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Does a photograph show the son of Dr. Sebi on trial, purportedly for "spreading health secrets?" No, that's not true: The image of a man in an orange prison outfit is not a real photograph of the "son" of Dr. Sebi, whose real name was Alfredo Bowman and who was not a doctor but who was known for promoting questionable…

Did controversial wellness coach Barbara O'Neill endorse a brand of CBD gummies as a remedy for high blood pressure in a social media post? No, that's not true: O'Neill, who is "permanently prohibited from providing any health services" in Australia, is the subject of a fake article designed to resemble content from the Med Journal Research & Practical Medical Advice…

Is a "potato poultice" a proven effective treatment for tissue inflammation? No, that's not true: Though potatoes contain certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Lead Stories found no evidence that externally applied potato poultices are scientifically proven to treat inflammation. A nutrition expert confirmed to Lead Stories that most accounts describing potato poultices are outdated and anecdotal. The claim originated in…

Does margarine cause macular degeneration? No, that's not true: While there is some evidence to suggest the consumption of certain foods and fats may play a role in and are associated with the development of macular degeneration and other forms of vision loss, Lead Stories found no peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support the declaration that eating margarine specifically will "cause…

Can a problem with one tooth cause health issues in another, otherwise unrelated organ as a result of "a link" or "meridian" connecting the two? No, that's not true: This claim derives from an unproven theory that is not backed up by any scientific evidence. The claim comes from a video (archived here), posted on YouTube on April 6, 2016,…

Does solely maintaining a healthy liver prevent the spread of any cancer in the human body? No, that's not true: A Harvard Cancer Center professor of medical oncology told Lead Stories that this claim is "entirely false." Also, the woman making this claim is an unregistered naturopathic practitioner who has been publicly barred from practicing medicine by Australian health officials…

Do castor oil compresses applied to the abdomen "heal" the colon to treat for diarrhea and constipation? No, that's not true: There is no scientific evidence that suggests castor oil has therapeutic benefits beyond its approved laxative properties when taken orally. Claims that castor oil compresses can heal diarrhea and constipation were made by a former naturopathic practitioner barred from…

Do bras made of unnatural fibers or those that contain underwire cause breast cancer? No, that's not true: Experts agree that there is no substantive or reliable scientific evidence that wearing underwire bras or those made of unnatural fibers is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The claim originated in a 1-hour video shared to YouTube on October…

Are castor oil compresses a proven effective treatment for tumors and breast cancer? No, that's not true: There is no scientific evidence that suggests castor oil has therapeutic benefits beyond its approved laxative properties. Claims that castor oil compresses cured breast cancer and uterine fibroids, as well as treated tumors, are purely anecdotal stories from a former naturopath barred from…

Does cayenne pepper heal stomach ulcers, and is it safe to consume in excess? No, that's not true: An emergency medicine toxicologist at the National Capital Poison Center told Lead Stories that cayenne pepper can cause many life-threatening health complications when consumed in excess. A clinical dietician also told Lead Stories that cayenne pepper irritates stomach ulcers, causing more pain.…