24/08/2026
Sometimes, the most dangerous assumptions we make are: “I think I know what this symptom is.”
You have a headache.
“It’s malaria.”
Your stomach hurts.
“It’s ulcer.”
You feel tired or weak.
“I probably need magnesium.”
You’re losing weight, so you decide you need a weight-gain supplement.
You notice a lump.
“Someone online said I should try soursop tea first.”
You have unusual discharge.
“It’s probably an infection. I need a vaginal cleanse.”
You feel bloated or uncomfortable, so you start taking detox tea.
And because the symptom sometimes improves after taking something, you assume the problem is solved.
But symptoms are not diagnoses.
Two people can have the same symptom and completely different conditions.
That headache may not be malaria.
That stomach pain may not be ulcer.
That tiredness may not mean you need a supplement.
And that lump may need proper examination, not a herbal mixture.
Even when something worked for your friend, spouse, sibling or neighbour, it doesn’t automatically mean it is right for you.
Self-medication can delay the correct diagnosis, cause side effects, interact with other medicines, or mask a problem that still needs attention.
I'll be honest, many of us have done it at some point.
Because hospital visits can sometimes be stressful.
Because money can be a concern.
Because we are too 'busy'.
Because an 'influencer' we trust recommended something.
Because we are hoping it will go away on its own.
Because sometimes, we are afraid of what the doctor might find.
So we reach for the tea.
The herbs.
The supplements.
The paracetamol.
Anything that feels easier than getting checked.
But pause and ask yourself:
“Do I actually know what is causing this, or am I just assuming?”
If something is persistent, keeps returning, gets worse, or is unusual for you, get it checked.
You don’t have to panic about every symptom.
But you also don’t have to guess.
Don’t diagnose yourself because you recognise a symptom.
Don’t take medication simply because it worked for someone else.
Don’t use supplements or herbal remedies as a substitute for finding out what is wrong.
Your health deserves more than assumptions.
Listen to your body.
Get the right information.
Get checked.
