The whole world is trapped in the Covid-19 pandemic which has caused nothing but extremely adverse effects on the lives and mind of people all around. Following the onset of the process of vaccination has brought a little relief throughout. As the second wave of Coronavirus has placed a tremendous burden on health resources across the country, a large number of people are in need of immediate treatment. In such a situation, people are trying different and strange home remedies under the influence of social media. A camphor potli (bundle) message has been going viral on social media for several days as reports of an oxygen crisis pour in from different parts of the country. There is no scientific evidence to back this claim. The core content of the message says, “Camphor, lavang, ajwain, few drops of eucalyptus oil. Make a potli and keep smelling it throughout the day and night. Helps increase oxygen levels and congestion. This potli is also given to tourists in Ladakh when oxygen levels are low. Many ambulances are now keeping these too. It’s a home remedy. Kindly share and help.” Though camphor is used in several medicines, traditional as well as pharmaceutical, for nasal congestion and other illnesses, there is no scientific study to suggest that the camphor potli helps improve oxygen levels in the body.
Once again, another video is going viral, which shows a person claiming that the ‘lemon therapy’ can not only boost immunity in a person but also save them from the novel coronavirus. He advises people to put two drops of lemon juice in their nostrils and says that it will cure one of COVID-19 in just five seconds. The man says, “This will also provide relief to those who are facing all cold and cough illnesses.” A similar claim was also suggested as a means to “increase” oxygen levels in COVID-19 patients by BJP leader and former MP from Karnataka Vijay Sankeshwar.
As per news reports from a trusted source, a police complaint has been filed against the ex-MP when a teacher from Karnataka’s Raichur died after allegedly self-administering lime juice through his nostrils. Dr Vikas Maurya, Director and HOD, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, dismissed the claim and said that the putting lemon drops in the nose will not cure one of COVID-19. Dr. Maurya said, “No, there is no such thing. You need to be very careful if you think you have symptoms. The first thing is isolate yourself and then get tested. Connect with a doctor if you test positive and get treated according to what he/she suggests. By putting lemon drops in your nasal passage you will not get rid of corona. The only thing that you can do to prevent getting COVID-19 is sanitise, wear your mask and keep social distancing.”
Another such viral message claims that eating raw onion with rock salt can cure COVID-19. Dr Mrinal Sircar, director and head, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Noida, dismissed the claim and clarified, “No it cannot. Please maintain social distancing, wear your mask and stay sanitised. Do not follow any such myth. In case you are infected, follow the line of treatment suggested to you by your doctor. This is not the correct time to perpetuate myths.” Sharing the audio post, Press Information Bureau (PIB) called it out, saying it had no scientific evidence, and that the disease cannot be cured with it. Experts recommend eating a balanced diet so as to ensure your immunity is boosted, including vegetables and fruits. Those who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19 should also eat a healthy diet comprising protein, vitamins and minerals, and fluids. And people should look out for themselves before believing in such baseless myths and be cautious about such claims.
