Fact Check: Can massaging with garlic, coconut oil, turmeric, black pepper and Vicks cure arthritis?

You must repeat this process three times a week and goodbye eye to knee pain, arthritis and muscle aches. 

The claim can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. While ingredients like garlic, turmeric, and black pepper have anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage arthritis symptoms, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that applying them topically with coconut oil and spices can cure arthritis. Further, Arthritis is a chronic, incurable condition.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints—the areas where bones meet, such as the knees, hips, or elbows. It encompasses multiple types, each with unique causes and treatment plans. In some cases, arthritis can also impact organs like the skin, eyes, or heart. Common signs include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, warmth, and redness, which may limit movement and affect daily functioning. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for managing the condition and improving quality of life.

Can arthritis be cured?

While arthritis has no permanent cure, early intervention with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can effectively control symptoms and slow disease progression.

What are the Health Benefits of Garlic, Coconut Oil, Turmeric and Black Pepper?

Garlic has long been valued in medicine for its organosulfur compounds, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. A 2023 article by Silvana Zugaro et. al. in Bioactives and Inflammation highlights garlic's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulant properties. These effects are attributed to its bioactive components that may help reduce inflammation. Additionally, Georgia Schäfer et. al., writing in Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, notes garlic’s immune-enhancing potential, further supporting its medicinal relevance.

Coconut oil, commonly used in many Asian cuisines and traditional practices, is extracted from copra, the dried meat of coconuts. It is composed predominantly of saturated fats (90–95%), with lauric acid (47.5%) being the primary fatty acid. Lauric acid, a medium-chain triglyceride, is considered relatively healthier among saturated fats. Coconut oil is noted for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-dermatophytic properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is traditionally used not only for cooking but also for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Studies highlight its anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and immune-supporting roles.

Turmeric, commonly known as Haldi, is derived from its rhizomes and is recognized for its distinct orange-yellow color and flavor, largely due to its active compound, curcumin. Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been traditionally used to manage a variety of conditions, including respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, and allergies, as well as liver disorders, anorexia, rheumatism, diabetic wounds, nasal congestion, cough, and sinusitis.

Black pepper, often referred to as the “King of Spices,” is prized not only for its culinary value but also for its diverse medicinal properties. It is rich in piperine, a bioactive compound known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic effects. Research highlights its ability to combat infections and alleviate oxidative stress. Additionally, black pepper exhibits anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving (analgesic), and neuroprotective activities, making it a valuable component in traditional and modern medicine.

What is Vicks?

Vicks  is a topical ointment formulated with key ingredients such as levomenthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil, and camphor, along with others like thymol, cedarwood oil, and soft paraffin. It has a petroleum jelly base and is typically applied to the chest, throat, or back, or used in hot water to release vapours for inhalation. Upon skin application, the body’s warmth helps the active components to evaporate, allowing the user to inhale the vapours. Vicls is primarily intended to relieve nasal congestion and help suppress coughing.

Can massaging with garlic, coconut oil, turmeric, black pepper and Vicks cure arthritis?

While some ingredients like garlic, turmeric and black pepper might offer temporary symptomatic relief due to their anti-inflammatory effects, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus for the idea that topical application can cure arthritis.

Garlic is known for its significant therapeutic properties, which vary depending on how it is prepared, used, and extracted. A 2022 review published in Food & Function reported that garlic-derived compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

Similarly, a study by S. Ankri et al. emphasized that allicin, a bioactive compound released when garlic is crushed shows potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activity.

Turmeric, especially its key active ingredient curcumin, has drawn interest for its potential role in alleviating arthritis symptoms. A review of randomized clinical trials by James W. Daily and colleagues states the effectiveness of turmeric extract consumption in managing arthritis-related symptoms.

Black pepper also contains various bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its biological activity. A study by Heerasing Takooree et. al. highlighted that these compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective effects.

Garlic, turmeric, and black pepper have anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage arthritis symptoms, but there's no scientific evidence that their topical application can cure arthritis. Arthritis is a chronic disorder and cannot be cured.

In a conversation with The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team, Dr. Atul Shrivastava , Consultant - Orthopaedic Surgeon, Narayana Hospital, Howrah said, "It’s a common misconception that arthritis can be cured. In reality, arthritis is a broad term for joint inflammation, and while it can’t be reversed, its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. Natural supplements like garlic, turmeric, coconut oil, and black pepper do have anti-inflammatory properties and may help ease the pain, but they do not cure the condition. Products like Vicks may offer temporary relief, but they’re not a long-term solution. Our joints naturally age over time, they don’t regenerate or grow younger."

Dr. Sourav Saha, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement, Narayana Hospital, Barasat further added, "While ingredients like turmeric, garlic, and coconut oil have mild anti-inflammatory properties, there is no evidence that a topical mix of these—along with Vicks—can cure arthritis. At best, such remedies may offer temporary relief. Arthritis is a chronic condition that requires medical treatment, including medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle management. Relying solely on home remedies can delay proper care and worsen outcomes."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that massaging garlic, coconut oil, turmeric, black pepper, and Vicks can cure arthritis. While certain ingredients like garlic, turmeric and black pepper may offer temporary symptom relief due to their anti-inflammatory, topical application or massaging cannot reverse or eliminate the underlying disease process of arthritis. Arthritis is a chronic condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management and cannot be cured.

Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.