By: Wyles Daniel

Misinformation around health has taken on a new urgency as social media platforms grow in reach and speed. Apps like TikTok now serve as primary sources of advice for millions, especially young people who trust content delivered in short, eye-catching videos.

The harm doesn’t stop with a single poor decision. These viral cures can lead to unintended health outcomes, undermine public trust, and create challenges for doctors striving to protect their patients. The situation becomes more concerning when unverified remedies gain widespread attention, attracting individuals who are looking for quick fixes.

While some content creators may have good intentions, their advice is often shared without anyone confirming its accuracy. Texas Star Pharmacy CEO and healthcare education advocate, Jay Bhaumik, explores how misinformation on health isn’t merely a minor issue but can pose a potential threat to the safety and well-being of communities.

The Rise of TikTok Cures and Internet Remedies

The rise of platforms like TikTok has transformed how people seek health advice. Quick clips have largely replaced expert consultations, with users often placing more trust in video popularity and likes than in the credibility of the content, making it easier for misleading cures to spread. Remedies range from harmless myths to potentially risky DIY treatments, like raw onions for fevers or unconventional anxiety solutions.

Influencers contribute to the trend, sharing viral but questionable tips like using garlic for ear infections or cooking chicken in cough syrup. These videos spread rapidly, with peer influence often outweighing expert warnings. By the time professionals intervene, millions may have already viewed and possibly tried the advice.

Many of the most popular TikTok health trends share a common theme: bold claims with limited or no supporting evidence. Garlic for ear infections became a trending topic after a few creators claimed relief from pain simply by placing garlic cloves in their ears. In reality, this practice could potentially lead to burns, further infection, or a blocked ear canal.

Another trend, NyQuil chicken, involved soaking and cooking chicken breasts in cold medicine. Aside from being unsafe, this mix of chemicals could damage organs or cause accidental poisoning. Yet, the oddity of the trend, amplified by hashtags and the shock value of the videos, pushed the topic to the top of TikTok’s For You page.

Other repeated home remedies include drinking baking soda solutions to alleviate acid reflux or using lemon juice for tooth whitening. Both may harm health if used too frequently. The power of hashtags can create a bandwagon effect, where teens and young adults feel subtle pressure to try what everyone else is doing. Groupthink, matched with virality, can turn a fringe idea into a mainstream trend overnight.

“Users place trust in these cures for several reasons, many of which play on deep psychological needs,” says Jay Bhaumik. “Stories from peers seem more authentic and relatable compared to advice from faceless experts. When someone shares a personal success story, viewers may think, ‘If it worked for them, maybe it’ll work for me.’”

Natural remedies also sound less intimidating than prescription drugs or surgeries. There’s a perception that if it comes from a kitchen or backyard garden, it should be safe or at least low-risk. Claims of simplicity and quick fixes tap into frustration with long waits or high costs for traditional health care.

Authority can be transferred by proximity, too. Someone with a big following or a confident tone in their videos can appear as trustworthy as a real doctor. Attention-grabbing visuals, on-screen text, and upbeat music all help conceal the lack of substance behind the advice.

Other factors also contribute, such as the desire to belong to a group or to take part in challenges. Young people, in particular, might share these tips to gain likes, approval, or visibility among friends and strangers alike.

Consequences of Misinformation and Strategies to Combat It
The harm from false health information extends far beyond individual cases. When poor advice spreads, it can prevent individuals from seeking proper care, as they may trust what they’ve seen online instead. Public health suffers when misinformation outpaces truth, and the ripple effects can last for years.

Medical professionals and social scientists warn that unchecked trends can create confusion and erode faith in proven treatments. To counter the spread, those involved in health education and information need to act quickly and clearly.

Notes Bhaumik, “The fight against health misinformation requires teamwork from platforms, content creators, and users alike.”

Learning to spot false health claims is a skill anyone can develop. Reliable health advice generally comes from recognized sources like hospitals, national health agencies, or known experts with credentials. If the source is unknown or only shows a username without proof of expertise, it’s better to approach with caution.

Pay attention to language. Words like miracle, unrevealed cure, or claims to heal anything instantly often signal scams. If something seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance it isn’t.

Other red flags include a lack of sources, recommendations to avoid medical care, or instructions to use common products in potentially dangerous ways. Before making any changes to a health routine, readers should search for the same advice on reliable medical websites or consult a qualified health professional.

It helps to check if the advice has been published in multiple locations or is supported by scientific studies. Claims shared only in private groups or personal stories may require additional scrutiny.

“Everyone can help slow the spread of health misinformation with careful choices,” says Bhaumik.

Teachers can include media literacy activities in lessons, showing students how to check for reliable sources and challenge questionable claims. Parents should talk openly with children about things they see online, offering calm context and correcting unsafe advice without making kids feel afraid or defensive.

Creators with large audiences have a special role. They could use their platforms to highlight truthful content, tag real experts, and admit when information needs to be corrected. Honest engagement helps build long-term trust that outlasts trendy clips.

Working together, social media companies can adjust algorithms to boost reputable sources and flag or remove posts that spread false or risky health ideas. Everyone should report harmful content when they see it. With each small action, the flow of dangerous health advice can slow, leaving more space for facts to reach those who need them.

The spread of viral health remedies on platforms like TikTok creates ongoing risks for individuals and society as a whole. While many online trends seem harmless, some have caused injury, worsened illness, or delayed real help. The line between quirky home tips and serious health threats is narrowing with each viral trend. The responsibility rests on users, creators, educators, and tech companies to stay vigilant, share responsibly, and think twice before posting or following health claims from unverified sources.

Cautious, informed use of social media helps protect both personal and public health. With fact-checking skills and a little patience, readers can avoid the trap of false hope and help others do the same. Accuracy saves lives; treating internet health advice with care helps build a safer future for everyone.