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Over what must have been an interesting dinner in Mullumbimby back in 2006, a group of friends (Michael & Ludmila Doneman, Brian & Margi Bruce) got talking about placebos. One of them, Brian, a homeopath, was interested because of the resonance of the placebo idea with the nature and intent of homeopathy and other so-called complementary therapies, the placebo being a refinement and simplification of the metaphysical approach to healing. (Their website dedicated to discussion relating to the "placebo effect" HERE.)

The "placebo effect" really exists; but placebo tablets (small, inert, side-effect-free sugar pills) are actually very hard to find, and that's one reason we're offering them here: small sugar "pilules" in 30 gram bottles (each containing about 700.)

When you put a Band-Aid on a child's cut knee, and it has stars or comics on it, it can actually make the kid feel better, though of course there's no medical reason for this. Some things make us feel better. What's important is the intention, the conversation, the relationship. The placebo effect has been shown to be almost as strong as the effect of SSRI drugs like Prozac, even when the placebo-taker is aware that the pill is inert. It's what we believe that counts. Science acknowledges the placebo effect, but can't (yet) account for how it works. Amazingly, it can take place even if we know it's a placebo we're taking.

The physician Herbert Spiegel says, "the placebo effect can occur when conditions are optimal for faith, hope, trust and love." A harmless sugar pill, ingested mindfully in such conditions, provides a way to self-knowledge and self-healing.

Placebos would make an unusual gift, especially for that person who has everything, or who enjoys the notion of trying something different or thinking outside the square.

Naturally, the Universal Placebos Team make absolutely no therapeutic claims for their placebos. They are made of sugar; they are not drugs; and they offer them with love and with a sense of fun, and as triggers and inspiration for discussion about the placebo effect:

"As Australians we love a cheeky sense of humour, and we love taking pot shots at big, self-righteous institutions. In many ways Universal Placebos has succeeded if it brings you a smile."

Finally, as is claimed on the back of the Universal Placebo bottle:

Nothing Works Better.

P.S: Make the Universal Placebos Team happy. Order the T Shirt HERE!

AUD $13.50 => USD 12.37 approx

Plus 10% GST for Deliveries to Australian Addresses
See prices for orders delivered within Australia