Fact Check: Video Of Man Claiming That Ginger Can Cure Coronavirus Goes Viral Again

New Delhi Vishvas News –A video is being shared on social media with the claim that the subject of the video is a doctor names Dr Zarir Udwadia of Mumbai, who is telling viewers ways to avoid the new variant of Corona. In the video, the person can be seen saying Corona can be prevented by snorting ginger powder.

Vishvas News in its investigation found that the claim being made in the viral video is false. The person seen in the video is not Mumbai’s Dr Zarir Udwadia. Not only this, the so-called remedy he is descriving in the video to prevent is also wrong. Doing so may prove dangerous. According to experts, such measures can prove dangerous for health. Do not take any such steps without a doctor’s advice. Corona cannot be treated with ginger.

What Is Going Viral?

Facebook user Manoj Mehta shared the viral video on December 28, 2023, with the caption, “This is Dr Zarir Udwadia one of the top Chest physicians not only in Mumbai but pan India. Very simple remedy & scientifically explained for preventing viral infection including covid.”

Vishvas News Investigation:

The viral video has gained widespread attention with various claims. Initially, it circulated under the guise of featuring Dr. Sushil Udwadia, and subsequently, it resurfaced with claims associating it with Dr. Zarir Udwadia. Vishvas News had previously debunked these assertions, proving that the individual in the video was neither Dr. Sushil Udwadia nor Dr. Zarir Udwadia.

To ascertain the accuracy of the claim suggesting ginger as a treatment for COVID-19 in the video, we conducted a Google search using relevant keywords. Our investigation led us to a report on the website of America’s National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. According to the information available, the consumption of ginger, in various forms, does not prevent or combat coronavirus infection. The report clarified that ginger does not destroy the virus in the body or impede the replication process.

Further research revealed news reports stating that the Indian Government has explicitly refuted such claims, deeming them dangerous and lethal. The government cautioned the public, emphasising that COVID-19 cannot be treated with substances like black pepper, honey, or ginger.

To find more information, we reached out to Dr. Nischal, an Associate Professor at AIIMS. He unequivocally declared the viral claim as false. Dr. Nischal advised against trusting such videos, urging individuals to seek medical attention if they suspect infection. Taking unverified measures, he warned, could be perilous.

Vishvas News had also consulted Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, who highlighted the dangers of relying on shortcuts for health improvements. He cautioned against attempting experiments like the one proposed in the viral video, emphasising the delicacy of the respiratory tract and the potential harm such practices could inflict. We also sought the opinion of Dr Gautam Sharma, affiliated with RML, who similarly dismissed the claim as false.

We further examined the account that shared the video with the misleading claim. The user, who identified as a resident of Agra with 1,731 friends, played a role in perpetuating the false information earlier also.