There are multiple YouTube videos on home remedies for Monkeypox, comprising neem leaves, turmeric, ginger, cucumber, honey, corn starch and the like. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims.

With the number of Monkeypox infections continuing to rise globally and there being no specific treatment for the viral disease, social media is rife with home remedies that claim to cure Monkeypox. First Check came across multiple YouTube videos on home remedies for Monkeypox, comprising neem leaves, turmeric, ginger, cucumber, honey, corn starch and the like.

Let’s take a look at some of the claims:

A viral YouTube video claims that applying a spray made of neem leaves can cure skin diseases like Monkeypox. (Archived here)

Fact: We did a keyword search and couldn’t find any scientific evidence supporting the claim. Although studies find that neem leaves can help deal with skin diseases, it’s important to note that Monkeypox is not a skin disease. Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic illness (the virus is transmitted to humans from animals).

A YouTube video claims that applying spray with corn starch and distilled spring alkaline water on the skin will cure Monkeypox disease. (Archived here)

Fact: While studies find that corn starch can accelerate wound healing, the above claim makes the same mistake of looking at Monkeypox as a skin disease. The rashes on the skin are only a symptom of Monkeypox.

Another YouTube video claims that juice made of turmeric, ginger, cucumber and honey is the best cure for Monkeypox. (Archived here)

Fact: “It may enhance the immune system, but there’s no scientific evidence to prove that it can cure Monkeypox,” says Dr Pallavali Roja Rani, a virologist and specialist in microbiology, VRDL Lab, Kurnool Medical College, India.

Don’t fall for false claims. Be informed. In case, you or someone you know has symptoms of Monkeypox, there’s no reason to panic. Seek medical advice and isolate from others until you have been evaluated and tested. In most cases, the symptoms of monkeypox go away on their own within two to four weeks without the need for any medical treatment as such.