But when it comes to health tips, the site is full of dodgy information, with unfounded warnings about things that are safe — like bras and sunscreen — and zealous promotion of things with little-to-no proven benefits — like cleanses and vaginal steaming. Some of the alternative medicine practices on the site could even be dangerous.
In a statement provided to Business Insider, Goop said that readers should consult their doctors before "making any changes in [their] medical routine." A similar warning appears at the very bottom of many posts, clarifying that they intend to "highlight alternative studies" and that "the views of the author ... do not necessarily represent the views of Goop."
"Goop regularly shares perspectives and insights from a range of experts in health, wellness, and other fields," Goop said in the statement. "The thoughts shared ... stimulate discussion and conversation on a variety of topics for the consideration of our readers."
Yet some of these "insights" are scientifically indefensible.
We looked into the facts behind some of Goop's most dubious claims.
Myth No. 1: Getting stung by bees can safely reduce inflammation or heal an old injury.
Myth No. 4: A vaginal steam with mugwort will balance your female hormone levels.
A Goop guide to spas raved about a "V-Steam." It explained the experience thusly:
You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwort steam cleanses your uterus, et al. It is an energetic release—not just a steam douche—that balances female hormone levels.
But ob-gyn Dr. Draion Burch told LiveScience that scientific evidence doesn't back this practice up. He even said that it could cause burns or bacterial infections.