August 26th 2024.
Have you ever come across a cup of tea that could potentially be deadly? Well, it may sound absurd, but it's actually a reality. While browsing through TikTok Shop, a popular platform for finding great deals, you may stumble upon a health trend that is gaining popularity. But before you give in to the temptation of trying it out, doctors are warning against it.
Recently, a medical toxicologist, Dr. Josh Trabach, shared a screenshot on X platform, exposing a product available on TikTok's shopping tab. This product may seem harmless at first glance, but it is actually highly dangerous. The post showcased a pouch of Lily of the Valley tea, which was recommended to be consumed two to three times a day. The product was labeled as "organic" and "healing" and was being sold for $14.50. However, the consequences of consuming it could cost you more than just money.
Dr. Trabach explained that ingesting Lily of the Valley is extremely hazardous and should not be consumed under any circumstances. He warned, "Please don't drink Lily of the Valley tea. The plant is poisonous and can kill you." He further elaborated that the plant can cause vomiting, hyperkalemia, dysrhythmia, and even death. He also clarified that all parts of the plant are poisonous.
It's alarming to know that this deadly drink is being sold on TikTok for such a low price. But, it's not surprising when we see the crazy trends that are promoted on social media platforms like TikTok. In fact, Metro has launched a podcast called "Don't Do That" which debunks the viral trends and exposes the truth behind them. In one of their episodes, Dr. Trabach shut down the argument of people claiming it's safe because it's natural, by sarcastically asking if they would drink lava too.
Not only is this trend dangerous, but it also raises concerns about the authenticity of other "health" products being sold on social media. One user, @JaneQuaiffe, expressed her concern over her 16-year-old son ordering products he sees on TikTok, thinking they are beneficial for his health. She said, "It's funny but also not funny. I talk to him and explain things, but he thinks he knows better. It really worries me that he might order something really dangerous."
It's alarming to see that influencers can earn 15% on every sale made after promoting this tea, without even being aware of the potential risks their followers are exposed to. Lily of the Valley contains convallatoxin, a cardiac glycoside that can severely affect heart function, leading to fatal heart arrhythmias. It's disheartening to see that profits are prioritized over people's safety.
Dr. Masarat Jilani, a resident doctor at Jude, explains the danger of this trend by stating that Lily of the Valley tea has zero therapeutic benefits and is extremely dangerous. She adds, "[It] is a toxic, poisonous plant that contains cardiac glycosides, which can severely affect heart function, leading to fatal heart arrhythmias." Ingesting this toxic substance can also overwhelm your kidneys, causing acute renal failure.
Plantura Magazine claims that just one to five berries from this plant can cause cardiac issues, and even coming in contact with the plant can cause skin and eye irritation. The symptoms of poisoning include chest tightness, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, visual disturbances, dizziness, and nausea. In severe cases, it can even lead to cardiac paralysis and arrest. Dr. Jilani urges anyone who has consumed Lily of the Valley to seek urgent medical attention and inform their doctor about what they have been drinking.
The consequences of consuming this tea are severe, and it's not worth risking your health for. In case of poisoning, your doctor may give you something to flush out the toxin or administer a potassium and magnesium preparation to correct your electrolyte balance. This serves as a warning against blindly trusting everything you see on the internet. It's essential to do your research and consult a professional before trying out any health trend.
So, the next time you come across a seemingly harmless trend on social media, remember the deadly cuppa that could kill and think twice before trying it out. Stay safe and don't believe everything you see on the internet.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
