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

Many people turn to a pint of beer after a busy day at work to unwind and blow off steam, but little do they realise that they might be making their brain healthier in the process. According to scientists, a pint of beer has a host of health benefits to offer - apparently, it has brain-boosting vitamin B6, providing about 15 per cent of your daily requirement. Most of the ingredients used in beer are barley, yeast, and wheat, and these ingredients are sources of vitamin B6. However, just because of some benefits, one must not go on a mindless drinking spree.

Is beer good for your brain?

The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found some health benefits of beer that deserve recognition and credit, but it did not completely overlook the drawbacks. In fact, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits of drinking beer - beer belly and high blood pressure, for instance. In this study, however, researchers dug deeper into the potential benefits of drinking beer. Some of the key benefits of drinking beer are:

1. Healthy immune system
2. Good for the brain
3. Helps obtain energy from carbohydrates and proteins in food
4. Helps the body make haemoglobin

What are the dietary sources of vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is found in some foods, and in supermarkets, you can also buy foods fortified with vitamin B6. Some of the best dietary sources of vitamin B6 are:

1. Turkey
2. Pork
3. Chicken
4. Some types of fish
5. Bananas
6. Milk
7. Oats
8. Peanuts

Which type of beer has high vitamin B6 levels?

The study found that bock beer has the highest levels of vitamin B6 because of its high alcohol content. Following this are wheat beer and other dark beers. Non-alcoholic beers, on the other hand, have ethanol removed after full fermentation and provide higher vitamin B6 levels than those that are made with yeasts that produce less ethanol.

How much vitamin B6 do you need in a day?

Researchers noted that men need about 1.4 mg of vitamin B6 per day and women need 1.2 mg. An average lager can provide 20 per cent of the daily requirement, while a non-alcoholic version can provide about 59 per cent. The research further found that one litre of beer can contain 0.3 to 1 mg of vitamin B6. The study findings, therefore, are only beneficial for people looking to optimise their vitamin B6 intake. Researchers also said that because vitamin B6 is found in abundance in food sources, there is almost no need for one to turn to beer for this purpose.

Especially for people dealing with certain health issues, such as chronic kidney disease or alcoholism, beer must not be relied upon to increase vitamin intake. Instead, it is important to focus on other sources of B vitamins like B12 or B2, which are found in abundance in animal foods and dairy products. These foods can also help you absorb energy better from food and play a role in metabolism. People who are vegan can opt for other fortified substitutes to meet their nutritional requirements.

Fruits and vegetables are widely recommended to improve health and reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. However, a new study claimed that eating a very healthy diet—packed with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—can raise the risk of lung cancer.

Shockingly, the study showed that the risk of lung cancer with a healthy diet may be higher in younger non-smokers.

The research from the University of Southern California, presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, found that patients under 50 diagnosed with lung cancer often had better-than-average diets.

The experts zeroed in on the culprit—pesticide exposure from conventionally grown produce.

"Our research shows that younger non-smokers who eat a higher quantity of healthy foods than the general population are more likely to develop lung cancer," said lead investigator Jorge Nieva, a medical oncologist and lung cancer specialist with USC.

"These counter-intuitive findings raise important questions about an unknown environmental risk factor for lung cancer related to otherwise beneficial food that needs to be addressed," Nieva added.

Pesticides In Healthy Foods — A Hidden Risk

According to the researchers, the reason may lie in environmental exposure, particularly pesticides used in agriculture. Nieva noted that commercially produced (non-organic) fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are more likely to carry higher levels of pesticide residue compared to dairy, meat, and many processed foods.

He also pointed out that agricultural workers who are regularly exposed to pesticides tend to have higher rates of lung cancer, which supports the possibility of a connection.

The study also found that young women who do not smoke are diagnosed with lung cancer more often than men in the same age group. Women in the study also tended to consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains than men.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung Cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. It is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with approximately 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths reported in 2022.

Traditionally, lung cancer occurs in older people. However, non-smokers age 50 and younger, particularly women, are now experiencing increasing rates of lung cancer and are more likely than men to develop the disease.

In many cases, there are no symptoms; however, one must look out for these:

• a persistent cough
• coughing up blood
• persistent breathlessness
• unexplained tiredness and weight loss
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.

Why More Research Needed

Nieva emphasized that more research is needed to confirm any link between pesticide exposure and lung cancer in younger people, especially women.

In this study, researchers did not directly measure pesticide levels in the foods participants ate. Instead, they estimated exposure using existing data on average pesticide levels in food categories such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Black coffee or an espresso shot is not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who are already in love with it, giving it up can be difficult. This drink is a favourite among weight watchers, fitness enthusiasts, and especially people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetics, in particular, are often recommended black coffee because it contains almost zero calories per cup. Not only does it boost stamina, but it also works well to aid weight loss and manage blood sugar levels. Experts say that drinking three to five cups of black coffee a day can help boost levels of polyphenols, and these findings were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Also Read: UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Smoking Ban for Anyone Born After 2008 Becomes Law

Is coffee beneficial for diabetics?

For this, researchers compiled data from 149 publications and examined the effects of coffee on metabolic processes and the consequent development of type 2 diabetes. Researchers focused on five hydroxycinnamic acids in coffee and analysed the effects of polyphenols on the pancreas, small intestine, muscle, liver, and tissues. The analysis also showed that black coffee can help regulate blood sugar levels, have an anti-inflammatory effect, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve glucose metabolism.

The study results were similar for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, indicating that the benefits were derived from compounds other than caffeine. This was associated with a 20–30 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes in regular coffee drinkers. Researchers stated that further studies are required, but the benefits of drinking black coffee are evident.

Also Read: Heatwave in India: Delhi Govt Issues Advisory For Schools, Urges Hydration And Reduced Outdoor Activity

What are the benefits of drinking coffee?

Bioactive compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and chlorogenic acid are found in coffee, and they have the potential to help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. Researchers also found that coffee can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. However, experts expressed concern about the real-life applications of these findings.

The impact of coffee on type 2 diabetes risk

Black coffee essentially consists of coffee beans and hot water. One cup contains approximately three calories, making it ideal for weight loss purposes. Coffee beans contain about 200 compounds, most of which are beneficial for health. When consumed together in the form of black coffee, these compounds may have a combined beneficial effect. Therefore, these anti-inflammatory, weight loss-friendly, and blood sugar-related benefits make it a healthy choice for people with diabetes.

How should a diabetic drink black coffee for blood sugar management?

Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology and weight loss expert at Zandra Healthcare, said: “Black coffee can help people with diabetes if used in the right way. It has almost no calories, no sugar, and a very low glycaemic impact due to its low glycaemic index, so it does not spike blood sugar. It also contains natural compounds such as caffeine and antioxidants that may slightly improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism. In practice, we often see better sugar control when patients replace sugary drinks with plain black coffee. However, it is not a treatment or a magic solution. Too much coffee can disturb sleep, increase stress hormones, and actually worsen sugar control. The key is moderation — one to two cups a day, without sugar or cream. Think of black coffee as a supportive habit, not a replacement for medicines, diet, or exercise. Good diabetes care still depends on a structured, scientific approach, with coffee playing only a small but helpful role.”