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8 minutes
TikTok has become one of the most important social networks in the world. However, not all the information that is spread there is true.
Home remedy videos abound on the TikTok social network. Some are harmless and even useful, but others pose a real health hazard. The most worrying thing is that its diffusion occurs through “viral challenges” that thousands of users replicate over and over again without first checking if they carry any risk.
Things like sticking a clove of garlic up your nose, filing your teeth, or putting hydrogen peroxide drops in your ear can lead to side effects that range from mild to severe. For this reason, before trying this type of thing, it is necessary to inform yourself in depth and get the opinion of a professional. What should you know about it?
TikTok Home Remedies You Should Avoid Trying
Opinions regarding the use of home remedies remain divided. While some advocate that they are useful for many health problems, others prefer conventional evidence-based therapeutic options.
But regardless of whether they work or not, you have to know that “natural” or “homemade” is not exempt from side effects. Therefore, it is good to find out where they come from, who recommends them and if there are testimonials of their possible effects.
In relation to this, we delve into the topic of home remedies that are trending on the TikTok social network. Some perhaps benign and with interesting effects, but others that pose a real risk to the thousands of users who replicate them.
Unfortunately, although TikTok has become a fairly important means of disseminating information, Challenges and tricks that compromise health have become viral. Surely some of the ones mentioned below will sound familiar to you.
1. Garlic through the nose for cold
One of the most popular viral health videos on TikTok is the one in which influencers insert a clove of raw garlic into the nose in order to relieve congestion caused by cold. Does it really work? The results seem promising, as the mucus is seen to flow after removing the garlic.
But in reality the effect is not what is seen with the naked eye. What happens is that the garlic retains the mucus for a while and these come out when you remove it. Even the compounds of this ingredient can lead to irritation of the sensitive skin of the nasal mucosa.
As stated by a article published in Annals of Burns and Fire Disasters, One of the most common side effects of garlic application is burns. Therefore, this type of use is discouraged.
What to do in case of a cold?
In most cases, rest, hydration and the consumption of some medications is enough to cope with a cold.
2. Teeth whitening with magic eraser
Until just a few months ago, one of the trending videos on TikTok suggested the use of a magic eraser as a tool to achieve at-home teeth whitening. This element is made up of a melanin foam that is abrasive and toxic.
In fact, its main use is cleaning walls and bathrooms. Far from improving dental aesthetics, it can completely ruin it. Its application on the teeth damages the enamel and exposes the teeth to various diseases.
How to whiten teeth?
In the first instance, it is important to consult a dental expert to know the different methods teeth whitening. According to a shared review on The Open Dentistry Journalright now there are outpatient whitening techniques —such as the application of peroxide gel with an intraoral device— and in-office techniques —which use photoactivation—.
3. Liquid chlorophyll to protect health
liquid chlorophyll She has become the subject of a wide variety of wellness videos. Its attractive green color and the multiple properties attributed to it have managed to conquer thousands of users who have not hesitated to try it.
But it works? What are its uses? According to its proponents, this supplement can boost the immune system, energize the body, detoxify the blood, combat constipation and protect the skin, among other benefits.
Nevertheless, To date there is not enough evidence. The studies have corroborated its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, but for this reason it is not considered a panacea for the aforementioned health problems.
You have to start from the fact that the supplement itself is not pure chlorophyll, but chlorophyllin. The latter is made up of copper and sodium salts derived from chlorophyll. Although ingested in moderate amounts it does not pose a risk, health experts They suggest prioritizing their consumption through green vegetables.
When the supplement is taken in excess there are side effects such as digestive problems, diarrhea, green stools and skin irritation. eye! As well acts as a photosensitizer; therefore, it increases the sensitivity of the skin in the presence of sunlight.
How to get chlorophyll safely?
Chlorophyll is naturally present in foods like green beans, peas, spinach, kale, among other green vegetables. This is considered the best source, as they also provide a plus of vitamins and minerals. If you want to try a liquid chlorophyll supplement, it is best to consult your doctor first.
4. Chicken dipped in cold syrup
Sounds pretty unheard of, and it is! However, it is one of many popular home remedies for cold on TikTok. Consists in cook chicken or other meats with a layer of NyQuil, which is a syrup intended to combat cold symptoms.
In this case, it must be remembered that the NyQuil it is not a condiment. Also, it is not a good idea to place it on food, as it can lead to food poisoning.
In a interview for the newspaper The Sunphysician Aaron Hartman detailed why it’s a dangerous trend:
When you cook a cough medicine like NyQuil, you boil the water and alcohol in it, leaving the chicken saturated with a super-concentrated amount of medicine in the meat. If you ate one of those fully cooked chops, it would be like you were consuming between a quarter and a half of a bottle of NyQuil.
As we have already mentioned, hydration, rest and cold medicine are enough to cope with this illness. In a matter of days you begin to experience an improvement without putting your health at risk.
5. Hydrogen peroxide to soften earwax
Various influencers Through TikTok they have suggested the application of hydrogen peroxide to remove earwax. Although it is true that this substance is classified as a cerumenolytic agentIts use in its pure state is not recommended. For what reason?
As well, this ingredient can be irritating to the ear canal, especially if you have an injury to the eardrum or a buildup of fluids. In fact, it increases the risk of infections and ailments.
How to clean ear wax?
Hydrogen peroxide solutions—available in drops—are helpful. They are products with lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide compared to the pure ingredient. Its application softens the cerumen and helps to drain it.
However, this is not always necessary. The ears have a self-cleaning mechanism that removes excess wax from time to time. In addition, wax is a protective agent that helps reduce the risk of infections.
However, if it accumulates in excess and affects the hearing, it is necessary to consult the doctor. Once the diagnosis is made, the professional may suggest special drops or other therapeutic options such as a clinical ear wash.
6. Contour sunscreen
TikTok home remedies also compromise skin health. One of the most popular is known as sun screen hack. Consists in apply sunscreen only to some areas of the face and then spend several hours in the sun. In itself, its goal is to reduce the need for contouring every day.
But as Dr. Simran Deo explains in a newspaper article Daily MailExposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause significant skin damage, especially in fair-skinned people.
In particular, UVA, UVB, and UVR rays from the sun associate with the early appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and, in severe cases, skin cancer.
How to contour the face?
The best option for a healthy contour is to use makeup. There are specific cosmetic products to achieve this effect. Before use, it is important to protect the entire face with sunscreen of a minimum of 30 SPF.
Be careful with TikTok home remedies
TikTok’s format is quite attractive to get information on almost any topic. However, it must be considered that not everything that is published there is true or safe. When it comes to health, it is essential to verify the source of information and, above all, investigate further.
It is better to distrust all those home remedies that are spread as “miraculous” or “healing”. On the internet there are many reliable sources to verify if they are safe or not.
All doubts about it can be resolved with the doctor. If there is a health problem, the professional will be the most appropriate to guide your treatment.
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