Tik Tok Home Remedy Lands 10 In Hospital

A TikTok video with “home remedies” to keep oneself safe from the COVID-19 has landed two families in the hospital. Despite several advisories from the Central and state health departments and doctors’ repeated appeals to the public not to trust unscientific remedies to fight Corona, people from rural areas still opt for the fraudulent solutions they find on social media.

As many as 10 people in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh landed in the hospital after trying a home remedy suggested in a TikTok video to protect them from getting infected by the coronavirus, reported news agency.

The two families, comprising 10 people on Tuesday drank a juice made up of the seeds of Datura Stramonium (locally called ‘ummetha kaya’ and easily available in villages) believing that it would keep them from contracting the virus.

However, after drinking the juice, they fell ill, and neighbors found them in a semi-conscious state and took them to the area hospital. They were treated and later discharged in the evening.

Chittoor District Medical and Health Officer Dr. M Penchalaiah appealed to the public not to fall for rumors and follow “home remedies” that have not been verified by medical experts.

“As of now, there is no vaccine for COVID-19. Trials are still underway. Stay home, stay safe, and follow the preventive measures issued by the health department,” he said.