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The burden of bad health continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are least prepared to manage this burden, and many patients globally need access to timely, quality diagnoses and treatment.
In 2023, we saw different viral health claims from various social media users on what people can use or do to cure/stop an illness or disease. Here are some of the cure claims we verified.
1. Fasting cures cancer
An X (Twitter) account, LivertySavage (@AxelSavage4), asserted that “…fasting is one of the cures for cancer that the establishment does not want you to know about.”
Similarly, another X user, Axel (@LibertySavage01), wrote, “Fact: Fasting cures cancer.”
However, after verification, we found a report that states, “Emerging evidence suggests that fasting could play a key role in cancer treatment by fostering conditions that limit cancer cells’ adaptability, survival, and growth. It added that fasting could increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments and limit adverse events.”
The report establishes that it is difficult to link fasting with the prevention and treatment of cancer.
2. Exercising and reducing salt and Maggi intake cannot reduce hypertension
A Facebook page, My Health Expert, shared a post that said that reducing the intake of salt, Maggi, and engaging in exercises does not reduce hypertension.
The post explained how she stopped taking salt, Maggi, and other ingredients because of hypertension, which still wasn’t normalised.
Our findings show that adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of hypertension, although there is no permanent cure for hypertension.
3. Pineapple, cucumber, and lemon juices mixture can be used to clean the liver
Alfred Healing Home shared a reel stating that blending pineapples, cucumbers, lemons, and celery plants can clean the liver. The video was captioned, “This juice will help clean the liver.”
Fruits are generally good for the body. However, orthodox medical practice does not support combining different fruit juices to clean the liver. Studies also show no scientific explanation of how fruit mixture cleanses the liver.
4. Vaginal steaming for women
A Facebook user wrote that boiling scent leaves and salt could be used to treat fibroids, vaginal odour, and menstrual pains. He explained the steaming process, noting that it should be done after the monthly menstrual flow. He suggested that ladies sit over it so it can penetrate deeply.
Our medical experts do not support vaginal steaming as it poses more harm to the body. Instead of vaginal steaming, experts say to wash the vagina only with water and see doctors for professional help in the case of illness. Therefore, women should not try vaginal steaming.
5. Cashew bark destroys snake venom
A viral WhatsApp message claims that chewing the bark of a cashew tree will effectively treat a venomous snakebite. “It will neutralise every poisonous substance from the snake, even if it is black mamba,” part of the post reads.
While investigating, we saw that cashew bark may have some medicinal properties but is ineffective as an antivenom. Also, no regulatory agencies have approved it as a treatment for snake bites.
6. Brahmi medication as a cure for hypertension
A Facebook Page, Life & Food, shared a post on its page wondering why many Nigerians still believe the lie “hypertension has no cure,” asserting they have the cure to the disease.
Verifying the claim’s authenticity, DUBAWA saw that while Brahmi could be used to lessen animal blood pressure levels, more research must be conducted on humans. So far, there is no cure for hypertension.
