Panacea
Panacea
Panacea (/pænəˈsiːə/), from the Greek goddess of universal remedy, is a term used in medicine to describe a solution or remedy that is intended to cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely.
Etymology
The term "Panacea" originates from the Greek goddess of the same name. In Greek mythology, Panacea (Greek Πανάκεια, Panakeia) was a goddess of universal remedy and was known for her healing powers. She was the daughter of Asclepius and Epione. Panacea and her four sisters each performed a facet of Apollo's art: Panacea (universal remedy), Hygieia (cleanliness), Iaso (recuperation from illness), Aceso (the healing process), and Aglaea (beauty, splendor).
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, a panacea is a remedy that is supposed to cure all diseases. The concept of a panacea is often used metaphorically to describe a solution to a large, complex problem. However, it is generally accepted in the medical community that no such universal cure exists.
Related Terms
- Placebo: A substance or treatment which is designed to have no therapeutic value. Placebos are often used in clinical trials as a control group to compare with the effects of the treatment being studied.
- Elixir of life: A mythical potion that, when drunk from a certain cup at a certain time, supposedly grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth.
- Cure-all: Another term for a panacea, a cure-all is a remedy or solution that is suggested, often in an enthusiastic manner, to solve all of a particular individual's problems or a widespread societal ill.
- Snake oil: A term used to describe fraudulent health products or unproven medicine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Panacea
- Wikipedia's article - Panacea
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