Fact Check: Can arthritis be cured by consuming haldi, sonth and methidana?

An Instagram reel claims that haldi (turmeric), sonth (dried ginger) and methi daana (fenugreek seed) with 2 glasses of water daily for 3 months cures arthritis. The claim by the user is False.

Claim

In an Instagram reel, it is claimed haldi, sonth and methi daana with water cures arthritis. The reel by the user kamalshriyoga is captioned as “Cure your arthritis as soon as with natural herb. The user in the reel says, “Those who are suffering from arthritis, experiencing pain in the hands, pain in the joints, widespread body pain, muscle pain—whether it's due to spondylitis, arthritis, or joint-related issues—here’s a simple remedy that works very well according to Ayurveda.

Take a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of dry ginger (sonth), and a pinch of fenugreek seeds (methi dana). Make a powder mix using all three. Every morning, right after waking up and opening your eyes, put this mixture in your mouth and drink two glasses of water over it.

Continue this practice daily for three months. As much as possible, eat warm food and avoid cold items. If you stay away from cold exposure, arthritis symptoms will reduce. And yes, definitely consult your nearest Ayurveda expert for guidance.”

The reel can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim by the user is false. Haldi and Sonth might provide some symptomatic relief due to their anti-inflammatory properties but arthritis is a chronic disease and it is not curable and can only be managed.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that involves inflammation in the joints—the points where two bones connect, such as the knees or elbows. It includes various forms, each with its own causes and treatment approaches. In some instances, arthritis may also affect other parts of the body like the skin, heart, or eyes. Typical symptoms include joint pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, which can interfere with movement and overall quality of life. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to managing the specific type and related symptoms effectively.

Can arthritis be cured?

Arthritis cannot be cured, but early treatment with medication and supportive therapy can help control symptoms and manage disease progression.

What are the nutritional benefits of haldi (turmeric), dry ginger (sonth), fenugreek seeds (methi dana)?

Turmeric, a plant from the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, is a highly regarded medicinal herb. Its health benefits are largely due to curcumin, its key active ingredient. Turmeric exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects, along with protective benefits for the liver and kidneys. Studies have highlighted its effectiveness in managing a variety of conditions, including inflammation, ulcers, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, and other persistent or hard-to-treat disorders.

Dry ginger powder is produced by thoroughly cleaning fresh ginger, peeling it, and then drying it—either naturally under the sun or through mechanical methods—until all moisture is removed. The dried ginger is then finely ground into powder form. Ginger is highly nutritious, thanks to its rich content of bioactive compounds and essential nutrients. It contains powerful components like gingerol, shogaols, zingiberene, and zingerone, which are known for their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also offers vital nutrients, including vitamin B6 and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which contribute to metabolism, electrolyte regulation, and bone strength. Additionally, ginger’s natural compounds can support digestion, ease nausea, and assist in blood sugar regulation, making it a beneficial addition to a healthy diet.

Fenugreek seeds (methi daana) and leaves are commonly used in cooking and are known for their high nutritional value, being rich in β-carotene, calcium, iron, and various other vitamins. Traditionally, fenugreek has also been used in herbal medicine for its antipyretic (fever-reducing) and diuretic properties. It has been employed in the treatment of heart conditions, as well as enlargement of the liver and spleen. Additionally, it has been studied for its potential to stimulate appetite, lower blood sugar levels (hypoglycemic effect), and reduce cholesterol levels (hypocholesterolemic effect).

Can arthritis be cured by consuming haldi, sonth and methidana?

Ingredients such as haldi and sonth possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may provide symptomatic relief and aid in reducing inflammation, but there is no scientific evidence that they can cure arthritis.

Dry Ginger is highly nutritious and has anti-inflammatory effects. A study by Szymczak et al. found that oral ginger may help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant property. A 2016 review by Daily et al. of eight clinical trials found that taking curcumin for 8–12 weeks may help reduce joint pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.

While haldi and sonth have anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage symptoms of arthritis, there is no scientific evidence that this combination can cure arthritis—especially in a fixed 3-month period.

Responding to the claim Dr Muhammed Nazeer, Senior Consultant and Group Co-ordinator, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, KIMSHEALTH Thiruvananthapuram said, "There are various causes of arthritis. One common type is osteoarthritis, which is primarily due to degenerative changes that occur in the joints. Another type is rheumatoid arthritis, which results from inflammation in the joints and can affect individuals at any age—including children, in which case it is referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It can also occur in older adults.

While there are various medications available that can help control the inflammation associated with arthritis, none of the natural remedies you mentioned—such as Haldi (turmeric), Sonth (dry ginger), or Methi Dana (fenugreek seeds)—can cure arthritis. These may offer some relief because they contain natural anti-inflammatory properties, but they can only help manage the symptoms to a certain extent. No current medication or remedy can cure arthritis, but inflammation can be controlled using anti-inflammatory treatments."

Dr Mir Zia Ur Rahaman Ali, Sr. Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad said, "Arthritis is a long-term disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Natural herbs like haldi (turmeric), sonth (dry ginger), and methidana (fenugreek) can help reduce inflammation, but they can't cure arthritis. If you use these as part of a healthy lifestyle, they might help with some weak symptoms, but they don't stop joint damage or treat the underlying causes. Moreover, prolonged or excessive use of these ingredients may lead to side effects like acidity and other abdominal issues. If you rely too much on home remedies, you might miss out on the right medical care, which could make your problems worse over time. An orthopaedist can help you get better by figuring out what kind of arthritis you have and how bad it is."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that turmeric, dried ginger, and fenugreek seed water cures arthritis in 3 months is FALSE. While haldi, sonth and methidana may provide modest relief due to their anti-inflammatory properties, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim and cure arthritis that too in 3 months. Arthritis is a chronic condition and cannot be cured through home remedies alone.

Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.