Also called “fake drugs”, placebos have the effect of treat without, however, containing any active principle allowing healing. Sugar syrup, flour capsule, etc., their shapes and presentations are diverse but they all have the same magical effect: they activate in the brain the production of endorphins, hormones of pleasure and relief. 

Taking a painkiller and feeling better once it is swallowed, knowing that it takes about ½ hour for the body to assimilate it and thus make it active, is thus what is called the placebo effect. .