Certain findings are commonly encountered in the promotion of quack cures. The presence of one or more of the following features may indicate that a remedy is a possible quackery.
Common elements in the promotion of a quack remedy:
(1) The cure is described as special, miraculous, secret, ancient, natural, mysterious or foreign.
(2) It is available only by mail or from a single supplier.
(3) Testimonials or case histories are the only evidence for its effectiveness.
(4) The product is effective for a wide variety of unrelated conditions.
(5) The product is something held back, overlooked or opposed by the medical establishment.
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