Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark Episode: Nicotine Is NOT the Villain: What Big Pharma Hides From Parents | Dr. Bryan Ardis, DC Release Date: May 20, 2025
Introduction
In this provocative and highly controversial episode of "Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark," host Alex Clark engages in a deep discussion with Dr. Bryan Ardis, DC, a prominent figure in alternative medicine. Dr. Ardis challenges the mainstream medical narrative surrounding nicotine, positioning it not as a harmful addictive substance but as a potent nutrient with myriad health benefits. This episode delves into Dr. Ardis's assertions, the evidence he presents, and the broader implications of his claims on public health and the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Bryan Ardis's Perspective on Nicotine
From the outset, Dr. Ardis sets a contentious tone by openly supporting the use of nicotine patches for children. At [00:00], he boldly states:
Dr. Ardis: "You would be okay putting a nicotine patch on a kid?"
He reinforces this stance by asserting that critics are spreading "dangerous misinformation" about nicotine, positioning big pharmaceutical companies as the primary opponents to the truth about nicotine's benefits.
Critique of Mainstream Views and the FDA
Dr. Ardis vehemently criticizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and mainstream scientific communities for perpetuating the myth that nicotine is solely addictive and harmful. He references a pivotal moment in April 1994, where, under oath, tobacco executives denied nicotine's addictive properties. However, shortly after, the FDA reversed this stance, labeling nicotine as "highly addictive" and mandating warning labels on tobacco products ([07:24]).
Dr. Ardis: "In April of 1994... All seven of them... nicotine is not addictive... In August of 1994, the FDA said, 'We know better than they do. Nicotine is addictive, highly addictive.'"
He also cites a 2016 Harvard study that analyzed millions of pages of FDA research, concluding that nicotine alone does not cause the addictive nature of tobacco products. Instead, other chemicals, specifically pyrazines, are identified as the true culprits ([08:46]).
Nicotine as a Cure for Various Conditions
Dr. Ardis presents nicotine as a versatile remedy for a spectrum of health issues, challenging conventional medical treatments:
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Long COVID: Dr. Ardis references a study by Mark Lemke, highlighting that nicotine patches eradicated long COVID symptoms in participants within six days ([05:37]).
Dr. Ardis: "Within the third day, 50% of all of their suffering was over and all their symptoms were gone. By day six, a hundred percent of all their symptoms were eradicated..."
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Neurodegenerative Diseases: He claims that nicotine can prevent and reverse conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, labeling it a nootropic that stimulates brain activity ([20:00]).
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Citing a Swedish 20-year study, Dr. Ardis asserts that nicotine use correlated with the lowest risk of developing MS among participants ([21:44]).
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Diabetes: He mentions research indicating that nicotine increases pancreatic beta cells' insulin production in Type 1 diabetics, reducing insulin needs and lowering A1C levels over two weeks ([24:56]).
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Autism and Autism-Related Traits: Dr. Ardis suggests that nicotine can reverse and improve personality traits and actions in autistic children ([27:44]).
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Glioblastoma and Other Cancers: He controversially claims that nicotine can shrink glioblastoma tumors within three days and has been used by oncologists in Spain and South America to treat various cancers ([25:31]).
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Myocarditis: Dr. Ardis states that nicotine can cure myocarditis and reverse heart scarring within 14 days ([27:44]).
The Role of Pyrazines in Tobacco Products
Central to Dr. Ardis's argument is the distinction between nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco. He identifies pyrazines—15 man-made addictive chemicals—as the true agents responsible for the addictive nature of tobacco products. These additives, according to him, were intentionally included to ensure consumer dependence, thereby driving sales and profitability for tobacco companies ([09:09]).
Dr. Ardis: "There are 15 man made addictive chemicals called pyrazines in every single one of them. There is no more important message or video that should be seen than this one for the whole world."
His emphasis on pyrazines aims to redirect the blame from nicotine to these additives, advocating for nicotine's potential as a therapeutic agent when isolated from harmful substances.
Allegations Against Big Pharma and Government
Dr. Ardis accuses big pharmaceutical companies and government bodies of systematic deception regarding nicotine. He posits that the FDA's labeling and public health messages are strategies to control and suppress information that could undermine the pharmaceutical industry's drug sales.
Dr. Ardis: "Big Pharma buys the FDA's approval for all of their drugs... Why did the FDA say in 1994 a label has to go on every addictive tobacco product that reads this product contains nicotine and addictive substance."
He argues that opponents of his views are either influenced by big pharma or part of a larger conspiracy to maintain drug dependency among the population.
Controversial Claims on COVID-19 Vaccines
One of the most explosive segments of the episode involves Dr. Ardis's assertions about COVID-19 vaccines. He claims that the mRNA vaccines contain snake venom phosphodiesterase, a component he equates to "snake venom," responsible for numerous health issues labeled as long COVID in vaccinated individuals.
Dr. Ardis: "They use snake venom phosphodiesterase in their MRNA vaccines to cleave the person's RNA or DNA to do their gene editing... it's just so mind blowing and amazing."
He further connects elevated D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients who received vaccines to snake venom poisoning, suggesting deliberate genetic manipulation through vaccine administration. This claim is not supported by mainstream scientific literature and has been widely debunked by medical experts.
Recommendations for Nicotine Use
Dr. Ardis provides detailed guidance on using nicotine patches safely and effectively:
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Dosage: He recommends starting with a 1 mg nicotine patch for young children (2-12 years old), advocating for precise dosing by cutting higher-dose patches into smaller increments ([26:55]).
Dr. Ardis: "I always recommend to people if they're going to start using nicotine and they have a chronic illness, I recommend the 1 milligram size either gum. They don't even sell a 1 milligram gum. ... You bite it in half. You got one."
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Administration: Patches should be applied between the shoulders to prevent tampering and ensure steady nicotine release.
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Safety: While acknowledging the potential for overdose, Dr. Ardis asserts that with proper dosing, nicotine can be safely incorporated into daily health regimens without leading to dependency or adverse effects.
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Long-Term Use: He advocates for continuous, lifelong use of nicotine patches to prevent influenza, COVID-19, and other viral infections.
Dr. Ardis: "Wear a 3 1/2 milligram nicotine patch the rest of your life... you will destroy the whole influenza season shows up every year."
Conclusion
In this episode, Dr. Bryan Ardis presents a highly unorthodox and controversial viewpoint on nicotine, challenging entrenched medical perspectives and governmental regulations. While his arguments are fervent and backed by selectively chosen studies and personal anecdotes, they starkly contrast with established medical consensus. Listeners are left to navigate the fine line between alternative viewpoints and mainstream scientific validation, underscored by the episode's confrontational stance against big pharma and regulatory bodies.
Notable Quotes
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Dr. Ardis on Big Pharma:
"[00:09] B: It is very dangerous for big pharma. There's one nutrient called nicotine in tobacco products..."
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On Nicotine and Long COVID:
"[05:37] B: Within the third day, 50% of all of their suffering was over and all their symptoms were gone..."
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Regarding the 1994 FDA Meeting:
"[07:24] B: All seven of them raise their hand, say their name, and say, nicotine is not addictive..."
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On Pyrazines:
"[09:09] B: ...there's 15 exactly that are called pyrazines. P, Y, R A Z I N E S..."
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About COVID-19 Vaccines Containing Snake Venom:
"[28:03] B: ...they use snake venom phosphodiesterase in their MRNA vaccines to cleave the person's RNA or DNA..."
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Final Recommendation:
"[56:48] B: Wear a 3 1/2 milligram nicotine patch the rest of your life..."
Disclaimer: The views and claims presented by Dr. Bryan Ardis in this episode are highly controversial and not supported by the broader medical community. Listeners are advised to consult with licensed healthcare professionals before making any changes to their health regimens.