Quackery is a term used to describe the unethical practice of promising health-related benefits for which there is none or little basis.

The word derives from quacksalver, an archaic word originally of Dutch origin (spelled kwakzalver in contemporary Dutch), meaning "boaster who applies a salve."

Definition of quackery

Since there is no exact standard for what constitutes quackery, and how to differentiate it from experimental medicine, protoscience, religious and spiritual beliefs, etc., accusations of quackery are often part of polemics against one party or other, and sometimes in polemic exchanges.

In determining whether a person is committing quackery, the central question is what is acceptable evidence for the efficacy and safety the alleged quack is representing. Because there is some level of uncertainty with all medical treatments,

Since it is difficult to distinguish between those who knowingly promote unproven medical therapies and those who are mistaken as to their effectiveness, libel cases in US courts have resulted in rulings that accusing someone of quackery or calling him a quack does automatically mean that he or she is committing medical fraud — in order to be both a quack and a fraud, the quack has to know that he/she is misrepresenting the benefits and risks of the medical services offered J. H. (1961) . The Toadstool Millionaires: A social history of patent medicines in America before federal regulation. Princeton University Press. 282pp.

Quacksalber Quack Kwakzalverij 偽医療 Kvacksalvare