The psychology of medicine

People are a-talkin' about Airborne, the dietary supplement that, well, doesn't actually claim to do anything (Go check their website if you don't believe me. I'm not about to promote it, though). But look what's printed right there on the box:

As the package disclaimer notes, it is "not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

There are people I know who claim this stuff really works, and they haven't had a cold since they started using it. But as a control, I haven't gotten sick since they started either. And I don't touch the stuff.

That aside, I can't help but wonder if this will be part of the President's health care plan - a placebo designed to make you feel better, but that actually has no real impact, or could make you worse.