Food Cures

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…

Is there evidence that shilajit, a substance originating from high mountain rocks, can cure any form of cancer in two days? No, that's not true: While some rodent studies testing the effects of shilajit along with proven cancer treatments seem promising, and while cell culture studies using shilajit also seem promising, there has not been any consensus among medical professionals…

Have copper bracelets made by "CopperHeal" been shown to "significantly reduce" blood sugar and treat diabetes? No, that's not true: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed to Lead Stories in an email that the agency had not approved such a product for these uses as of this publication. While there is preliminary evidence that copper ions may play…

Was "vitamin" B17 prohibited for its "cancer-killing properties"? No, that's not true: The only thing it is known for is its ability to cause cyanide poisoning, not to treat cancer. Also, what social media refers to as a "vitamin" is not a vitamin. The claim appeared in a video published on Facebook on March 1, 2023. A male narrator began:…

Will a 90-day diet of "herbs, water and juice" eliminate diabetes and impotence? No, that's not true: The assertion, made by "Dr. Sebi," a self-proclaimed healer and non-doctor whose health claims have been repeatedly debunked, is not backed by any credible evidence at the time of writing. The claim appeared in a reel posted to Facebook on February 12, 2023.…

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.…

Is antineoplaston therapy developed by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski an effective cure for cancer? No, that's not true: There is not sufficient evidence that antineoplaston therapy -- an alternative type of cancer treatment using drugs that are composed of chemical compounds found naturally in human blood and urine -- is an effective cure for cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration…

Do the ingredients black seed powder, organic honey and organic lemon cure any cancer? No, that's not true: A clinical dietician told Lead Stories that none of these foods are a cure for cancer. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesperson also told Lead Stories this regimen "has not been proven to cure cancer." The claim appeared in a post…

Do worms cause autism? No, that's not true: An expert told Lead Stories that there is "no scientific evidence" that supports the claim, made in a video on TikTok, that worms cause autism. There is no definitively known cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder, as of the publication of this fact check. Research has shown only that there are genetic and…

Will adding three drops of food-grade hydrogen peroxide to one cup of water help with AIDS and herpes? No, that's not true: There is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of hydrogen peroxide for AIDS or herpes infection; one expert told Lead Stories such claims are "complete and dangerous nonsense." Despite its name, food-grade hydrogen peroxide should never be ingested…