Both gonorrhoea and vaginal discharge can be cured with a mixture of simple everyday ingredients, claims a Facebook post shared in Nigeria in August 2019.
“VIRGINAL [sic] DISCHARGE SOLUTION,” it reads. “Get 3 pieces of Bitter Cola, some Ginger and Garlic, grind and add lime juice. Take 2 spoons twice daily for one week. NB: It cure GONORRHEA for MEN.” The post has been shared more than 2,800 times.
Vaginal discharge means fluids produced by glands inside a woman’s vagina. They help keep the vagina clean, and prevent infection. Normal fluids are clear or milky white. But discoloured vaginal discharge can be a sign of infection or disease.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious complications if it’s not treated, but can be cured with antibiotics. Using a condom during sex can protect you from gonorrhoea.
Africa Check asked Prosper Adogu, a professor of community medicine at Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra state, about the claim.
“We cannot certainly say the claim is effective or not,” he said. “Just because it works for two or three people doesn’t make it effective and medically advisable to prescribe to patients.”
He said a medicine had to be thoroughly tested in a lab and on people before it could be claimed to be a scientifically proven cure.
“The medication has to undergo a trial process with the use of lab animals like rats, rabbits and to mention a few. A large number of humans must also be tested, to be sure of its effectiveness and side effect(s).”
Prof Tanimola Akande, a consultant health physician, rated the claim false.
“Certainly no,” he said.
“Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria Neiserria gonorrhoeae and can only be treated with appropriate antibiotics.”
He said there was “no evidence” that the combination of bitter cola, ginger, garlic and lime juice contained antibiotics. – Jennifer Ojugbeli
“VIRGINAL [sic] DISCHARGE SOLUTION,” it reads. “Get 3 pieces of Bitter Cola, some Ginger and Garlic, grind and add lime juice. Take 2 spoons twice daily for one week. NB: It cure GONORRHEA for MEN.” The post has been shared more than 2,800 times.
Vaginal discharge means fluids produced by glands inside a woman’s vagina. They help keep the vagina clean, and prevent infection. Normal fluids are clear or milky white. But discoloured vaginal discharge can be a sign of infection or disease.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious complications if it’s not treated, but can be cured with antibiotics. Using a condom during sex can protect you from gonorrhoea.
Not scientifically proven cure
Africa Check asked Prosper Adogu, a professor of community medicine at Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra state, about the claim.
“We cannot certainly say the claim is effective or not,” he said. “Just because it works for two or three people doesn’t make it effective and medically advisable to prescribe to patients.”
He said a medicine had to be thoroughly tested in a lab and on people before it could be claimed to be a scientifically proven cure.
“The medication has to undergo a trial process with the use of lab animals like rats, rabbits and to mention a few. A large number of humans must also be tested, to be sure of its effectiveness and side effect(s).”
Prof Tanimola Akande, a consultant health physician, rated the claim false.
“Certainly no,” he said.
“Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria Neiserria gonorrhoeae and can only be treated with appropriate antibiotics.”
He said there was “no evidence” that the combination of bitter cola, ginger, garlic and lime juice contained antibiotics. – Jennifer Ojugbeli
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