Is turmeric water an effective home remedy to cure cancer? Experts explain

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media became the breeding ground for numerous fake news and health claims. From the Indian national anthem being chosen as the best in the world to HIV positive blood getting mixed in a soft drink, social media has seen some wild claims. Besides, unscientific home remedies like drinking turmeric water for curing cancer have been doing the rounds on social media for ages. Such fake messages claim that chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and medicines were ‘powerless’ compared to a glass of turmeric water. Meanwhile, head and neck cancer expert Dr Honeesh George explains whether there is any truth in such claims.

Can it fight a disease?
The doctor says that countless studies have been conducted around the world on this matter. Aromatics like turmeric and garlic are loaded with antioxidants. Although these properties can benefit the body, no studies have proven that such components could prevent or fight a disease. The doctor doesn’t advise against using turmeric or garlic, but he dismisses claims that they help cure diseases.

How the ‘advice’ affected a patient
The doctor recalls an incident when a home remedy had put the life of his patient at serious risk. The woman had believed someone who advised her that cancer could be cured by drinking turmeric water. Despite getting diagnosed with cancer, she refused to undergo surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. However, her condition worsened after six months. The lesions became infected, leading to maggot infestation and bleeding. It was only then that she decided to consult a doctor. By that time, her cancer had worsened to stage 4 from stage 1.

The effectiveness of the treatment wouldn’t be the same at a later stage of the disease. The chances of recovery are higher when treatment is provided at the initial stages or as soon as cancer is diagnosed. The doctor says that people might think treatment can’t yield any positive results, but the truth is something else.