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

Trying to lose weight? Drop that wheat bread loaded with carbohydrates, suggests a study, which showed that the humble staple food for people worldwide can cause weight gain even without adding extra calories.

Traditionally, research has focused on high-fat consumption as the main driver of weight gain, but the role of carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, rice, and noodles—consumed daily around the world—is less explored.

In the study, researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan studied how carbohydrates influence eating behavior and metabolism in mice.

The researchers examined whether mice preferred foods like wheat, bread, and rice over standard chow, and how these choices affected body weight and energy use.

The animals were divided into several feeding groups, including

• Chow,
• Chow + Bread,
• Chow + Wheat flour,
• Chow + Rice flour,
• High-fat diet (HFD) + Chow,
• HFD + Wheat flour.

Mice that consumed rice flour similarly gained weight to those that ate wheat flour. In contrast, mice given a High-fat diet (HFD) + Wheat flour gained less weight than those on a High-fat diet (HFD) + Chow.

"These findings suggest that weight gain may not be due to wheat-specific effects, but rather to a strong preference for carbohydrates and the associated metabolic changes," said Professor Shigenobu Matsumura from the varsity’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology.

What Is Driving Weight Gain

The results showed that weight gain was not caused by "overeating," but by a reduction in energy expenditure.

Further analysis revealed higher levels of fatty acids in the blood and lower levels of essential amino acids. In the liver, fat accumulation increased, along with the activity of genes linked to fatty acid production and lipid transport.

When wheat flour was removed from the diet, both body weight and metabolic abnormalities improved quickly. This suggests that moving away from a wheat-heavy diet and toward a more balanced one may help regulate body weight more effectively.

While the study was conducted in mice, the researchers aim to focus on humans “to verify the extent to which the metabolic changes identified in this study apply to actual dietary habits".

"We also intend to investigate how factors such as whole grains, unrefined grains, and foods rich in dietary fiber, as well as their combinations with proteins and fats, food processing methods, and timing of consumption, affect metabolic responses to carbohydrate intake. In the future, we hope this will serve as a scientific foundation for achieving a balance between "taste" and "health" in the fields of nutritional guidance, food education, and food development," stated Professor Matsumura.

Oats for breakfast are a go-to choice for many health enthusiasts. Celebrities often turn to this source of complex carbohydrates to kick-start their day—but research suggests some health benefits of this breakfast food that are often overlooked. According to a study by the University of Bonn, eating oats for just two days can help reduce cholesterol levels naturally, and the benefits can last for weeks afterwards. The study, published in the Nature Communications journal, found that even short-term dietary changes can contribute to improvements in people’s risk of metabolic diseases. Experts say that such studies reinforce the importance of following a healthy diet for heart health.

Also Read: Breast Cancer Screening: AI May Predict Tumours Before Mammograms Can Detect Them

What makes oats a healthy breakfast choice?

Oats are rich in soluble fibre and beta-glucans, and these nutrients make them good for cholesterol management and heart health. Experts say that while two days of oats can benefit the heart, it is important to follow a long-term dietary regime to maximise the benefits. Researchers noted that oats can improve cholesterol management by altering the gut microbiome. They help produce compounds that boost metabolism, such as ferulic acid. At the same time, oats help reduce insulin resistance, which is a driving factor for diabetes.

How do oats improve heart health?

In the trial, participants who were suffering from metabolic syndrome followed an oat-based diet for two days—about 300 mg per day. This was divided into three meals along with portions of fruits and vegetables. The results were:

1. Weight loss of 2 kilos
2. LDL dropped by 10 per cent
3. Benefits sustained after six weeks
4. Blood pressure also improved

A control group also followed a calorie-restricted diet, and the improvements noted were greater compared to people who consumed oats.

Are two days sufficient to reap the benefits of oats?

The study found that a high-intensity oat diet had stronger effects compared to a longer and moderate intake. It was found that people who ate 80 grams of oats for six weeks showed minor improvements compared to those who followed the strict two-day plan. This suggests that a structured dietary intervention, even if short, can deliver faster metabolic results.

Nutrition in oats

Oats contain some protein but are primarily rich in soluble fibre, beta-glucans, and complex carbohydrates. One cup of oats can provide about 4–6 grams of fibre. To enhance the nutritional value and benefits of oats, you can also add fruits and vegetables.

Conclusively, it can be said that diet can have a strong impact on heart health, especially if one makes informed choices. However, experts warn against relying on short-term solutions for long-term care. Particularly in the case of patients with high cholesterol, consulting an expert is important before making dietary changes. While eating oats for just two days can be beneficial, it is advisable to follow a long-term plan to improve overall metabolic health.

Drinking hot tea or coffee can be a real source of comfort as a wake-up time ritual or a relaxing activity after work. But how hot is too hot? And could everyday habits like burning the bridge with your tea or brushing past frequent heartburn be putting you at risk for serious health problems? New research indicates that temperature and long-term irritation of the food pipe (esophagus) may be more important than many realize in the risk of cancer.

The Hidden Risk Of Very Hot Drinks

It’s not the tea or coffee, it’s the temperature. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified “drinking very hot beverages” (i.e., those that are consumed at greater than 65°C (149°F) as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Repeated incidents of hot liquids in the esophagus lining can lead to damage over time.

In support of this, a meta-analysis of 39 studies totaling more than 42,000 participants, published in BMC Cancer (2015), found that hot beverages and foods were associated with a significantly higher risk of esophageal cancer, ranging from an overall increase of about 82%.

A recent prospective cohort study published in the British Journal of Cancer (2025) based on UK Biobank data has again pointed out the association of drinking very hot beverages frequently with increased risk of esophageal cancer.

What Happens Inside The Body?

The mechanism is simple but scary. Repeatedly consuming very hot liquids can damage the fragile lining of the esophagus, through repeated thermal injury. Over time this repetitive damage may lead to:

• Chronic inflammation
• Increased cell turnover
• Greater likelihood of abnormal cell growth

This process can create an environment where cancer is more likely to develop.

Where Heartburn Fits In

But hot drinks are just part of the picture. Another risk factor is frequent heartburn/acid reflux - which is the back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Chronic exposure to acid is a risk factor for developing the condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, which has a higher risk of progressing to esophageal cancer.

Research published in Gastroenterology (2014) shows that long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is strongly associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. When combined, heat damage from hot drinks and chemical irritation from acid reflux may further increase the risk.

An important point: Tea and Coffee are NOT the issue. In fact, a number of studies have shown that these drinks may have some healthy benefits due to their antioxidant content. The issue is drinking these drinks at very high temperatures.

How To Reduce Your Risk

The good news is that small changes can make a meaningful difference.

Experts recommend:

• Letting hot drinks cool slightly before sipping
• Avoiding frequent consumption of very hot liquids
• Managing heartburn symptoms early
• Seeking medical advice for persistent acid reflux

Even pausing a few minutes before sipping your tea or coffee can help cut out some of the risks. You don’t have to sacrifice your daily cup of tea or coffee for your health, but how you drink it does matter.

Scientific research indicates that chronic heartburn and very hot drinks can, over time, damage the esophagus and possibly increase cancer risk. Simple changes like enjoying your drinks at a lower temperature and tackling reflux can help to safeguard your long-term health without giving up those drinks you love.