Fact Check: Eating Turmeric, Lemon, Basil And Neem Cannot Cure Stage-4 Cancer, Fake Claim Viral

We investigated this claim and found it to be fake. There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that a mixture of raw turmeric, garlic, lemon, neem, and basil leaves can cure fourth-stage cancer. Doctors suggest that anyone showing symptoms of cancer should seek immediate medical care. Medical experts strictly advise against believing such misleading social media claims.

What is going viral?

Facebook user named Radhika (archive link) shared the viral post with the caption, “Returned from the fourth stage of cancer in just 40 days without any damage… In this, first of all you have to take raw turmeric and a clove of garlic. You have to boil it in water for 2 minutes.... After the water becomes hot, you have to add the juice of half a lemon in it. After half an hour, you have to add 10-12 neem leaves and basil leaves in it, mix it well and drink it.”

See Archived Post Here

Investigation

To check the viral claim, we conducted a Google open search using related keywords. We did not find any credible report stating that fourth-stage cancer can be cured with a mixture of raw turmeric, garlic, lemon, neem and basil leaves. We also checked the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) website and did not find any related information.

A report published on the website of BBC website, dated November 25, 2024, states, "Navjot Singh Sidhu had said that his wife's diet included things like lemonade, raw turmeric, apple cider vinegar, neem leaves, basil, pumpkin, pomegranate, amla, beetroot and walnuts, which made her healthy. Then the cancer specialist doctors of Tata Memorial Hospital disagreed with this claim. Former cancer specialists including 262 cancer specialists of Tata Memorial Hospital had termed the claim as false."

Issued in public interest pic.twitter.com/gMuCTZmwzZ

— Pramesh CS (@cspramesh) November 23, 2024

No scientific  proof that turmeric cures cancer

The US National Cancer Institute acknowledges turmeric's medicinal properties, but states there's no evidence it can cure cancer at any stage. Click Here To Read Full Report.

Lemon does not cure cancer

A report on the website of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine states, “Lemons cannot cure cancer.” The report can be accessed here. We also found other reports contradicting this claim.

We also found other reports contradicting this claim.

No evidence that garlic cures cancer

According to a report published on the website of the US National Library of Medicine, garlic has many medicinal properties and consuming it can somewhat reduce the risk of cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence that its consumption can cure fourth-stage cancer.

No evidence supporting Tulsi as a cancer cure

Another research report from the US National Library of Medicine suggests that anti-cancer properties have been found in basil leaves. However, there is no evidence that it can cure advanced-stage cancer.

No evidence that neem cures cancer

A report by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre suggests, neem is commonly used to cure skin and stomach ailments. Several studies suggest its extracts may help slow down cancer cell growth. However, there is no scientific evidence proving it is an effective cancer treatment.

To understand this better, we consulted Ayurvedic physician Dr Manisha Kothekar. She clarified that Ayurveda does not have any specific study that supports the viral claim that turmeric, garlic, neem, and basil can cure cancer. She also emphasised that there are many types of cancer, and hence the viral message is inaccurate.

Ayurvedic doctor Manish Singh Tomar also stated that while turmeric, neem, and basil have many such properties that may help fight cancer, it is misleading to call them a cure. He highlighted that no credible research or data supports this claim. He added that including them in your diet with proper medical guidance may help lower the risk of cancer, but they cannot be considered a treatment. All cautioned against believing any unverified health claims on social media.

We also reached out to Dr Rohit Kapoor, a cancer specialist at Max Hospital, Delhi, who confirmed that the viral claim is false. He explains that cancer has many stages, and each type requires specific treatment. There is no scientific evidence that cancer can be cured through turmeric, neem, and basil. While certain herbs or plants may exhibit anti-cancer properties, they cannot be classified as potential cancer treatments without substantial research and clinical data, none of which currently exists to support this claim.

Similarly, Dr Manish Singhal, a cancer specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, also debunked the viral claim. He stated that no scientific research or data supports the claim that cancer can be cured by a single natural remedy, as cancer has multiple types and stages, and each one requires specific treatment. He emphasised the significance of consulting a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment and cautioned against relying on unverified remedies.

This is not the first time that false claims about cancer treatment have gone viral on social media. In the past, various posts about cancer treatment have gone viral on social media, claiming that cancer can be cured with baking soda and hot pineapple water. Vishwas News has previously investigated and debunked such misleading claims.

Finally, we scanned the Facebook account of the user who shared the fake post and found that the user always shares similar posts and has 67000 followers.

Conclusion: Vishvas News investigated the viral post and found no evidence to support the claim that a mixture of raw turmeric, garlic, lemon, neem and basil leaves can cure fourth-stage cancer. Doctors emphasised the importance of consulting a doctor and seeking proper medical treatment if cancer symptoms appear. People are advised not to be misled by such false and viral claims on social media.