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| - Last Updated on December 29, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that home remedies can cure multiple diseases without a hospital visit. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
A Pinterest post claims that various common ailments can be treated at home without visiting a hospital by using simple remedies. For example, it suggests using black pepper with honey for coughs, applying fenugreek paste for burns, gargling with nutmeg decoction for mouth ulcers, and using turmeric oil for wounds. It also recommends fennel roasted in ghee to help quit smoking, cloves boiled in water for vomiting and cinnamon for a lisp.
Fact Check
Can black pepper and honey cure cough?
Not entirely. While black pepper and honey may offer temporary relief for mild coughs, they don’t address the underlying causes. Honey soothes the throat and has antimicrobial properties, while black pepper can help reduce inflammation in the airways, which may be beneficial for conditions like asthma or seasonal allergies. However, these remedies are not effective for actually curing bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or chronic conditions such as asthma. For properly addressing persistent or severe coughs, we suggest you seek professional support.
We connected with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her expert take on black pepper and honey for curing cough. She says, “Black pepper and honey may help soothe a sore throat and provide temporary relief from coughing due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, they do not address the root causes of a persistent cough, such as infections or underlying health conditions. If the cough lasts for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.”
Additionally, home remedies like ginger and turmeric may provide temporary relief for coughs. However, like this claim, they cannot address the underlying causes.
Does fenugreek paste heal burns?
No, it does not. Fenugreek seeds contain anti-inflammatory compounds, but applying fenugreek paste to burns is not a medically validated practice. For burns, first aid includes cooling the area with water for at least 10 minutes, covering it with a sterile dressing, and avoiding home remedies that may introduce infection. Severe burns always require professional medical care.
We spoke with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, to get his expert insights on the use of fenugreek paste for healing burns. He says, “People sometimes use fenugreek paste in traditional remedies for burns because it may have mild soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is no strong scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in healing burns. For minor burns, the best approach is to cool the area with running water, apply a sterile dressing, and prevent infection. For more severe burns, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Modern burn care typically involves proper wound cleaning, pain management, and, in some cases, prescription treatments to promote healing. It’s important to rely on evidence-based medical care for burns rather than home remedies.”
Can nutmeg decoction cure mouth ulcers?
Not really. While nutmeg has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, there is no strong evidence to support its effectiveness in treating mouth ulcers. However, a 2012 lab study did show that nutmeg extract has strong antibacterial effects. The study shows it can fight bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, which are linked to cavities and gum inflammation. For treating mouth ulcers, medically recommended options include antiseptic mouthwashes, gels containing anaesthetics, or avoiding spicy and acidic foods. Persistent ulcers could indicate underlying health issues, such as vitamin deficiencies or infections, which require professional evaluation.
We got in touch with Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, from Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, to learn the correct way to treat mouth ulcers. She explains, “If you have severe or persistent mouth ulcers, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Treatments may include steroid sprays or dissolvable tablets to reduce inflammation, pain-relieving gels or sprays to ease discomfort, and mouthwashes to help clear any bacteria. If the ulcers don’t improve or keep recurring, it’s important to get them checked out to rule out any underlying issues.”
Does turmeric heated in oil heal wounds?
Partially. Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. While turmeric might help in minor cuts and wounds, heating it in oil and applying it directly is not a medically recommended approach, as per modern medicine. Proper wound care involves cleaning the wound with sterile water, applying an antiseptic, and covering it with a clean bandage.
Can fennel roasted in ghee curb smoking addiction?
Unlikely. While fennel seeds are traditionally used to help digestion and freshen breath, there is no evidence to support their role in smoking cessation. A 2013 study on rats did suggest that fennel oil may help protect lung and testicular tissues from cigarette smoke damage, but it did not indicate that fennel can assist in quitting smoking. Smoking addiction involves both physical and psychological dependence, which are best addressed with proven methods such as nicotine replacement therapy, behavioural counselling, or prescription medications. It’s important to note that even nicotine replacement therapy does not guarantee 100% success in quitting smoking.
Does clove water stop vomiting?
Not conclusively. Clove has mild antispasmodic properties that might help reduce nausea, but it is not a guaranteed remedy for vomiting. Persistent vomiting could indicate serious conditions such as infections, food poisoning, or gastrointestinal disorders. Medical evaluation and rehydration therapy are essential in such cases.
Can asafoetida water treat pneumonia?
No, asafoetida water cannot treat pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that requires targeted medical treatment, such as antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia or antiviral medications for viral pneumonia. While a 2012 study found that asafoetida can help with digestion, ease symptoms of asthma by relaxing airway muscles, and relieving spasms, gas, and discomfort, it is not effective for treating pneumonia. Although it was once used for conditions like pneumonia and colic in infants, there is no evidence in modern medicine to support its use for pneumonia. Relying on asafoetida instead of seeking professional care can lead to complications.
Does rock salt in warm water cure sprains?
Not effectively. Warm water with salt might provide temporary relief by relaxing muscles and reducing swelling, but it does not heal the underlying ligament damage caused by a sprain. The recommended treatment for sprains includes rest, ice application, compression, and elevation (RICE). Severe sprains may require physiotherapy or medical intervention.
Can cinnamon chewing fix a lisp?
No, chewing cinnamon cannot correct a lisp or any other speech disorder. Lisps are caused by issues in speech articulation and require therapy with a speech-language pathologist. Cinnamon has no scientifically proven role in improving speech patterns. In fact, chewing cinnamon can cause mouth irritation, redness, and sores, a condition called cinnamon contact stomatitis. Symptoms usually go away after you stop.
THIP Media Take
The claim that home remedies can cure multiple diseases without a hospital visit is mostly false. The remedies listed in the claim are largely anecdotal and lack sufficient scientific backing. While some may provide minor relief for mild symptoms, they are not substitutes for evidence-based medical care. Misusing these remedies could delay proper treatment and worsen health outcomes.
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