as an agument over general healthcare or hpathy.

I think that discussing the former will send the right signals, hpathy discussions can desend into "I'm right" ..."No you aren't" types of exchanges.

Best avoid them...... Most times winners are few on the ground with that game, cos it only gets harder to play as you go on.
The chances of resolution recede as exchange goes on.

Mostly.......

You both know each other somewhat, you'll figure out to get there, and still be ok with your mum.

I'm not saying it'll be easy, or hard.

It might be both.

good luck and hell, I could be wrong, I'm not family.

[tesscaline]

I wonder what your mom would think if you told her you were using a homeopathic form of birth control... Hmm...

[fls]

Originally Posted by SkeptiChick

I wonder what your mom would think if you told her you were using a homeopathic form of birth control... Hmm...

I like that one. It shifts it solidly into the 'stuff that doesn't go away on its own' category and forces her to confront her own thinking on the subject (rather than simply reject her son's).

Linda

[DC]

Originally Posted by SkeptiChick

I wonder what your mom would think if you told her you were using a homeopathic form of birth control... Hmm...

aah nice one.

[Legend]

Originally Posted by SkeptiChick

I wonder what your mom would think if you told her you were using a homeopathic form of birth control... Hmm...

Although recently "men" (boys if you don't consider a 16 a "man" yet) have been seen getting pregnant, it certainly isn't the case for me.

Although the idea is absolutely marvellous.

Quote:

Quote:

Here's the deal. I'm scared I might be coming down with a cold sore on my lip.

Hey, it's not that scarey..

Quote:

Questioning why I was applying Tea Tree Oil to my lip, my Mum decided she knew what to do. She gave me some homeopathic cr@p which literally tastes like nothing.

Ok......there this thing that mothers do called bringing up kids, right?

She has, in many instances no doubt done the right thing for you without your express permision I guess earlier in your life.

You're here yeah?

It gets habitual, and when you have to "let go" the kid the process can be long drawn out and pain for both sides.

Sometimes its hard to let go you know?

Quote:

I told her I might as well drizzle water over it, to which she maturely replied, "stop being such a skeptic".

There you go, in effect she's saying to you as she has had to many times "stop wriggling" as if you are younger.

These two things feel sometimes like a sort of unwanted intrusion. That is you're already there, and the parent has to catch up with that.

Quote:

"It's fake and you're wasting your money."
"Not if it works." At which point I pulled every last strand of my hair out of my head.

This is where the situation escalates as resistance is encountered.

However getting this far means you are getting into a sort of arms race, which I think is not so productive.

Find some other way.

Quote:

She is the most stubborn person I know.

Honestly...

Alex.

Well if she has ever had stick up for you that's a good thing, isn't it?
If she hasn't, then it's still an asset if she has to in the future..

If she insisted that what she thinks is good for you is possibly more harmful than hpthy, then I'd be more concerned. Fortunately Hpathy dosn't do anything.

My point here is perhaps its that time when you need to get her in a relaxed setting and discuss your personal healthcare and who is responsable for that at any given situation.

Ie
you break leg, she calls ambulance.

you have headache? you sort it out.

Arguing about specific methods I feel might not be so useful.

She also allowed to waste her money where she pleases, so far. Stay off that too, thats not going to make her feel
like you are addressing the issue.

To me that would say instinctively " you've run out of ammo and you do think it works but now you are just being an awkward baby" and boy she's probebly seen some of them, somewhere.

Maybe not you.

Having a view on this can be taken as an agument over general healthcare or hpathy.

I think that discussing the former will send the right signals, hpathy discussions can desend into "I'm right" ..."No you aren't" types of exchanges.

Best avoid them...... Most times winners are few on the ground with that game, cos it only gets harder to play as you go on.
The chances of resolution recede as exchange goes on.

Mostly.......

You both know each other somewhat, you'll figure out to get there, and still be ok with your mum.

I'm not saying it'll be easy, or hard.

It might be both.

good luck and hell, I could be wrong, I'm not family.

Wow. Thanks, I guess. Although it is very different with my Mum. It's hard to explain. I'd usually go through each section of what you said and reply to it, but I'm not going to.

Alex.

[TX50]

What does your dad say?

[Legend]

As of this far...nothing at all. He gave me a weird look when I said "that stuff doesn't work", but when I mentioned homeopathy, he turned back to his dinner plate.

I'd like to mention that both my parents don't believe in psychics or ghosts, although my Mum believes in God and weird occurrences.

Like the white dove at Christmas, to which she agreed with my mentally blind extended family, was the "spirit" of my late Nonno. Just goes to show how strangely that woman really thinks.

Alex.

[fls]

Originally Posted by Legend

Although recently "men" (boys if you don't consider a 16 a "man" yet) have been seen getting pregnant, it certainly isn't the case for me.

Although the idea is absolutely marvellous.

Homeopathic condoms or homeopathic male oral contraceptives.

Unless you were telling us that if you impregnated a woman, it would be of no concern to you or your mother.

Linda

[Legend]

Originally Posted by fls

Homeopathic condoms.

Linda

You people seriously make me laugh sometimes.

Nice one.

EDIT: In regards to your edit: "Unless you were telling us that if you impregnated a woman, it would be of no concern to you or your mother." I was certainly not. I'm smarter than to get myself in a situation like that anyway.

Alex.

[biomorph]

Originally Posted by Legend

Although recently "men" (boys if you don't consider a 16 a "man" yet) have been seen getting pregnant, it certainly isn't the case for me.

homeopathic spermicide?

Quote:

Although the idea is absolutely marvellous.

Wow. Thanks, I guess. Although it is very different with my Mum. It's hard to explain. I'd usually go through each section of what you said and reply to it, but I'm not going to.

Alex.

Thats fine, you don't have to explain, I sorta understand that, because sometimes things just are not simple.

I've thrown quite a few generalities in there , to be sure, my point is though that there's usually a way. Its just a nicer road if each party can at least avoid confrontaion.

Thats all I'm on about.

That may seem and might be impossible from where you are personally with it all, for sure.........

[Legend]

Originally Posted by biomorph

homeopathic spermicide?

I see.

Originally Posted by biomorph

Thats fine, you don't have to explain, I sorta understand that, because sometimes things just are not simple.

I've thrown quite a few generalities in there , to be sure, my point is though that there's usually a way. Its just a nicer road if each party can at least avoid confrontaion.

Thats all I'm on about.

That may seem and might be impossible from where you are personally with it all, for sure.........

It is...I think.

My family is different to the mentality of many other families. I consider myself as rather observant and..."fair" with my thinking, which is one of the reasons me and Dad have verbal confrontations (politician's talk) with each other often, although it usually ends with me conceding that he's way too hard to convince of anything.

TO LINDA, SKEPTICHICK & BIOMORPH: regarding the whole male birth control stuff, I'd never speak about my...sex life with her. Even mentioning it at all. Just nup. Not with my family. Way too prudish. While I'm not, my family's atmosphere is.

Alex.

[biomorph]

Originally Posted by Legend

As of this far...nothing at all. He gave me a weird look when I said "that stuff doesn't work", but when I mentioned homeopathy, he turned back to his dinner plate.

ok , here's where (in my mind) he's signaling to you "don't upset your mum cos we'll all catch it"

Yeah?

Then having shown a reaction at all, he seen your face/ reaction whatever, and decided for some reason to not get involved.
Then she won't be able at least to blame him, though she'll try maybe. This turns him into a listener, rather than a problem. Again I'm sort of guessing , if your ok with that.... A lot of women consider a problem shared a good thing, he knows he's better of there than to be backing you up. he knows his place. Maybe..........

Quote:

I'd like to mention that both my parents don't believe in psychics or ghosts, although my Mum believes in God and weird occurrences.

Yup its common, moreso IMO than in males, but that might rightly be open to dispute, that preference.

Quote:

Like the white dove at Christmas, to which she agreed with my mentally blind extended family, was the "spirit" of my late Nonno. Just goes to show how strangely that woman really thinks.

Alex.

You are lucky, you have teachers.

In how not to think perhaps, than rather than what to think............It might stand you in good stead at some point in the future, maybe.............