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NDTV
20-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Can Natural Remedies Help Cure Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB claimed 1.3 million lives in 2022 alone, with India accounting for over 28% of global cases. With antibiotic resistance and long treatment durations posing challenges, many people are exploring natural remedies as supportive care options. But can herbs, home remedies, or dietary practices actually cure TB? Experts emphasise that while natural therapies may help boost immunity and reduce symptoms, they should never replace conventional treatment. Here's a closer look at what works, and what doesn't, when it comes to natural healing. Natural remedies should only be complementary Natural remedies can aid in symptom management and help strengthen immunity, but they cannot cure TB. The WHO and India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) clearly state that Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) using antibiotics is the only proven cure. Relying solely on home remedies can delay recovery and increase risk of drug resistance. 1. Garlic has antibacterial properties, but isn't a cure Garlic contains allicin, which exhibits antimicrobial action. While it may support the immune system, no clinical studies confirm garlic alone can treat tuberculosis. It can be a supportive food when added to the diet under medical supervision. 2. Turmeric helps with inflammation and lung health Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may relieve tuberculosis-related inflammation. A warm glass of turmeric milk may ease symptoms, but again, it cannot replace prescribed antibiotics. 3. Amla (Indian gooseberry) may help build immunity Rich in Vitamin C, amla supports immune health and aids in tissue repair. It's a valuable addition to tuberculosis patients' diets but not a standalone treatment. 4. Tulsi (holy basil) can support respiratory health Tulsi leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Drinking tulsi tea may help soothe the throat and reduce cough, offering mild symptomatic relief, not cure. 5. Black pepper and honey for cough relief A mix of honey and pepper may provide relief from persistent coughing in tuberculosis patients. However, honey should be used with caution in diabetic patients. 6. A protein-rich diet is essential for recovery Malnutrition weakens immunity. tuberculosis patients must consume protein-rich foods like eggs, pulses, paneer, and nuts to rebuild tissue and fight infection. WHO stresses that proper nutrition speeds recovery. 7. Adequate rest and hydration matter Home remedies are incomplete without basic care: rest, fluids, and stress management. These elements are critical for the body to absorb medications and rebuild strength. Natural remedies can support tuberculosis recovery by strengthening immunity and easing symptoms, but they are not a cure. Antibiotic treatment under a government-monitored DOTS programme remains the only medically approved path to recovery. Trusting home cures alone may lead to complications or drug resistance. Always consult a doctor before combining natural remedies with prescribed treatment. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PM Modi chairs meeting with Nadda to review TB elimination campaign progress
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting on Tuesday to assess the progress of the tuberculosis elimination campaign. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and other leaders attended. The Government of India has implemented various focused strategies under its National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) to tackle this significant burden. These key initiatives under NTEP aim to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts, accelerating progress toward a TB-free India. In 2020, the Government of India renamed the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). This reflects India's goal to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years before the global target of 2030, according to the release. According to WHO's Global TB Report, India has made significant progress in fighting tuberculosis. Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), the incidence rate of TB cases has dropped by nearly 17.7 per cent, from 237 cases per 1 lakh people in 2015 to 195 in 2023. TB-related deaths have also reduced, falling from 28 to 22 per 1 lakh people during the same period, as stated in the release earlier. The NTEP follows the National Strategic Plan (2017-2025), focusing on four key actions: Detect - Treat - Prevent - Build (DTPB) to control and eliminate TB in India. To eliminate TB by 2025, the NTEP programme achieved the highest-ever number of case notifications , reporting 25.5 lakh TB cases in 2023 and 26.07 lakh cases in 2024. It is the first-ever Indigenous TB burden mathematical model that estimates state-wise TB. The programme also provided incentives for ASHAS, TB Champions & Caregivers, thus strengthening patient support systems. The programme focused on the high-risk group and found 3 lakh additional cases via house-to-house screening. 560 colleges supported TB detection & research, also regular surveys, drug sales tracking, and under-reporting assessments conducted, also collaboration with ministries, industries, NGOS & technical bodies also done, as stated in a press release.
India Gazette
13-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
PM Modi chairs meeting with Nadda to review TB elimination campaign progress
New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting on Tuesday to assess the progress of the tuberculosis elimination campaign. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and other leaders attended. The Government of India has implemented various focused strategies under its National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) to tackle this significant burden. These key initiatives under NTEP aim to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts, accelerating progress toward a TB-free India. In 2020, the Government of India renamed the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). This reflects India's goal to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years before the global target of 2030, according to the release. According to WHO's Global TB Report, India has made significant progress in fighting tuberculosis. Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), the incidence rate of TB cases has dropped by nearly 17.7%, from 237 cases per 1 lakh people in 2015 to 195 in 2023. TB-related deaths have also reduced, falling from 28 to 22 per 1 lakh people during the same period, as stated in the release earlier. The NTEP follows the National Strategic Plan (2017-2025), focusing on four key actions: Detect - Treat - Prevent - Build (DTPB) to control and eliminate TB in India. To eliminate TB by 2025, the NTEP programme achieved the highest-ever number of case notifications, reporting 25.5 lakh TB cases in 2023 and 26.07 lakh cases in 2024. It is the first-ever Indigenous TB burden mathematical model that estimates state-wise TB. The programme also provided incentives for ASHAS, TB Champions & Caregivers, thus strengthening patient support systems. The programme focused on the high-risk group and found 3 lakh additional cases via house-to-house screening. 560 colleges supported TB detection & research, also regular surveys, drug sales tracking, and under-reporting assessments conducted, also collaboration with ministries, industries, NGOS & technical bodies also done, as stated in a press release. (ANI)
