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

In a major national initiative connecting agriculture, nutrition, and public health, India today launched the ‘SEHAT Mission’ — Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation.

Launched in the national capital Delhi, is a joint national mission of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) that aims to link agriculture with better nutrition, disease prevention, farmer welfare, and science-based policymaking.

The mission aims to build a framework for ‘Healthy Food, Healthy Farms and a Healthy India’.

“The ‘SEHAT Mission’ represents a major transformation in India’s policy-making approach, where the government is no longer focusing only on treatment but also on prevention, early detection and continuous care,” said Union Health Minister JP Nadda at the launch. He said the initiative demonstrates that India is now moving ahead with a proactive rather than reactive healthcare approach.

Nadda noted that India must now develop indigenous solutions rooted in its own scientific research, institutional experience, and evidence-based practices.

“Low-cost, high-quality and scientifically validated solutions will be the most useful for the country, and ICMR is fully committed to working in this direction,” Nadda said.

The mission will play a significant role in addressing both malnutrition and the rapidly rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

It will focus on:

• bio-fortified crops,
• nutrient-rich food products,
• integrated farming systems,
• health and safety measures for farmers,
• dietary solutions for lifestyle diseases,
• the ‘One Health’ approach.

Also read: Hantavirus: How India’s Virus Surveillance System Is Preparing To Track Rat-Borne Virus Early

The initiative will work towards improving the health and safety of farmers and agricultural laborers to reduce risk from exposure to pesticides, imbalanced use of chemicals, and hazardous conditions faced during agricultural work.

It also seeks to establish stronger institutional coordination between agriculture and medical research systems so that food production, public nutrition, and disease prevention can be addressed through integrated planning and scientific collaboration.

Officials associated with the program said the initiative is expected to create a scientific framework under which agriculture policy, nutrition strategies, and healthcare systems can work together in a coordinated manner.

The launch of the mission comes at a time when India is increasingly facing dual challenges of nutritional deficiencies on one hand and rising lifestyle-related diseases on the other.

Read More: Can Thalassemia Affect Brain Health? Experts Explain

The initiative is expected to lead to

• improvements in nutritional quality,
• reduction in hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies,
• prevention of non-communicable diseases,
• better health and safety for farmers,
• development of sustainable food systems
• stronger science-based policy support.

A public health alert has been issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for headcheese over possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

Headcheese is a ready-to-eat (RTE), pork deli meat product typically made from meat and seasonings that are cooked together and formed into a loaf or jelly-style product.

The FSIS, in a statement, said that no recall was initiated as the products are no longer available for purchase.

Which Products Are Under Alert?

The fully cooked pork headcheese products were produced on January 20, 2026.

The products were intended for slicing at retail delis, and some deli purchases may display only the producer’s brand without the expiration date.

The following products are subject to the public health alert.

• Various weight packages packed or sliced in retail delis, containing “DAISY BRAND Meat Products HEADCHEESE,” with a “USE BY” date of “MAR 26 2026.”
• Various weight packages packed or sliced in retail delis, containing “DAISY BRAND Meat Products HEADCHEESE,” with a red sticker indicating “HOT” and a “USE BY” date of “MAR 26 2026.”

The products bear the establishment number “EST. 21406” inside the USDA mark of inspection. According to FSIS, the products were distributed to retail deli locations in Illinois and Indiana.

How Was The Contamination Detected?

Also read: Can Healthy Foods Increase Lung Cancer Risk? New Study Raises Concerns

The possible contamination was discovered as part of an ongoing illness outbreak investigation by the FSIS, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and local health departments. The localized outbreak of Lm caused illness among three people in Illinois.

A team from the FSIS collected an unopened headcheese product sample that tested positive for Lm.

“Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product samples are related to the specific outbreak strain,” the statement said.

Noting that the recently purchased product may remain in consumer refrigerators, the FSIS urged “consumers who have purchased these products not to consume them”.

“These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination,” the agency added.

Read More: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a bacterium found in soil, water, and animals that can contaminate food and cause listeriosis, a serious infection, according to the World Health Organization. It can live and grow even at refrigerator temperatures.

People usually become sick after eating contaminated items such as soft cheeses, deli meats, or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms may be mild or flu-like, but the infection can lead to dangerous problems, including meningitis.

In the United States, listeria is the third leading cause of death linked to foodborne illness and is responsible for about 260 deaths each year.

Consumption of food contaminated with Lm can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and their newborns.

Symptoms Of Listeria

Listeriosis can cause

• fever,
• muscle aches,
• headache,
• stiff neck,
• confusion,
• loss of balance
• convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Further, the FSIS stated that in pregnant women, the infection can cause

• miscarriages,
• stillbirths,
• premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems.

Listeria Treatment

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

Protein shakes have become a popular part of modern fitness routines. From gym-goers to busy professionals, many people rely on them for muscle building, weight management, or convenience. But during extreme summer heat, excessive or careless use of protein supplements may place extra stress on the kidneys, especially when hydration is poor.

Why Summer Changes The Equation:

In hot weather, the body loses more water through sweating. If fluid intake is not enough, dehydration can occur silently. At the same time, a high-protein intake increases the amount of waste products like urea that the kidneys must filter and remove. This means the kidneys may have to work harder during the summer months.

High-protein diets can also increase uric acid levels and lower urine pH, creating conditions that may promote uric acid kidney stones, particularly in dehydrated individuals. When combined with intense workouts and inadequate hydration, the risk can rise further during summer.

For healthy individuals, moderate protein intake is usually safe. However, problems can arise when people consume multiple protein shakes daily, combine them with high-protein diets, fat burners, intense exercise, or poor water intake. This combination can increase the risk of dehydration, kidney stones, and kidney strain.

Who Should Be More Careful?

People with pre-existing kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of kidney stones should be particularly cautious with protein supplements. In individuals with underlying CKD, excessive protein intake may worsen proteinuria, increase acid accumulation in the body, trigger uremic symptoms, and accelerate deterioration of kidney function.

Many individuals assume that “more protein means better fitness,” but excessive intake does not necessarily translate into more muscle gain.

Young fitness enthusiasts are also increasingly using supplements without professional guidance. Some over-the-counter products may contain added creatine, stimulants, sugars, or unregulated ingredients that can further burden the kidneys if taken improperly.

Warning signs not to ignore:

Persistent fatigue, swelling, reduced urine output, dark-colored urine, muscle cramps, nausea, or flank pain may indicate dehydration or kidney stress. Ignoring these symptoms during high heat can worsen the situation.

How To Use Protein Safely In Summer?

The safest approach is balance. Protein shakes should supplement a healthy diet, not replace meals entirely. Staying adequately hydrated is crucial, especially before and after workouts. Choosing medically approved supplements, avoiding excessive intake, and consulting a doctor or dietitian before starting long-term supplementation can help prevent complications.

Protein shakes are not inherently harmful, but in peak summer heat, hydration and moderation matter just as much as fitness goals.