Fact Check: Can a cayenne pepper, castor oil patch on neck cure thyroid issues?

Hyderabad: A Facebook post claiming that a mix of cayenne pepper and castor oil can be the ultimate cure for hyperthyroidism is being widely shared on social media.

In the viral video, it is claimed that if you apply a cayenne pepper and castor oil patch to your neck where the thyroid gland is located, you can get rid of your thyroid medication. The poultice would draw blood flow back to the thyroid gland, heal it and return it to normal functioning.

Through a simple Google search, we found that the viral video originally belonged to Barbara O’Neil. Niel is an unregistered ‘naturopath’ permanently banned from providing health services by the Australian medical authorities.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim is false.

What is Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland is one of the most important endocrine glands that creates and releases several hormones in the body. It controls your metabolism and energy flow throughout the body. There are two conditions related to it: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate blood pressure body temperature heart rate metabolism and management of other hormones in the body. The two main hormones are Triiodothyronine T3 and Thyroxine T4.

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid gland refers to a condition where the gland produces two little thyroid hormones and hyperthyroidism is the exact vice-versa where the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone.

Thyroid issues or disorders might affect a lot of body functioning such as reproductive issues, orthopaedics, weight gain, mood swings and many more.

What are the complications of hypothyroidism?

A study states that hypothyroidism can contribute to high cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, you should get tested for hypothyroidism. Rarely, severe untreated hypothyroidism may lead to myxedema coma, an extreme form of hypothyroidism in which the body’s functions slow to a life-threatening point. Myxedema coma requires immediate medical treatment.

Can cayenne pepper help cure hypothyroid?

No, more research is needed. According to a research gate website Scispace, ‘Cayenne pepper has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effects on the thyroid gland. While there is limited research specifically on cayenne pepper and underactive thyroid. One study found that a combination of garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper exhibited significant polyphenolic content and antioxidant potential, suggesting a potential positive effect on thyroid health.’

Can castor oil aid in hypothyroidism?

No, scientific evidence or literature found on the effects of castor oil packs on the Thyroid gland. According to the American Thyroid Association, ‘All thyroid diseases can be treated, resulting in normal thyroid function. However, this frequently requires being on medication to maintain the normal thyroid state.’ The only way to get rid of thyroid disorders is by removing the thyroid gland with the help of surgery. Once the gland is removed, you have to depend on thyroid hormone replacement medications for the rest of your life. Your body still needs thyroid hormones, just not at such high levels as you have in hyperthyroidism.

There is a difference between treatment and cure. The thyroid can be treated or managed with medications and following a certain balance in the diet but cannot be cured once it is diagnosed.

It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan for an underactive thyroid.