Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Certain Facebook posts assert that black salve is a safe and natural cancer therapy. We analysed and verified that the claim is False.
The Claim
Popular social media posts imply that cancer could be treated with black salve. According to one of the claims, Black Salve has been suppressed by pharmaceutical corporations due to potential financial danger. The story continues by stating that because black salve is an inexpensive, non-invasive, and efficient cancer treatment, the medical establishment has prohibited it. Therefore, it should be made clear that believing such falsehoods could endanger your life.
We have come across several assertions on social media platforms that propose a wide range of alternative cancer treatment options. These primarily include soaked almonds, castor oil, and even a homemade remedy. We thoroughly checked these assertions to ensure their accuracy.
Fact Check
Does the claim seem credible?
No, not at all. Utilising Google Reverse Image for the keyframe of a post promoting black salve as a substitute for traditional cancer treatment led us to a YouTube video endorsing Indian black salve as a cancer treatment alternative. It should be made clear that Black Salve has a history of being used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatment. Therefore, it dates back to the middle of the 1800s, when American surgeon Jesse Weldon Fell proposed using herbs to treat skin cancer. Its Indian origin is questionable.
Furthermore, because this mislabelled and unapproved herbal ingredient was being sold in an unregulated manner, the US Food and Drug Administration forbade the shipment and sale of this caustic formulation.
Therefore, the assertion cannot be trusted.
Should black salve be used to cure cancer?
No, absolutely not. The fact that Black Salve, also referred to as Cansema, is an unauthorised topical escharotic alternative for the treatment of dermatological issues should be emphasised. The corrosive contains ingredients including zinc chloride and blood root extract. Owing to its caustic characteristics, online sources support it as a safe substitute for cancer therapy. However, to be clear, its claim to be a cancer medicine is not supported by scientific evidence. Furthermore, studies show that black salve may worsen the ailment it is intended to treat because of its caustic nature, which delays the healing of wounds.
Regardless of being extensively advertised as a treatment for a variety of skin conditions, such as boils, moles, and skin tags, countries such as Australia, the US FDA, and the American Academy of Dermatology cautioned that there is no credible evidence to back up Black Salve.
When we asked about the potential for black salve to treat cancer, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sarthak Moharir informed, “While black salve is an erosive drug, it is frequently sold as a treatment for surface malignancies in Western countries. There are no studies to support black salve’s cancer-curing properties, and the USFDA has included it among false cancer therapies.
Therefore, it is not advised to use black salve as an anticancer alternative therapeutic.”
Are there any repercussions to solely relying on black salve for the treatment of cancer?
Yes, even though black salve—marketed as a safe and effective natural cancer treatment—is offered under numerous names, including Kinprov, Drawing Salve, Red Salve, Cansema, Bloodroot, Indian Herb, Hawk Dok Natural Salve, Black Drawing Ointment, and many more—it could potentially have detrimental effects on one’s health.
This unauthorised topical caustic has no scientific evidence supporting its anti-cancer effects. Research also shows that using black salve for cancerous lesions does not completely cure them. Furthermore, black salve is unable to distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue. This incapacity may result in scarring, tissue necrosis, and poor wound healing.
It should be stressed that the FDA found 24 cases in which black salve caused negative outcomes. Moreover, fifteen of these occurrences were recorded within the course of the last five years. Implications of using black salve include the development of cancer and long-term deformities. Furthermore, the FDA is aware of at least one death that occurred as a consequence of a patient’s decision to use a caustic salve instead of evidence-based cancer therapy.
As such, it is imperative that those who have been diagnosed with cancer speak with a medical professional. Please be aware that the likelihood of successful cancer care might be considerably decreased by skipping or postponing evidence-based cancer interventions such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Ultimately, this ignorance and delay may raise the risk of disease progression and even death.
Is there a way that cancer patients and their families could protect themselves against unsubstantiated claims?
Yes, they can, and being informed is the key. It is crucial to highlight that assertions that could be harmful are often met by cancer patients and those who provide care for them. This is brought on by both financial limitations and medical jargon. As a consequence, many who select these alternative forms of treatment frequently view them as miraculous and fall prey to false and possibly harmful assertions.
Nonetheless, it could be beneficial to refer to trustworthy, factual, and scientifically validated sources of information regarding the various facets of cancer. These sources usually provide information on the best course of therapy, available support options, recent research developments, and preventative measures. Evidence-based resources are reliable, but they cannot replace your oncologist or medical professional. Always seek the advice of a reputable oncologist or other healthcare professional to confirm the legitimacy and effectiveness of any suggested therapy or treatment plan. Seeking second opinions from other licenced medical professionals could be an addition to your treatment plan. And lastly, kindly keep your expectations reasonable.
Dr. Chaitanya Aggarwal (BDS, MDS), Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, advises his patients to consult with their healthcare provider for any information about their health. Additionally, they should avoid relying solely on online treatment alternatives and haphazard diagnostics.
Cancer patients can safeguard themselves against being misled by unapproved or potentially dangerous therapy choices by adhering to these guidelines. This could ensure that they get the best therapy available for their condition.
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