Image Credit: Health and me
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Credits: Canva
On social media, many influencers mix colostrum powder into smoothies and coffees. Podcast ads promote it with big promises such as stronger immunity, better digestion, weight management, and quicker recovery after exercise. A spokesperson for GNC said in an email that interest in colostrum has surged over the past year.
In the company’s “Anti Trend Report,” colostrum was listed as one of the year’s standout supplement trends. Often nicknamed “liquid gold” for its warm golden colour or described as the body’s “starter kit” for newborns, colostrum plays a vital role in early development. The question many adults now ask is whether colostrum supplements are actually good for them.
Colostrum is the earliest form of milk produced during pregnancy. It develops in the mammary glands and supports a baby’s first line of defence against illness. If you choose to breastfeed, this is the first milk your baby receives. If breastfeeding is not possible or the baby has trouble latching, colostrum can be expressed by hand. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that help build a newborn’s immunity. Cleveland Clinic notes that its deep golden tone and concentrated benefits have earned it the name “liquid gold.”
Colostrum contains a high level of protein with very little fat or sugar. It also carries white blood cells that create antibodies. These antibodies help protect a newborn from infections. Even in small amounts, colostrum is dense with nutrients, so a newborn’s stomach needs only a little to gain its benefits.
Colostrum offers a wide range of protective nutrients for a newborn. These include:
Most people can take colostrum supplements without trouble, though they are not right for everyone. There are possible concerns, including allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to dairy, the chance of interfering with immune responses in those with weakened immunity, and digestive issues such as nausea or bloating when taken in larger amounts. MD Anderson Cancer Center advises speaking with a healthcare professional before using colostrum, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People with milk allergies: Because colostrum comes from dairy, it can cause allergic reactions and should be avoided.
Immunocompromised individuals: Those with weakened immune systems should discuss it with a doctor, as the immune-active components in colostrum may not be suitable for them.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: These groups should only use colostrum supplements if a doctor recommends it.
Individuals with dairy intolerance: Anyone who reacts to milk or other dairy products should avoid colostrum as well.
Credits: AP, President of Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India for a two-day trip. His visit in India is not just important for the summit the two countries are going to hold, but it has also sparked curiosity among many around his fitness regime, especially at the age of 73.
As per reports, his routine is based more on consistency than intensity. Putin is known for his discipline and is known for the variety of sports and workouts he indulges in. He is also a long time judo practitioner, and also enjoys horse riding, skiing, and ice hockey.
As much as he is in love with sports, he also ensures to keep up with his diet, which, according to reports, is high in protein and low in sugar. This supports muscle recovery and energy. His diet is often referenced in Russian state media and remains one of the few recurring details about his health routine.
Russia Beyond reports that Putin keeps his physique in shape by sticking to a clean, fairly simple diet, even though he does enjoy the occasional treat. His mornings are usually quite routine: a bowl of porridge, some tvorog, a Russian-style cottage cheese with a bit of honey, and a couple of raw quail eggs, which he reportedly drinks straight.
Putin is also known to enjoy a drink made with beetroot and horseradish juice, a mix loaded with vitamins and iron.
He is not someone who craves sweets, so apart from honey, the only dessert he occasionally enjoys is ice cream. In interviews with Russian journalists, he has mentioned that he likes rice and buckwheat but is not a fan of oats. Vegetables, however, are a constant in his meals. He likes having a simple salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, and when choosing between fish and meat, he usually prefers fish, though he enjoys lamb as well.
His daily routine often dictates his eating habits. In the afternoon, he usually has some fruit or a glass of kefir and tends to skip dinner altogether. When he travels, he does try local dishes but keeps the portions small.
“I don’t have much time for food,” he once said in an interview. "I like vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, salad. In the morning - porridge, cottage cheese, honey. If there’s a choice between meat and fish - I prefer fish, I also like lamb,” he said.
From a nutritional perspective, Putin’s choice of a high-protein, no-frills breakfast is exactly what many experts recommend. Meals rich in protein keep you full for longer, help curb cravings, prevent blood sugar spikes, and support steady energy levels through the day.
Research shows that protein-heavy, low-sugar breakfasts increase fullness hormones like PYY and GLP-1 far more than carb-loaded morning meals, making appetite control easier and more effective.
His habit of opting for a light snack in the evening and skipping dinner also aligns with studies that link early, low-calorie eating patterns to better weight management and improved cognitive health.
Combined with cottage cheese, eggs, and a disciplined fitness routine, Putin’s daily habits help him maintain a muscular build and stable energy levels even with a demanding schedule.
Credits: Canva
While orange juice is a simple part of breakfast for most people, new research shows that this everyday drink may influence the body far more than we once thought. A recent study reports that drinking orange juice regularly can alter how thousands of genes in our immune cells behave. Many of these genes play roles in controlling blood pressure, easing inflammation and managing the way our bodies handle sugar. These are key functions that support long term heart health.
For anyone thinking about staying healthy as they grow older, new findings suggest that one daily glass of a particular drink may lower the risk of several problems. A recent study indicates that a daily serving of orange juice can even reprogramme certain genes. David C. Gaze, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology at the University of Westminster, wrote in The Conversation about the changes that take place inside the body after regular orange juice consumption, drawing on evidence from earlier studies.
In the study, adults drank 500 ml of pure pasteurised orange juice each day for two months. After sixty days, genes linked to inflammation such as NAMPT, IL6, IL1B and NLRP3, which tend to switch on during stress, were found to be less active. The SGK1 gene, involved in how the kidneys hold on to sodium, also showed reduced activity. These results fit with older research showing that regular orange juice intake can bring down blood pressure in young adults.
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The researchers believe these findings show that orange juice creates small yet meaningful adjustments in the body’s control systems, encouraging blood vessels to relax, lowering inflammation and supporting heart health.
The flavonoid hesperidin in oranges is known for its antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects. The new research adds to this by showing that processes related to blood pressure, cholesterol balance and sugar handling are also influenced by this natural compound.
Body composition appears to shape the response too. Genes connected to fat metabolism changed more in people who were overweight, while inflammation related genes shifted more in leaner volunteers.
A review of fifteen controlled studies involving 639 people found that regular orange juice intake may lower insulin resistance and LDL cholesterol. Insulin resistance is a major warning sign for pre diabetes, while raised cholesterol increases the chance of heart disease.
In another study with overweight participants, several weeks of daily orange juice slightly lowered systolic blood pressure and raised HDL, the type of cholesterol considered beneficial. These shifts may appear small, yet their effect on cardiovascular health can build over time.
In people with metabolic syndrome, orange juice was shown to improve endothelial function, which refers to the ability of blood vessels to widen and relax. Better endothelial function is tied to a lower chance of heart attack.
Although not every study reported major changes in HDL or triglycerides, the overall pattern suggests that orange juice helps reduce inflammation, supports smoother blood flow and improves key markers linked to heart disease.
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