When you encounter a claim on TikTok (or anywhere else), use the SIFT method to evaluate the information.
1. Stop and consider where you are getting your information. Ask yourself: Do I trust the source of this information?
2. Investigate the Source: This doesn't have to be a deep dive, but ask yourself who is author / presenter? What are their credentials? How do they profit from putting out this information?
3. Find Trusted Coverage: The minimum you should do before risking your health is to Google the claim and look at what trusted websites have to say about it. Look at the sources listed in this guide or ask a librarian for help, if needed.
4. Trace claims, quotes and media back to the original context: SIFT works with all types of verification research. If a claim is based on research, you may want to look at the original research paper, but if you just want to verify whether you should stick a clove of garlic up your nose, you can stop when you find trusted coverage that says NO.