Fact Check: No research supports the claim of effectiveness of Cream of Tartar on Relieving Migraines

New Delhi (Vishvas News): A post shared on social media shows a picture of the bottle of cream of tartar. The text inside the photo claims that putting cream of tartar under the tongue relieves migraine. Vishvas News investigated and found that there is no scientific study supporting the claim that cream of tartar relieves migraine. The consumption of larger amounts can be harmful to health.

Claim

A Facebook post reads: “If you have migraines just put a little bit under your tongue, within minutes you will feel your migraine easing up.”

The archived version of the post can be read here.

Investigation

Vishvas News started its investigation by searching about the cream of tartar. According to Healthline, cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate, is an odorless, white crystalline powder that’s a byproduct of making wine during the fermentation process.

Does cream of tartar work for migraines?

Vishvas News spoke to Dr. Abhishek Juneja, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, New Delhi. Dr. Juneja has been treating patients with migraines for many years. As per him: “Cream of Tartar contains high levels of potassium. Supplements containing high potassium should not be taken without the advice of a doctor as high potassium levels in the body can cause abnormal heart rhythm. Heart rhythm disturbance can be life-threatening. Migraine requires proper diagnosis and treatment. One should not use any such product that could cause harm if taken in excess.”

As per experts, there are several treatments for migraines depending upon the severity, but cream of tartar isn’t one of them.

We searched other reports and found that as per U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 teaspoon (3gm) of cream of tartar has 495 milligrams (mg) of potassium.

If a person is getting potassium through diet and through multivitamins and intake cream of tartar as well, the potential amount of potassium could be more than what is needed on a daily basis.

According to a 2013 Journal of Medical Toxicology case report, cream of tartar can be life-threatening when consumed in large amounts. The report stated that Cream of Tartar has long been used as a remedy for a number of ailments. The case explained about two patients who were examined as they ingested a large quantity of cream of tartar in an effort to clean themselves out. Both of them received emergency treatment for hyperkalemia, or an abnormally high level of potassium, a condition that can lead to heart arrhythmia.

There is no scientific study that supports the claim that Cream of Tartar treats migraine.

The post is shared on Facebook by a user named Lisa Becklund Jasper. When we scanned the profile of the user we found that the user is based out of Indiana.