Fact Check: Video Claim that Lying in a Cowshed Cures Cancer and Rubbing a Cow's Back Reduces Need for BP Medication is False
In a video posted on X, it is claimed that rubbing the cow's back can lead to a reduction in the dosage of medicine for high blood pressure. He also claims that lying down where a cow sits and cleaning the area can cure cancer.
Claim
In a video posted by WeUttarPradesh on Oct 13, 2024, Sanjay Gang war, State Minister, Uttar Pradesh Government is seen saying in Hindi," anyone who goes to the cow shed should serve by rubbing their back in the morning and evening." According to him by doing this, if someone takes blood pressure medicine, the dosage can reduce from 20 mg to 10 mg within 10 days. This is a completely tested fact, and that's why he shared it, he goes on to add. According to him, If one starts cleaning the area where the cow sits and begins lying down there, even diseases like cancer can be cured. The video can be accessed here.
Following the video, Several news portals reported the claims that lying down where a cow sits and cleaning the area can cure cancer. Live Mint report was titled, "What can cure cancer? ‘Cleaning cowshed, lying there,’ says UP minister." Similarly, another report in TOI report titled, "Lying in cowshed, cleaning it can cure cancer, claims UP Minister." Another report by India Today was titled, "UP minister's solution to cure cancer: Lying in cowshed and cleaning it." Similarly, another report by the Hindustan Times was titled, "Morning briefing: UP minister claims cleaning cowsheds cures cancer"
Many more articles are also there on social media, as well as the video also went viral on various social media tools including whatsapp
Fact check
This claim is False. High blood pressure medication dosages cannot be reduced by rubbing cows back and lying down in cowshed where a cow sits and cleaning the area cannot cure cancer.
What is High blood pressure?
According to WHO, High blood pressure or Hypertension is when the pressure in blood vessels is high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated.
The risk factors of hypertension are genetics, overweight or obese, physical inactivity, age, high-salt diet and consumption of alcohol.
Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets, such as excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese. In addition, there are environmental risk factors for hypertension and associated diseases, of which air pollution is the most significant.
Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Can High Blood Pressure Be cured?
High blood pressure can be controlled with lifestyle modifications, diet and certain medications as prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, but there is no cure for hypertension.
American Heart Association noted, "While there is no cure for high blood pressure, it is important for patients to take steps that matter, such as making effective lifestyle changes and taking BP-lowering medications as prescribed by their physicians"
About High Blood Pressure Treatment
High Blood Pressure treatment often combines heart-healthy lifestyle adjustments with medication. Key lifestyle changes include following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, lowering salt intake, limiting alcohol, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing stress, and ensuring sufficient sleep. When lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, doctors may prescribe medications like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics. These medications help control blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, preventing them from narrowing or reducing blood fluid volume. A tailored approach depending on the condition of the patient, often involves a combination of medications, which is essential for effective blood pressure management.
What is Cancer?
WHO says, "Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer. A neoplasm and malignant tumor are other common names for cancer."
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or 1 in 6 deaths, in 2018.
Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
Can Cancer Be Cured?
Cancer cannot truly be cured, but it can go into remission. Remission means that the cancer has responded well to treatment, no further treatment is currently needed, and the signs of cancer have significantly reduced or disappeared. However, it is rare to say that cancer can be cured
American Cancer Society says, "Whether a person’s cancer can be cured depends on the type and stage of the cancer, the type of treatment they can get, and other factors. Some cancers are more likely to be cured than others. But each cancer needs to be treated differently. There isn’t one cure for cancer."
About Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment encompasses various approaches tailored to each cancer type's specific characteristics. Biomarker testing is used to identify genes, proteins, and other markers that provide insights into cancer behavior, helping doctors select the most effective treatment. Chemotherapy uses drugs to eliminate cancer cells, while hormone therapy targets hormone-driven cancers like breast and prostate cancer by slowing or stopping their growth. Hyperthermia involves heating body tissues to damage or kill cancer cells with minimal harm to normal tissues. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, whereas photodynamic therapy uses light-activated drugs to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy delivers high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Stem cell transplants replenish blood-forming stem cells destroyed by intensive chemotherapy or radiation. Surgery physically removes cancer from the body, and targeted therapy addresses specific genetic changes in cancer cells to stop their growth and spread. Each treatment has unique benefits, side effects, and methods of administration, often used in combination to enhance effectiveness.
Video Claims Rubbing Cow's Back Reduces High Blood Pressure Medication and Lying in Cow's Resting Spot Cures Cancer
Claims that high blood pressure medication can be reduced by rubbing a cow's back or that lying in a cow's resting spot can cure cancer are completely false. High blood pressure, a chronic condition, requires medical management. Doctors prescribe blood pressure medications and can only reduce it with their advice. Similarly, cancer is a chronic condition and can go into remission with appropriate treatment. Still, there is no evidence to suggest it can be cured through non-medical methods like these.
There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that Rubbing a Cow's Back Reduces High Blood Pressure Medication and Lying in a Cow's Resting Spot Cures Cancer. It is crucial to rely on evidence-based medical treatments for managing and treatment of both high blood pressure and cancer to ensure proper care and outcomes.
The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr Prem Aggarwal MBBS, MD (Medicine), DNB Cardiology, Director, Sanjeevan Hospital, Daryaganj, Delhi. He said, "Rubbing a cow's back cannot reduce the dosage of high blood pressure from 20 mg to 10 mg; this claim is not just false and frankly, quite absurd. Hypertension is a serious medical condition that requires proper medical management. It involves lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and prescribed medications to control blood pressure levels. Ignoring medical advice and resorting to unproven remedies can lead to serious health risks, including heart attack and stroke. Promoting such baseless claims can be harmful and should not be supported. Always seek evidence-based treatment and consult your doctor for proper medical guidance."
Responding to the claim Prof. Dr. Somashekhar S P, Lead Consultant - Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgeon, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore said, "This statement, however, has no basis in scientific fact and has been widely condemned by medical professionals. Cancer is a complex disease that arises from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, and its treatment requires a combination of well-established medical therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that cleaning a cowshed or spending time in such an environment could cure cancer. In fact, such baseless claims can put patients at risk by encouraging them to forgo proven treatments in favor of unfounded, potentially harmful alternatives.
Suggesting that something as unrelated as cleaning a cowshed could cure cancer is not just misleading—it's dangerous. The problem is that such claims concern a broader challenge involving the spread of health misinformation, particularly in rural communities where quality healthcare and trustworthy information can be scarce.
The minister’s suggestion also highlights the growing trend of politicians and public figures offering unverified health advice, often under the guise of traditional wisdom. While traditional practices can offer cultural value and sometimes even complementary health benefits, they should never be presented as substitutes for scientifically validated medical treatments, especially when it comes to diseases as serious as cancer.
The consequences of such remarks are potentially far-reaching. Patients who believe in these myths might delay or even abandon life-saving treatments, choosing instead to rely on practices that are at best ineffective and at worst harmful. Public figures must exercise responsibility when discussing health issues, particularly when the well-being of vulnerable individuals is at stake."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
The claims that rubbing a cow's back can reduce high blood pressure medication and that lying in a cow's resting spot can cure cancer are completely false. No scientific evidence or medical consensus is supporting these assertions. High blood pressure medications should only be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor, and rubbing a cow's back has no effect on medication dosages. Similarly, cancer is a serious chronic illness that can only reach remission through appropriate medical treatment; the idea that lying in a cow’s resting spot can cure cancer is baseless and false.
Hence, the claim is FALSE.
