Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh, Author at Alt News

The inefficacy of Cupping Therapy (Hijaama), an ancient procedure of Unani medicine

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh & Nikhil Bardeskar7th March 20192nd July 2019

The ministry of AYUSH observed the ‘Unani day’ on the 11th of February 2019 to raise awareness for the Unani branch of alternative medicine (alt-med) in India. In the AYUSH…

Science

Carica Papaya extract or ‘Caripill’ cannot cure a dengue virus infection

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh20th November 201815th November 2019

With the surge in dengue cases this year, a 2012 Facebook post with an image of papaya leaves is viral again with close to 995,000 shares since it was first…

Science

The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine: Myths of anti-fertility agents & vaccine related deaths

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh5th September 2018

The government of India, in collaboration with UNICEF, have initiated a vaccination drive for measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. This country wide program, started in February 7, 2017 to go until April…

Science

Depression: The myths & falseness of Sadhguru’s quotes

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh19th August 201820th August 2018

“The main cause of depression in the world today is too much eating, not enough physical activity.” Jaggi Vasudev, a spritual guru also known as Sadhguru, frequently gives twitter sermons on depression….

Science

Depression is not ‘low mood’: Misleading advice from the Ministry of Health

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh29th June 20189th July 2018

“#Depression is a state of low mood that affects a person’s thought, behaviour, feeling & sense of well-being. One must take up activities that keep him or her boosted in…

Science

No, homeopathic pill Gelsemium 200 will not protect you from Nipah virus infection

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh30th May 20184th June 2019

“Gelsemium 200, Homeopathy medicine for Nipah Virus, Weekly 3 doses for 3 weeks. It can protect you from the virus. Please do share it with your friends and family…May you…

Science

Do the AYUSH based treatments for autism stand up to scientific scrutiny?

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh15th May 201811th July 2018

Alternative treatments Ayurveda, Siddha, Naturopathy, Yoga & Homeopathy are being increasingly promoted as the legitimate and only treatments for Autism by the ministry of AYUSH, a government body, and private…

Science

Is Homeopathy an effective form of treatment?

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh15th April 2018

Samuel Hahnemann, born on the 10th of April 1755 in Meissen, a small town in Eastern Germany was the father of homeopathy whose ideas have been documented, referred to and…

Science

Scientific research ascertains mercury toxicity but Sadhguru continues to endorse it for Indian traditional medicines

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh26th February 201810th April 2018

The Union cabinet of India approves the ratification of Minamata Convention on mercury to ban its usage. Sadhguru (Isha foundation) endorses mercury use in Ayurveda and Siddha medicines. Sadhguru indulges…

Science

Why is it dangerous for AYUSH practitioners to prescribe modern medicine?

Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh13th January 201825th January 2018

On October 25th, 2017, a pair of quacks running a hospital were held on charges of medical negligence after a woman died in their facility. Later, on November 15th, 2017,…