Health Authority Fires Back at the ‘Miracle’ Claim of Lianhua Qingwen
On Wednesday, November 17, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) dropped a fast‑acting warning on a popular Chinese remedy called Lianhua Qingwen. The claim? That it can fend off or cure COVID‑19. Watch. HSA is sounding the alarm.
What the HSA Says
- The medicine is properly listed in Singapore as a “Chinese proprietary medicine” for ordinary cold and flu relief.
- Its approval hinges on the established uses of its core ingredients.
- It is not approved to treat or alleviate COVID‑19 symptoms.
- “There is no scientific evidence…that Lianhua Qingwen products are safe and effective against Covid‑19,” the HSA warned.
Why It Matters
COVID‑19 claims are no joke, and the HSA’s message is crystal clear: consult a doctor instead of trusting unverified herbal hype. They urged the public not to “fall prey to unsubstantiated claims or spread unfounded rumours” that the brew could cure the virus. (Because, let’s be honest, swapping a pill for a fancy herb is only going to double your chances of catching a different illness.)
Social Media In Real Time
Within minutes of the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Facebook graphic, comments streamed in. In just five hours, the post racked up more than 1,400 shares and almost 600 comments.
- Some users showed confidence that Lianhua Qingwen is a COVID cure – feeling a little bossy about the hype they love.
- Other voices, echoing HSA’s stance, cautioned the crowd against jumping on unverified bandwagon claims.
- The conversation was a mix of hope‑filled optimism and very cautious skepticism.
Bottom line: Despite the buzz, the HSA stands firm – the herbal drink has no backing from science to fight COVID‑19. Trust the experts, not the myths.
A Balanced View on the Remedy
People are split on the treatment
This mixed stance shows that while some find comfort in it, the consensus is that it’s not a definitive cure.
Who Took a Dissonant Note?
There were folks who threw a shade over the fact that the advisory was pointing its sights at Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It felt a bit like being unjustly put in the spotlight.
- Some argued it was unfair.
- Others worried it leaked a negative bias.
- Many warned about potential backlash.
Health Authority Steps Up on Ivermectin Talking
On the last Saturday, Singapore’s Ministry of Health rolled out a fresh advisory that calls for caution around using ivermectin for treating COVID‑19. The government’s message? “Hold your horses – this drug isn’t a silver bullet.”
What the Advisory Really Means
- Evidence Gap: Clinical trials haven’t produced convincing data that ivermectin helps patients fight the virus.
- Safety First: Doctors remind patients that the drug can cause serious side effects if taken in improper doses.
- Accessibility: The Ministry urges people to keep relying on proven measures—vaccines, masks, and good hygiene—rather than chasing unverified cures.
Why Some People Still Grab on to Ivermectin
Despite the physician halt, the internet is buzzing. Word on the street is that many folks are still “on the lookout” for a cheap and quick fix, driven by do‑it‑yourself fear of COVID‑19.
While humour might colour the chatter (“Maybe I need a pill that turns me into a superhero?”), health professionals are quick to emphasize that science isn’t a lottery, and pumping up rumors can do more harm than good.
Takeaway
The Ministry’s stance makes it crystal clear: don’t rely on ivermectin as your frontline defense. Stick to the plans that have actually saved people’s lives and keep an eye on reliable updates from trusted channels.
