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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
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Whether your goal is to care for your heart, manage your weight or follow a steadier eating routine, finding the right diet can play an important role in supporting your overall well-being. The food you choose becomes your body’s fuel, so getting the right mix of nutrients matters. With so many eating plans available today, it can be hard to know which ones stand out.
Listed below are the nine diets that earned the strongest average ratings. However, speak with your doctor before beginning any new eating plan.
In 2025, several diets gained popularity and were the most searched on the internet:
The Mediterranean diet is rooted in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil, with moderate portions of fish, poultry, eggs and dairy. It recommends keeping red meat and processed foods to a minimum and is often viewed as a long-term lifestyle choice that includes regular activity and shared meals. This way of eating has been linked to many benefits, especially for heart health.
Research shows the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet slows age-related cognitive decline. Other work suggests that the MIND diet supports better brain function even when typical age-related changes are present, hinting at its role in helping older adults stay mentally resilient. Lesli Bonci, Director of Sports Medicine Nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, points out that some of the foods highlighted in this plan may feel expensive for certain households, though she praises the diet for what it may offer the brain.
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is an eating pattern created to help reduce blood pressure. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein and nuts, while limiting items high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. The plan advises keeping sodium to 2,300 mg per day, or 1,500 mg for a stricter reduction. It also includes potassium, magnesium and calcium, which play a role in blood pressure control.
The DASH diet was built with heart health as its main goal. Its low-sodium approach has been studied widely, and the findings show that the diet can lower blood pressure and reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol. Followers use a chart to estimate their calorie needs, which then guides their daily servings from each food group. Leslie Bonci, a registered dietitian, board-certified specialist in sports nutrition and member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board, notes that the plan is effective for managing blood pressure, though its focus on produce may make it costlier for some people.
A flexitarian diet is mostly vegetarian but leaves space for occasional servings of meat or fish. The term blends “flexible” and “vegetarian” and encourages plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, with meat limited to a few times each week or less. It offers a relaxed structure and is often chosen for its possible health and environmental advantages, including weight control and lower risk of certain diseases.
For those who hope to follow a plant-led eating pattern without giving up all animal foods, the flexitarian diet can be a comfortable starting point. The International Food Information Council describes it as a “semi-vegetarian, plant-forward diet” that features fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy and eggs, with smaller or less frequent servings of meat. Early research indicates that this style of eating may support weight control and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A pescatarian diet follows a vegetarian base but includes fish and seafood while avoiding red meat and poultry. It centers on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, with seafood added for protein and omega-3 fats. Some pescatarians also choose to include eggs and dairy, depending on personal preference.
Another branch of vegetarian eating, the pescatarian diet earned high scores for its simplicity and safety. A 2020 study showed that pescatarians had lower rates of obesity and were less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors such as high BMI, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. “The eating plan is broad and allows for variety, but one must like fish!” says Lesli Bonci, as per Forbes.
The MIND diet blends key parts of the Mediterranean and DASH approaches, with the goal of supporting long-term brain health and lowering the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s. It encourages regular intake of leafy greens, assorted vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry, and olive oil, while advising people to cut back on red meat, sugary foods, butter, cheese, and fried dishes. Its foundation rests on simple, plant-focused eating patterns linked with better protection against age-related cognitive decline.
Studies show that this eating pattern can slow the rate at which memory and thinking skills weaken over time. Research also suggests that people who follow the MIND diet often perform better on cognitive tests, even when age-related changes are present in the brain, which points to stronger resilience. Bonci adds that some of the recommended foods may be costly for certain households, though she supports the diet for its strong potential to aid brain health.
Credits: iStock
If you like orange juice and drink it daily for your breakfast, you are good to go. But, if you are someone who does not drink orange juice, you may want to reconsider your food habits. Scientists found that that orange juice could actually extend your healthy life and benefit your cardiovascular health.
The study published in Wiley Online Library revealed that orange juice consumption could influence the activity of thousands of genes inside our immune cell. Many of these genes also control blood pressure, calm inflammation and manage the way the body processes sugar. All these functions play an important role for long-term heart health.
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The study followed adults who drank 500ml of pure pasteurized orange juice everyday for two months. After a period of two months, many genes that leads to inflammation and higher blood pressure had become less active.
What Were These Genes? These included NAMPT, IL6, IL1B, and NLRP3. These genes switch on when the body is under stress. There is another gene called SGK1 that impacts kidneys ability to hold onto sodium or salt, which also became less active. These changes have also matched a previous findings that showed daily orange juice consumption could also reduce blood pressure. Orange juice contains hesperidin, a flavonoid that could help lower blood pressure. There are antioxidants too that are great for overall heart health.
The trials have shown that orange juice does not simple raise blood sugar levels, instead, it triggers small shifts in the body's regulatory system that could reduce inflammation and also help blood vessels relax.
However, what is important to note is that hesperidin that influences the genes have varied response based on a person's body size. So, people who weigh more could show greater changes in gene, which also involves fat metabolism, while leaner people could show stronger effects on inflammation.
A systematic review from 2021, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research that involved 639 participants from 15 different studies also found that regular orange juice consumption lowered insulin resistance and blood cholesterol levels. Insulin resistance is what leads to diabetes, as it is the precursor for pre-diabetes, and high cholesterol is linked with heart diseases.
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Another 2022 study published in journal Food & Function showed that overweight and obese adults noticed small reduction in systolic blood pressure and increase in high-density lipoprotein or HDL, which is also known as the 'good cholesterol'. This result was achieved only after several weeks of orange juice consumption. While these changes were modest, the improvements could make a greater difference, if the same food habits are maintained for years.
More answers come from looking at metabolites, the tiny molecules our bodies make while breaking down food. A recent review found that orange juice can influence several key pathways, including how we use energy, how our cells communicate, and how the body manages inflammation. It may even shape the gut microbiome, which experts now know plays a big role in heart health.
Furthermore, a 2023 study published in the journal Frontiers In Microbiology noted that people who drank blood orange juice daily for a month saw an increase in gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, compounds known to support healthy blood pressure and lower inflammation. These volunteers also showed better blood sugar control and reduced levels of inflammatory markers, hinting that the benefits of orange juice may go far beyond its refreshing taste.
Credits: iStock
The latest Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has delivered a worrying revelation: Punjab now records the highest intensity of uranium contamination ever reported in India, with 62.5% of groundwater samples exceeding the safe limit post-monsoon. This is followed by Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, indicating a dangerous pattern across north and north-central India.
While nitrate and fluoride remain more widespread contaminants, uranium’s increasing presence raises an urgent public health concern because even low-dose, long-term exposure can quietly harm vital organs.
The CGWB tested 3,754 groundwater samples across India in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The findings show a clear upward trend:
Nationally, uranium exceedance rose from 6.71% (pre-monsoon) to 7.91% (post-monsoon).
Haryana followed with 15–23.75% of samples above limits.
The report highlights northwestern India: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh — as the main hotspot, likely due to geogenic factors, aquifer depletion, and intense groundwater extraction. Meanwhile, eastern and southern states reported minimal contamination.
According to the 2025 study “Uranium’s hazardous effects on humans and recent developments in treatment,” the real threat from uranium lies in its chemical toxicity, not its radioactivity.
Uranium behaves like a heavy metal that gets absorbed and stored in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste.
Even low-dose, chronic exposure through drinking water can gradually weaken renal functioning.
People who inhale uranium particles — especially workers in mining or processing — face:
Recent findings note that the gastrointestinal system is the main route of uranium entry. Once consumed through contaminated water, uranium moves from the stomach and intestines into soft tissues and organs.
Because uranium is a chemical analog of calcium, it can get deposited into bones. Over time, this raises the risk of bone cancer and may interfere with normal bone cell functioning.
Animal studies suggest:
Some studies hint at:
These areas remain under-studied but concerning.
The CGWB report warns that while most groundwater in India remains safe, the pockets of rising uranium contamination require immediate monitoring and mitigation. With millions relying on groundwater for daily consumption, even a small rise in toxic metals can translate into widespread health damage over time.
Long-term exposure rarely shows immediate symptoms, which makes the threat quiet but deeply harmful.
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