Fact Check: Can Homemade tea cure hypothyroidism within days?
An Instagram post claims that "Homemade tea made with cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic cures hypothyroidism within days." The claim is False.
Claim
The post made on Instagram claims that "Homemade tea made with cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic cures hypothyroidism within days." The Instagram user ose6861 posted a reel which states, "Many are unaware, but this could be the simplest solution for addressing thyroid issues. Particularly hypothyroidism characterized by an inactive or underactive thyroid gland. The effect of this tea can be noticeable within just few days. It's recommended to consume it twice daily, once in the morning and again in the evening. The recipe can be easily prepared at home, and it was popular traditionally to cure thyroid problems. To make this tea, you will need cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic. Please use very little cayenne pepper as this can be pretty spicy. You can crush the garlic and ginger for better infusion. Simply boil water and add these ingredients. Let it simmer for 10 minutes."
The post can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The claim is False. Ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper may support general health but cannot cure hypothyroidism within days. Managing the condition requires proper medical diagnosis and care.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone needed for normal body functions. This hormonal deficiency slows down the body's metabolism and leads to a range of symptoms. It is commonly caused by autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid gland removal surgery, or radiation therapy. Low thyroid hormone levels can impact overall health, making timely medical assessment and treatment essential to avoid complications.
Is There a Cure for Hypothyroidism?
Currently, hypothyroidism has no cure. However, it can be successfully managed in most individuals. Treatment focuses on restoring hormone balance by using synthetic thyroxine (T4), which replaces the deficient thyroid hormone. This helps bring T4 and TSH levels back to normal, allowing the body to function properly. The synthetic T4 medication is chemically identical to the hormone naturally produced by the thyroid gland.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum), widely used as a culinary ingredient, has a long history in traditional herbal medicine due to its rich content of organosulfur compounds. These compounds are responsible for many of garlic’s biological and therapeutic effects, which can vary based on how the garlic is prepared, used, and extracted. Garlic is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, which support immune system health by enhancing immune cell function and regulating cytokine production and activity. These effects indicate its potential role in managing infections and cancers. Furthermore, garlic’s organosulfur compounds contribute to cardiovascular health by aiding in lipid metabolism and exhibiting antihypertensive and antiaggregant actions.
Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a type of Capsicum annuum from the Solanaceae family. It’s a hot chili powder commonly used to add spice and flavor to food. Cayenne peppers naturally thin the blood due to their salicylate content. The capsaicin they contain promotes healthy blood circulation and may help prevent blood clots. It can also aid in clearing lipid deposits that narrow the arteries, potentially widening blood vessels and reducing clot-related pain.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been widely used as a medicinal herb because of its numerous health benefits. Its bioactive compounds possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help support the immune system. Additionally, ginger promotes muscle relaxation and is well-known for its antioxidant effects.
Does homemade tea made with cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic cure hypothyroidism within days?
Ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper have been associated with several health benefits. Cayenne pepper is known to promote healthy blood circulation and may help prevent blood clots. Ginger is valued for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while garlic is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that support immune function. However, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that cayenne pepper, ginger, or garlic can cure hypothyroidism within a few days.
There are no studies confirming the role of cayenne pepper in managing hypothyroidism. However, an animal study published in the Journal of Istanbul Veterinary Sciences suggests that capsaicin—a key compound in cayenne pepper—may help partially reduce oxidative stress associated with hypothyroidism. Despite this, the study does not indicate that capsaicin has any effect on correcting thyroid hormone imbalances.
Similarly, there are no studies confirming the role of garlic in managing hypothyroidism. However, an animal study published in the AIP Conference Proceedings suggests that garlic extract may influence thyroid hormone levels in hyperthyroidism. But, the study does not indicate any benefit of garlic in correcting low thyroid hormone levels seen in hypothyroidism.
Likewise, regarding the role of ginger, a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine demonstrated that daily consumption of 1000 mg of ginger powder in patients with primary hypothyroidism who were already on proper thyroid medication (with normal hormone levels) helped reduce their symptoms significantly. This study as well do not suggest that ginger can cure hypothyroidism.
Research has shown that ginger may help reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but it cannot cure the condition. Additionally, there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of cayenne pepper or garlic for hypothyroidism, and no studies have shown that garlic, ginger, or cayenne pepper—either individually or together—can cure it.
Dr Mahesh D M, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Endocrinology), DNB (Endocrinology), Consultant Endocrinology, Aster CMI Hospital, told Medical Dialogues, "No, a homemade tea with cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic can’t cure hypothyroidism in a few days. While these ingredients have anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting properties, hypothyroidism is a hormonal condition that usually requires proper medical treatment, often with thyroid hormone replacement. Natural remedies may support overall wellness, but they can’t replace prescribed medications or correct hormonal imbalances overnight. Always consult a doctor before making changes to your treatment."
Dr Divya Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, added, "While ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper are great for overall wellness and may support digestion and immunity, they do not cure hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a hormonal condition that requires proper medical care, usually in the form of lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. Relying on home remedies alone can delay treatment and worsen symptoms. Always speak to your doctor before trying alternatives—natural doesn’t always mean effective for every health issue."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
While ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper may offer general health benefits, they cannot cure hypothyroidism. These natural ingredients may support overall well-being, but managing hypothyroidism requires proper medical diagnosis and prescribed hormone therapy. Relying solely on home remedies can delay effective treatment and potentially worsen the condition. Always consult a healthcare provider for appropriate care.
Hence, the user claim is False.
