Going From Catnip to Ivermectin: Singapore’s Home Remedy Hunt
The Vaccination Push
Singapore’s health ministry is on a mission to slap every citizen with a shot. Endemic Covid‑19 is the new normal, so the government is rolling out vaccinations faster than a hawker line at lunch.
The Ivermectin Dilemma
While the shots are coming in good stead, some are turning to home‑grown defenses, lacing up all sorts of nonsense. One popular pick? Ivermectin, a drug that usually chills out parasitic bugs in pets but has taken on a new life in the hopes of warding off Covid.
Why People Are Dipping
- “I can’t get the vaccine today,” they say, so I’ll fight it off myself.
- It’s available in overseas pharmacies, so some are jetsetting to order it. Imagine the time‑traveling pharmacy trip!
- Some folks mixed up their meds and even grabbed stuff meant for animals, thinking, “Aangry cat? No, a human is stronger!”
The “Oops” Side‑Effects
- In the U.S., the FDA has flagged cases where self‑treating with livestock ivermectin sent patients straight to the hospital. That’s a recipe for a bad day.
- Even while the drug treats scabies and heartworms in horses, it’s not a magic bullet for human Covid.
So, while you’re busy slapping a shot, maybe skip the “home‑brew” journey. It’s been a hard lesson: trust the science, not the internet.
Hold Up! Ivermectin is Not Your Covid‑19 Savior
The Health Science Authority (HSA) has laid down the law: ivermectin is not an antiviral, and it isn’t approved for preventing or treating Covid‑19. “There’s no solid scientific proof from properly run clinical trials that this drug works against the virus,” HSA told Today.
Why You Should Ignore the Ivermectin Buzz
In addition to lacking the evidence, taking ivermectin can throw a fair share of troubles. Here’s a quick rundown of potential side effects:
- Vomiting (yes, it can make you startle)
- Diarrhoea – after all, who wants that?
- Stomach pain (because your gut shouldn’t feel like a drama)
- Dizziness, seizures, and confusion – a scary mix for anyone
- A sudden drop in blood pressure – your heart will thank you for not racing into trouble
- Rashes and liver injury – your body’s sensitive signals
We’ve Been Warned Before
Since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that ivermectin should only be used in carefully designed clinical trials. That’s not the first time the public’s been warned.
Other “Quack” Remedies You’ll Probably Skip
Alongside ivermectin, a number of odd “cures” have surfaced. Here’s a quick list of those that simply won’t keep you safe from Covid‑19:
- Eating raw onions up to the breaking point (not a substitute for a vaccine)
- Water alkalization, because you can’t be that sure we’re all basic or something
- Taking gargles of bleach (sorry, but your mouth’s not a cleaning station)
Bottom line: stick with proven methods—vaccination, masks, and good hygiene—and skip the herbal or over‑the‑counter “miracle” pills. Your body, and your future self, will thank you.
1. Cow dung and cow urine
Why Some Western Indians Are Giving Cow Dung a Second Chance
Back in May, a quirky trend popped up across parts of western India. Some folks swear that a dash of cow urea (yes, that’s cow urine) and a lick of cow dung might just double their immunity or even help them bounce back from Covid‑19. If you think that sounds like something straight out of a fairy tale, grab a cup of tea and read on.
The Rituals (and a bit of Wonder)
- Every week, these believers head straight to local cow shelters. Picture a bustling hoopla where cows mo room, and the believers queue up for their “dose.”
- They then coat their skin with what some call “holy” dung and the aromatic urine. Think of it like a sticky, smelly sunscreen.
- Afterward, they claim to feel a sudden blast of wellness. “I feel like I’ve got a new immune system!” they say, with eyes sparkling like pearls.
Science (or the Lack Thereof)
While the idea might sound like something straight out of a comic book, doctors and researchers say that the immune system is way more sophisticated than a smear of animal-based fertilizer. There’s no solid evidence that cow dung or urine can ward off viruses.
Still, the cultural reverence for cows in India is deep-rooted. In many parts of the country, cows are considered spiritual messengers, so the line between faith and medicine can blur a bit.
What’s the Bottom Line?
For now, stick to proven health measures—handwashing, masks, vaccines, and a balanced diet. If you want to feel the zing of a cow‑based ritual, maybe just go with the flow and keep chatting with your local priest about whether these traditional practices actually boost your immunity.
In the end, a little humor and a dash of curiosity can keep us all sane in a world that’s still learning how to run circles around each other’s belief systems.
Don’t Count on Cow Poo for COVID Protection
What the IAM Boss Got Squeezed Into Saying
No hard science backs the idea that. Dr. J.A. Jayalal, the national president of the Indian Medical Association, clarified over the last week whether cows’ milk or urine can boost our immune system against COVID-19.
- He stressed that the claim is purely belief‑based—there’s no measurable evidence to support it.
- He warned that relying on animal products could actually give a boost to a whole new set of zoonotic bugs—bugs that jump from animal to human.
Bottom line :
While while it might feel comforting to think a cow’s liquid can fend off the latest virus, science says stay with evidence‑based measures—vaccines, masks and good hygiene are the real champions.
2. Volcanic ash
How Volcano‑Ash Fashions Went Viral—and Why Your Health Won’t Drop The Mic
Picture this: It’s February 2023, the world has barely felt the Covid storm, and someone on social media whispers that the ash from the Taal volcano could be the secret to “dodging the virus.” Spoiler: it’s more like a bad hair‑dryer prank than a life‑saving remedy.
Voices from the Front Lines
While the hashtag #AshIsCool exploded, health experts were chewing over the fact that the ash is not a shield but a sneeze‑factory.
- WHO Philippines: “There is no evidence that volcanic ash can destroy the new coronavirus.”
- “These so‑called anti‑viral properties are still a rumor jungle. In reality, inhaling ash can hurt you—think asthma, itchy eyes, and a rash that starts like a bad meme and ends with a medical appointment.”
Why It’s Not a Badge of Strength
Think of volcanic ash like the same dust that makes soap bubbles float, but without the bubble‑popping fun. The fine particles get stuck in your lungs, irritating the airways and making it harder to breathe. If your coat of ash smells like fresh bread, just remember: it’s “caustic” to your health.
Happy Ending? Spoiler: the ash doesn’t break the virus.
So the next time someone suggests a fling with Taal’s ash as your ultimate Covid‑protection, politely ignore it. Instead, pretend it’s just a dusty souvenir and go for the real protective gear: masks, vaccines, and good hygiene.
3. Alcohol
Why the Myth Is Dead Wrong
Short answer: One gulp of beer won’t turn the Coronavirus into a puddle.
WHO’s Dr. Sylvie Briand, head of Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, put the guesswork to rest in a crisp YouTube clip. She shot straight: Alcohol doesn’t cure or protect you from COVID-19. The trick that kills the virus is a much higher concentration of alcohol—think of it as the “drinks” hand sanitizer actually uses.
Hand‑Wash Hype vs. Beer‑Shake Hype
- Hydroalcoholic gel is packed with 60–70 % alcohol—good enough to shut down the virus.
- Drinking that same gel turns into a dangerous, undefined high‑dose cocktail with serious side effects.
- Regular beer or any standard drinking alcohol is way too diluted to have any effect on the virus.
The Bottom Line
So the next time someone pops a pint with the hope of being COVID‑free, just give them a friendly reminder that the best defense is a proper hand‑wash with the right amount of alcohol on your skin, not in your stomach. Cheers to science!
4. Bleach, methanol or ethanol
The Ugly Tale of Bleach as a Covid Cure
Picture this: a man pulls out a bottle of bleach, assumes it’s a miracle tonic, and chugs it like a curse. It sounds like a bad joke, but in 2023 some people actually did it.
Why it was a Bad Idea
- Bleach, methanol, and ethanol are extremely poisonous.
- Eating them can cause disability or even death.
- Health authorities like the WHO warned everyone not to ingest these chemicals.
What’s Appropriate Use?
These liquids are fine for cleaning surfaces—just remember to dilute them properly. Afterward, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose to keep from getting into a health nightmare.
Bottom line: if you’re looking for a cure, grab a vaccine, not a bleach bottle.
5. Hot baths and hand dryers
Don’t Sweat It: The Hot Bath Myth (and Why It’s a Bad Idea)
What the Experts Say
While a kettle might spit out bacteria, a soaking bath won’t keep you from the dreaded COVID‑19. In fact, turning your shower to “lava” could give you a nasty burn and leaves you with zero protection.
Why Warm Water Is Not Your Bodyguard
Our internal thermostat stays fixed at about 36.5‑37 °C, no matter how steamy your shower gets. Hot water might make you sweat, but it doesn’t change your core temperature or immune status.
WHO’s Warning
Health officials caution that an extremely hot bath can actually harm you: “You could burn yourself while doing absolutely nothing to fight the virus.”
Better Ways to Stay Safe (Without Turning Your Tub into a Sauna)
- Get vaccinated – it’s the fastest protection.
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Keep a safe distance from others.
- Wear a mask in crowds.
So before you crank up the thermostat, remember: the best cure for COVID is science, not steam. Stay cool, stay safe, and keep that bath at a harmless temperature.
