May 27, 2021: Homeopathic treatments have not been proven as prevention, treatment, or curing methods for mucormycosis. Massaging with alum/salt/turmeric, steaming and applying mustard oil, or using cow ghee (on the skin, in the sinuses, in the eyes) are unlikely to prevent, treat, or cure this very serious infection.

Anyone who is suspected to have this major fungal infection should seek medical care right away. The India Council of Medical Research has issued guidance for screening, management, and diagnosis of mucormycosis. Their materials suggest "not to lose crucial time to initiate treatment for mucormycosis." Delaying prescription-issued antifungal medications may make the infection worse and may make treatment impossible. Doctors advise patients to seek medical help as soon as possible. They also advise patients not to self-medicate if they have symptoms of mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis and poultry: Mucormycosis is commonly found in dirt (or soil), animal manure (or dung), decaying plant materials (e.g., compost, fruits, vegetables, leaves), and in moist or wet areas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), many people come into contact with fungal spores everyday. They also suggest that it is impossible to avoid coming into contact with mucormycetes (the types of fungi that cause mucormycosis).

The spores are not harmful for most people. Common risk factors for mucormycosis infection include immune system problems, diabetes or high blood sugar, past or current COVID-19 infection, and steroid treatments. To avoid infection, the India Council of Medical Research suggests that people "use masks if you are visiting dusty construction sites; wear shoes, long trousers, long sleeve shirts and gloves while handling soil (gardening), moss or manure; and maintain personal hygiene including thorough scrub bath." The U.S. CDC suggests similar actions and include avoiding water damaged buildings after floods or heavy rains. They note that these preventive measures "haven’t been proven to prevent mucormycosis."

Chickens (or poultry) can develop mucormycosis. The infection usually happens in chickens with immune problems because of stress, malnutrition, and environmental factors. However, mucormycosis does not spread between humans and animals. There is no evidence to suggest that people become infected with mucormycosis by eating cooked chicken. Raw chicken should never be eaten since there is a high risk of foodborne illness from bacteria like camphylobacer and salmonella.

May 24, 2021: Cases of mucormycosis, also known as "black fungus" have been rapidly increasing in India in recent weeks. Some social media posts show videos of a doctor suggesting the use of alum, turmeric, and salt to rinse one's mouth, as well as applying mustard oil to nostrils after inhaling steam and applying clarified butter as eye drops to prevent black fungus.

Alum is a mineral salt (potassium aluminum sulfate) that has been used in India traditionally as a home remedy for many purposes, including for oral health. There exist several scientific publications which confirm the benefits of alum as an antimicrobial. It is found as an active ingredient in some medicated mouthwashes. Similarly, the use of turmeric for its medicinal properties is well documented. However, there is no scientific evidence that shows that the use of these substances can prevent severe black fungal infection.

A combination of factors, including weakened immunity and other co-morbidities could be causing black fungus infection. A scientifically unproven topical oral rinse might not be adequate to prevent such a life-threatening infection. It is recommended that medical advice be sought when dealing with any symptoms of this infection.