In the age of social media and quick fix health remedies, viral claims of herbal concoctions which promise to clean the uterus from diseases have grabbed much attention. One such viral claim has made its way through the Instagram reels suggesting that a simple herbal tea, made with red onion and shilajit capsules, removes uterine cysts, fibroids, and even controls the menstrual cycle. How accurate are these claims? Let's dig into the science of these claims, and sort out fact from fiction.

The Instagram reel claims to boil red onion in its skin and drink this concoction empty stomach or just before bed that will cleanse the uterus of cysts, fibroids, and so on. It is also promoting supplementary shilajit capsules. Some videos feature alternative medicine enthusiast Deepak Chopra who is preaching in this video. It promises women results right away-for example, how it can straighten out one's periods, get rid of reproductive health concerns, and other such benefits.

Medical experts refute all these claims vigorously. The uterus, they note, is a self-cleansing organ that doesn't need extraneous assistance to "detoxify" or "cleanse." Such claims lack scientific evidence, and in most cases, it's a matter of misinformation or even manipulated content, at times even generated with the help of AI.

It is important to understand why these claims fall short by grasping the nature of uterine cysts and fibroids.

Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs that develop in different areas, including the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are mainly benign and disappear over time without a need for surgical intervention.

Fibroids

These are abnormal growths found in the uterus. They appear in different sizes and cause the following symptoms; heavy bleeding, pelvic pain among others.

Both have to be diagnosed properly and receive adequate treatment. Medication or surgical methods may occasionally be necessary. Herbal teas and remedies, though helpful for general well-being, do not have the capacity to dissolve cysts or fibroids.

Lack of evidence and adequacy on the use of herbal preparations to the study done on uterine fibroids was concluded. That is, more studies of higher quality are needed to fully understand if herbal remedies can possibly contribute any positive effects on the health of the uterus.

Some medicinal plants and herbs are actually capable of exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, their contribution toward addressing issues like those in fibroids and cysts had not yet been proven.

Foods That Can Promote Uterine Health

Although no food or beverage can prevent, eradicate, or kill fibroids or cysts, a healthy diet can be a useful tool in the reduction of possible risk factors and control of symptoms. Foods high in the essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins can have a general benefit for the reproductive organs.

Fruits and Vegetables: Produce such as apples, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) are rich in antioxidants and may reduce the risk of developing fibroids.

Calcium-Rich Foods: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and fortified alternatives (soy, almond, or oat milk) are good sources of calcium and vitamin D, which studies suggest may reduce the risk of fibroids.

Vitamin D-Containing Foods: Some of these include light tuna, salmon, and rainbow trout, which provide immune health as well as balance to hormones.

Herbs and Spices for Uterus- Related Ailments

Even though red onion tea and shilajit cannot cleanse the uterus, a few herbs and spices may ease symptoms of disorders such as endometriosis or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

1. Curcumin: This is a compound found in turmeric that has shown anti-inflammatory effects and may be able to suppress the production of estradiol, a hormone associated with endometriosis.

2. Chamomile: Chamomile tea has been used to alleviate PMS symptoms, and its active compound, chrysin, has been reported to inhibit the growth of endometrial cells.

3. Essential Oils: A combination of cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender oils applied during aromatherapy massage reduces menstrual pain and bleeding.

4. Ashwagandha: This is an adaptogenic herb used to reduce stress, which can indirectly benefit women with hormonal imbalances or chronic conditions like endometriosis.

While the allure of natural remedies is strong, especially when presented as quick and easy solutions, it’s essential to rely on evidence-based healthcare. Self-diagnosing and experimenting with unproven remedies can delay necessary medical treatment and lead to complications.

Consulting a healthcare provider is critical for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. Doctors can also provide guidance on incorporating safe and effective complementary therapies into your routine.

There is no scientific basis to support the fact that a simple herbal concoction can cleanse the uterus of "any disease," which misleads the individuals to follow some ineffective remedies. The uterus does not require any kind of external "cleansing" for it to work at its best, and cysts and fibroids are usually treated by proper medical care.

Generally speaking, a proper diet with essential fruits, vegetables, and supplements can help develop overall reproductive well-being, however, it shall not replace other medical treatments and interventions. Also, herbs and plants such as chamomile, turmeric, and ashwagandha have been confirmed to be efficient in treating most related conditions.

Always be up to date, follow trusted health care professionals, and beware of fads that promise miraculous improvements in health with less scientific proof. Your health deserves nothing less.

Herbal preparations for uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009

Curcumin inhibits endometriosis endometrial cells by reducing estradiol production. ran J Reprod Med. 2013

Comparison of the effects of Matricaria chamomila (Chamomile) extract and mefenamic acid on the intensity of premenstrual syndrome. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014

The effect of aromatherapy abdominal massage on alleviating menstrual pain in nursing students: a prospective randomized cross-over study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013

A Systematic Review of Human Trial Results Reported for the Ayurvedic Herb Ashwagandha. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2014

Prolactin and cortisol levels in women with endometriosis. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2006

Are you planning to undergo IVF treatment? A healthy thyroid and balanced nutrition are crucial when it comes to improving implantation and supporting a healthy IVF journey. So, make sure to add these three nutrients to conceive successfully and fulfil the dream of motherhood. It is time for women to include these nutrients and focus on their health. Dr Mrunalini Jagne (Ahire), Fertility Consultant and IVF Specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, spoke about the rising incidence of IVF and how thyroid health is just as important for better implantation and IVF results.

Currently, many couples are opting for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It can be physically and emotionally demanding for couples who wish to conceive. So, for those who are opting for IVF, it is also necessary to check thyroid function and pay attention to diet. Are you aware? An uncontrolled thyroid condition can impact hormone balance, egg quality, implantation, and even increase the chances of miscarriage. Along with regular medical guidance, certain nutrients may help prepare the body for implantation and early pregnancy. Hence, women should add these three nutrients without fail after discussing them with an expert.

Make sure to include these vital nutrients in your diet

1. Folic Acid: This is one of the vital nutrients before and during pregnancy. It supports healthy cell growth and helps in the early development of the baby’s brain and spine. It may also help to enhance egg quality and create a healthier environment for implantation. So, opt for foods such as spinach, broccoli, lentils, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals, which are good sources of folic acid. An expert can also recommend supplements before IVF. So, make sure to take them and stay healthy.
2. Vitamin D: This is necessary for hormone balance, immune function, and reproductive health. Low vitamin D levels are seen in women facing fertility issues and may affect implantation success. Safe sunlight exposure, eggs, dairy products, mushrooms, and fatty fish can be recommended to women to improve their vitamin D levels. However, the doctor may suggest blood tests and supplements if a deficiency is detected.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce inflammation in the body. They support hormone production and overall reproductive health. Go for foods such as walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fish such as salmon, which are rich in healthy fats that may support implantation and pregnancy health.

So, women, make sure to discuss your diet with an expert. A balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, regular medical check-ups, and proper management of thyroid conditions are crucial when it comes to supporting implantation and overall reproductive health. Try to avoid junk, oily, canned, sugary, and processed foods. Small lifestyle changes before IVF can help prepare the body better for pregnancy. So, don’t miss these nutrients and include them as per the expert’s advice.

Food allergy in children is becoming a more visible concern in Indian families, especially in urban settings where children are growing up with a different immune environment from earlier generations.

Less outdoor exposure, smaller families, more indoor living, frequent antibiotic use, air pollution, shifts in gut bacteria, packaged foods, and delayed introduction of certain foods may influence how the immune system learns tolerance. A food allergy happens when the body treats a harmless food protein as a threat and reacts against it.

Misleading Early Symptoms

The difficulty for parents is that many early symptoms look ordinary. Gas, bloating, or loose stools after a food may point to intolerance, which can be uncomfortable but is usually not dangerous.

An allergy tends to follow a more recognizable pattern involving hives, itching, swelling of the lips or eyes, repeated vomiting, coughing, wheezing, throat tightness, breathing difficulty, sudden tiredness or faintness soon after eating. In severe reactions, anaphylaxis can affect breathing and blood pressure, making it a medical emergency.

India adds another layer of complexity because possible triggers are often everyday foods. Milk, wheat, egg, peanut, fish, chickpea, lentils, and sesame are part of a child’s routine diet. Removing them altogether can deprive a growing child of protein, calories, and micronutrients, and ignoring repeated reactions can keep the child exposed to a genuine trigger. Both can harm the child.

What Should Parents Watch For

Parents should watch for patterns rather than fear every meal. If eczema flares, vomiting, wheezing, stomach pain, swelling, or rashes repeatedly appear after the same food, the child’s allergies should be evaluated.

A food diary is useful, but diagnosis cannot rest on home-based trial and error. The most important starting point is a careful clinical history: what was eaten, how quickly symptoms appeared, whether it happened again, and which body systems were involved. Based on this, a doctor may advise a skin prick test, serum-specific IgE test, or, in selected cases, a supervised oral food challenge.

The goal is simple: do not label every discomfort as an allergy, and do not dismiss repeated reactions as weak digestion. Children should remain confident around food while genuine triggers are identified, managed, and nutritionally replaced.

In India, more than one in four people has hypertension, and cumulatively, over 90 per cent of adults with hypertension are either undiagnosed, untreated, or treated but still live with uncontrolled blood pressure. Experts say this growing burden needs urgent attention.

In an interview with HealthandMe on World Hypertension Day 2026, Professor Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health, suggested that one practical solution may be as simple as switching to potassium-enriched low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS).

Current estimates show that Indians consume between 8 and 11 grams of salt (equivalent to 3.2–4.4 grams of sodium) per day — nearly double the World Health Organization recommended limit of 5 grams of salt (2 grams of sodium).

Low-sodium salt substitutes are composed of approximately 70–75 per cent sodium chloride and 25–30 per cent potassium chloride. They reduce sodium intake while increasing potassium consumption, helping lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.

In January 2025, the World Health Organization released guidelines recommending potassium-enriched salt substitutes to combat hypertension and related heart risks. The guidelines suggest replacing regular table salt, which is high in sodium, with potassium-enriched alternatives that may help reduce noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease by lowering blood pressure.

Dr Jha was also part of a consensus statement released by experts in clinical medicine, public health, and nutrition, recommending potassium-enriched low-sodium salt substitutes as an effective intervention to reduce hypertension and cardiovascular disease in India.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

Q. Is asking people to simply switch to a healthier salt more realistic than expecting them to completely change their diets?

Dr Jha: Public health works best when solutions fit naturally into people’s daily lives. Asking families to completely change what they eat is extremely difficult because food habits are emotional, cultural, and built over generations. But asking them to switch the type of salt they use at home is a much simpler and more achievable step. The taste remains familiar, cooking habits do not change, and yet the health benefits can begin immediately.

In a country like India, where a large proportion of sodium intake comes from salt added during cooking, this becomes a very practical intervention. It is not about perfection — it is about finding solutions that ordinary families can realistically adopt and sustain. There are, of course, other dietary factors that also need attention, such as excessive sugar intake, processed foods, and poor fruit consumption.

Q. High blood pressure medicines are often prescribed quickly. Are doctors giving enough importance to simple dietary changes like switching to healthier salt, or is prevention still underestimated?

Dr Jha: The answer is a definite no.

Our healthcare system is designed around managing disease once it appears, rather than reducing people’s need to come to hospitals by preventing disease in the first place.

Also read: Can Hantavirus Spread Through Semen And Breast Milk? What Experts Say

In a busy clinic, physicians often have only a few minutes with each patient, making detailed dietary counselling difficult. At the same time, advice like “eat less salt” can feel abstract or impractical for many patients. There are also systemic incentives that prioritize medicines over preventive care.

We need much stronger integration of nutrition and prevention into routine medical practice. If we truly want to reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications — including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease — prevention cannot remain an afterthought.

Q. Low-sodium salt may not suit some people with kidney disease or those on certain medicines. How can these risks be managed without discouraging the wider population from benefiting?

Dr Jha: This is an important conversation and needs to be handled responsibly and transparently. There is a small group of patients — particularly some people with advanced kidney disease or those on specific medications — for whom excess potassium may not be appropriate.

However, for the vast majority of the population, including many people with early-stage kidney disease, low-sodium salt substitutes are safe and beneficial. We have repeatedly shown this through modelling studies.

The challenge is ensuring that a legitimate caution for one group does not unintentionally discourage everyone else. That is why clear labelling, better awareness among healthcare professionals, and honest public communication are essential. Public health decisions are often about balancing risks and benefits, and in this case, the potential population-level benefits are very significant, including for a large majority of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Read More: Heart Diseases, Mental Disorders And Cancer Among 62 Health Risks Linked To Alcohol Use: Study

Q. Emerging evidence suggests increasing potassium may be as important as reducing sodium. Does this change how India should approach hypertension prevention?

Dr Jha: This is a very important point and broadens the conversation in a meaningful way. As it turns out, many physicians are also unaware that potassium intake among Indians is substantially lower than recommended, and that increasing potassium intake can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

What makes low-sodium salt substitutes particularly valuable is that they address both issues together — they reduce sodium while increasing potassium through a product people already use every day. This dual benefit could make a meaningful difference at scale.

It does not replace the need for healthier diets overall, but it does provide a practical and scalable public health tool.