THE PITFALLS OF AT-HOME REMEDIES
OK! UK|September 16, 2024
Some online health advice could be putting our wellbeing at risk
REBECCA JONES
THE PITFALLS OF AT-HOME REMEDIES

We're living in a time when information on virtually any subject is quite literally at our fingertips, thanks to our smartphones. While many of us still book appointments with our GPs to discuss health issues, others turn to social media, search engines and online forums to find at-home remedies. Knee pain alone is typed intoa search bar around 13,490 times a month.

New research reveals that almost a third of Brits have tried an unusual home remedy to try to tackle an illness, with one in five admitting to testing out a health trend they've come across on social media. According to the research, carried out by Earol, 48% of 18 to 34-yearolds have tried unorthodox home remedies, with 38% being influenced by what they've seen online.

Some of the most outlandish homemade treatments, from the study of 2,000 people, include massaging butter onto a burn and using turmeric powder on the scalp to prevent hair loss.

Medical expert Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, says, "This is worrying because the internet is rife with incorrect factual information and fake news. At the outset, your diagnosis may be wrong, so you may not be looking at any of the right products for your condition."

Dr Lee also warns social media influencers often have "no knowledge or qualifications in the products they are endorsing". She adds, "Influencers often make strong bonds with their followers. Erroneous information or lifestyle advice about food, weight loss, smoking and vaping are just some of the topics they commonly focus on. This can have disastrous consequences for health." Here, we explore the dangers of at-home remedies...

1 MOUTH TAPING

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OK! UKView all
'IT'S ALMOST LIKE A HONEYMOON PERIOD AGAIN'
OK! UK

'IT'S ALMOST LIKE A HONEYMOON PERIOD AGAIN'

As the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle show With Love, Meghan launches on Netflix, she talks about her bond with Prince Harry and precious moments with her family

time-read
6 mins  |
March 17, 2025
TOFF TIES THE KNOT
OK! UK

TOFF TIES THE KNOT

Reality star Georgia Toffolo elopes to Scotland with businessman James Watt for a low-key affair of fishing boats, toast and cups of tea

time-read
4 mins  |
March 17, 2025
HOW TO LIVE WITH COVID-19
OK! UK

HOW TO LIVE WITH COVID-19

We may be in the post-pandemic phase, but coping with the symptoms of ever-evolving coronavirus is still a reality for many

time-read
4 mins  |
March 17, 2025
GIRL POWER AT THE BRITS
OK! UK

GIRL POWER AT THE BRITS

Singers Jade Thirwall and Charli XCX led the way for female artists at the highly eventful BRIT Awards 2025

time-read
3 mins  |
March 17, 2025
'There's nothing chilled about the Crouch household'
OK! UK

'There's nothing chilled about the Crouch household'

Model and presenter Abbey Clancy on 20 years with husband Peter Crouch, oversharing on their podcast, and the inspiration behind her new F&F fashion collection

time-read
6 mins  |
March 17, 2025
'I wanted to be better for Vogue I thought I'd lose her'
OK! UK

'I wanted to be better for Vogue I thought I'd lose her'

Spencer Matthews on his driving force, quitting his wild ways and encouraging his children to challenge themselves

time-read
5 mins  |
March 17, 2025
A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS
OK! UK

A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

Actors and celebrities come together at the 97th Academy Awards to celebrate the best films of the year

time-read
3 mins  |
March 17, 2025
ROYALS REMEMBER - WILLIAM AND KATE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
OK! UK

ROYALS REMEMBER - WILLIAM AND KATE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Following their recent joint official visit to Wales, the Prince and Princess of Wales are set to take centre stage at national celebrations for VE Day in May

time-read
5 mins  |
March 10, 2025
My mom and Kurt were always open about their mistakes'
OK! UK

My mom and Kurt were always open about their mistakes'

Hollywood actress Kate Hudson on starring in the new Netflix series, Running Point, and how her mother, Goldie Hawn, taught her to be an independent woman

time-read
4 mins  |
March 10, 2025
Something in the air
OK! UK

Something in the air

Save time and cut back on calories with these delicious air-fried meals

time-read
3 mins  |
March 10, 2025