Placebo effect: Why do the sugar pills work for some people?

In yesteday's blog entry, I discussed a study that reported better relief of hot flashes among the placebo group (63%) than among those taking black cohosh (34%) or red clover (57%). Why does this happen? Can the mind really alter how the body will react? Can you really feel better merely by thinking you are going to feel better? Subjects in studies don't know whether they are getting the drug, supplement or placebo, so it's up to the mind to interpret the benefits or side effects. In the HRT/supplement/placebo study from the Univeristy of Illinois and Northwestern, more subjects in the placebo group reported an average decrease in the number of hot flashes they experienced than those who were taking the supplements black cohosh or red clover. Some experts contend that the "placebo effect" is the result of flawed research. Yet, other reports have observed positive effects from placebos, particularly in studies of depression, pain and Parkinson's disease. The study of the placebo effect can lead to understanding how the brain controls bodily processes to promote healing, according to a recent article in Scientific American. The phenomenon suggests that the mind is a powerful link to wellness and that "mind over matter" should be an important component of treating some illnesses.