Nayanthara Shares Her Healthcare Expert's Post Amid Hibiscus Tea Row; The Liver Doc Says 'Hopeless'

Actor Nayanthara recently found herself at the centre of a social media controversy after promoting the health benefits of hibiscus tea. She claimed that the beverage could cure various ailments, including diabetes and acne. The claims were criticised by a healthcare professional Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as The Liver Doc, who accused the ‘Jawan’ star of spreading misinformation and promoting the “pseudoscience peddling nutritionist”.

In response to the backlash, Nayanthara shared a post from her healthcare expert, Munmun Ganeriwal, on her social media. Ganeriwal took a strong stance against The Liver Doc, defending the health benefits of hibiscus tea and challenging the criticism. “Whoever needs an explanation, please go through this post,” Nayanthara wrote, urging her followers to read Ganeriwal’s detailed response.

Ganeriwal’s post read, “My reach may not be as big as his, but I request all those who have benefited from Ayurveda, natural food science, and all qualified nutritionists and doctors (Ayurveda or Western) who believe in holistic medicine/lifestyle to come out and share my post so that the truth triumphs. Not an activity that mentions a celebrity name with an interest to hog limelight,” she slammed The Liver Doc.

Meanwhile, The Liver Doc took to his X account to share a screenshot of Nayanthara’s recent story and expressed his disappointment. “Hopeless. Just absolutely hopeless. Still not taking any responsibility for misguidance and promoting the pseudoscience peddling nutritionist. Quite sad state of awareness on healthcare here,” he wrote.

The Liver Doc also addressed Ganeriwal’s defence directly. “Ok, so after the actress Nayantara indirectly ‘abused’ me and silently deleted her post on hibiscus tea benefits, her ‘celebrity nutritionist’ Ms. Munmun Ganeriwal, whom I called a ‘quack,’ has responded,” he said. He pointed out that Ganeriwal claimed the hibiscus plant she advised Nayanthara to use for tea was Hibiscus rosasinensis, not Hibiscus sabdariffa.

“This is actually worse. I will tell you why. Hibiscus rosasinensis is China Rose and it has no human data to showcase any of the claimed benefits. In fact, it was traditionally used for hair growth and the treatment of stomach ulcers and is underresearched,” he explained.

The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the promotion of health benefits without substantial scientific backing. While Nayanthara and Ganeriwal stand by the traditional and holistic benefits of hibiscus tea, The Liver Doc’s criticisms highlight the importance of evidence-based claims in healthcare.

Some support Nayanthara’s advocacy for natural remedies and holistic health, while others agree with The Liver Doc’s call for scientific validation.