Intake of a few drops of Aspidosperma Q in water will not immediately increase the oxygen level in the body.

By Pushpita Dey 

For the last couple of weeks, India has been facing the most devastating impact of the second wave of COVID-19. There has been an extreme shortage of medical oxygen not only among patients who are on medical support at home, but even hospitals are facing an acute crisis. Amidst this, a WhatsApp message is being forwarded numerous times that claims Aspidosperma Q can be used to increase the oxygen level in the body. However, the message is misleading. 

A Whatsapp forward received by the First Check claims that Aspidosperma Q 20 with water will help stabilise the condition of the COVID patients suffering from lower oxygen levels. The message highlights,”ऑक्सीजन लेवल तुंरत मेंटन हो जाएगा जो हमेशा बना रहेगा । ये होमियोपैथी मेडिसन है । Oxygen ढूंढने में समय बर्बाद ना करें which can be roughly translated as “If the oxygen level is falling, don't wait for oxygen. The oxygen level will be maintained immediately after giving ASPIDOSPERMA Q 20 drops in a cup of water. Don't waste your time searching for oxygen.

Share it faster because you never know someone's life will be saved”. 

We also came across a prescription that was being forwarded in WhatsApp groups, below is a screenshot of the prescription. 

When we contacted the hospital on the given numbers,  they mentioned that the prescription has been wrongly circulated and clarified,  “ We prescribed it only for a few specific cases, the medicines should not be taken without any medical consultation. It has been circulated in the wrong context and it was the mistake of the patient to forward it. One should consult a doctor before taking any such medicine.” 

On research, we found that this medicine is a homoeopathic remedy for the treatment of issues relating to the respiratory system and is prescribed to loosen chest congestion but is not a substitute for oxygen especially when higher levels of oxygen is required. 

We further contacted Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Associate Professor, CFM Department, AIIMS Bhopal and he clarified, “I have even spoken to other homoeopathic doctors. This is inhuman. If people really consider it effective and stay back at home when their oxygen level is dropping, they will get difficulties and may even die.”

To this Dr Shimna Aziz, medical officer at Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram District, Kerala and public health worker added, “There is no medical evidence to prove this claim and there is nothing scientific about this.”

It's advisable to consult a doctor and seek medical help.  Self-medication should always be avoided.