If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen her. A gray-haired woman with a calm, steady voice explaining how a castor oil pack can change your life or why your body is designed to heal itself. Barbara O'Neill has become a digital sensation, but the internet has a weird way of killing people off before their time. People are constantly searching: is Barbara O'Neill still alive 2024? Let’s clear the air immediately. Yes, Barbara O’Neill is very much alive.
The confusion usually stems from a few different places. Sometimes it’s a mix-up with an American actress named Barbara O'Neil (who passed away back in 1980) or other individuals with similar names who have recently appeared in obituary columns. Honestly, in the age of AI-generated death hoaxes, it’s hard to know what’s real. But as of 2024 and heading into 2026, the Australian naturopath is active, traveling, and still teaching her controversial health protocols.
The Viral Comeback No One Expected
It’s actually kinda wild. Back in 2019, Barbara was basically "canceled" by the Australian government. The Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) in New South Wales handed down a lifetime ban. They said she couldn’t provide health services or education in Australia ever again. For most people, that would be the end of the road.
But then the internet happened.
Instead of fading away, her old lectures from Misty Mountain Health Retreat started blowing up on social media. You've probably seen the clips. She talks about the "8 Laws of Health" and things like:
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- Using onion poultices for ear infections.
- The benefits of Celtic sea salt.
- Why sugar is essentially "fuel" for cancer.
Because she can’t legally teach in Australia, she’s shifted her focus elsewhere. She spends a lot of time in the United States and other countries where her presence is still allowed. In fact, she’s been seen at various wellness retreats and Seventh-day Adventist events throughout 2024 and 2025.
Why People Think She’s Gone
There was a specific obituary for a "Barbara O’Neill" in Bozeman, Montana, that made the rounds in early 2024. This woman was 71 and very active in her community, which led many fans of the "health" Barbara to panic. When you see a headline that says "Barbara O'Neill Obituary," your brain jumps to the person you recognize.
But if you look at the actual life of the naturopath, she’s still posting updates. Her official channels and the organizations she works with—like Red River Outpost—continue to release "Camp Meeting" sessions and health Q&As well into the current year.
The 2019 Ban: What Most People Get Wrong
People often argue about why she was banned. It wasn’t just "the government hating natural stuff." The HCCC investigation was pretty specific. They were concerned about her claims regarding cancer and vaccines. Specifically, the commission found that her advice—like suggesting infants don't need antibiotics or that cancer could be cured with baking soda—posed a "risk to the health and safety of the public."
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Barbara doesn't call herself a doctor. She calls herself a "health educator." She’s always maintained that she’s just showing people how to give their bodies the right conditions to heal. It’s that classic clash between traditional Western medicine and alternative naturopathy.
Whether you love her or think she’s dangerous, the reality is she’s become more popular after the ban than she ever was before it.
Her Current Work in 2024 and 2026
Right now, Barbara is basically a nomadic health speaker. She’s heavily involved with the Seventh-day Adventist community and often speaks at their retreats.
Recent seminars have covered topics like:
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- The Immune System: How to "re-program" it through lifestyle.
- The Mind-Body Connection: Dealing with depression and anxiety naturally.
- Hormonal Balance: This is a big one for her, involving things like wild yam cream and diet changes.
She’s also been dealing with a weird new problem: AI clones. Because she’s so popular, scammers are using AI to make it look like she’s endorsing "miracle" weight loss gummies or CBD oils. If you see an ad where her mouth looks a little glitchy and she’s trying to sell you a specific supplement bottle, it’s almost certainly a fake. The real Barbara usually sticks to whole foods and simple home remedies.
Is Her Advice Actually Safe?
This is where you have to use some common sense. A lot of what she teaches is basic, solid health advice. Drink more water. Get some sun. Stop eating processed junk. No doctor is going to argue with that.
But when it gets into the "treat your stage 4 cancer with lemon juice" territory (which was part of the original controversy), that’s where things get dicey. Most experts suggest a "middle of the road" approach. You can use her tips for better sleep or digestion, but don't ignore your actual doctor when it comes to serious, life-threatening stuff.
Nuance is everything. Barbara’s followers swear by her because her methods are cheap and accessible. Not everyone can afford expensive treatments, so a "ginger poultice" feels like a gift. Just remember that she isn't a medical doctor and her Australian credentials were permanently revoked for a reason.
What to Do if You’re Following Her Protocols
If you're looking into her "Self Heal by Design" teachings, here’s how to handle it practically:
- Verify the source. Make sure the video you're watching is actually her and not an AI-generated scam. Look for the "Red River Outpost" or official Misty Mountain logos.
- Talk to your GP. Seriously. If you’re going to stop a medication or try a fast she recommends, just let your doctor know. They might tell you it’s fine, or they might explain why it’ll mess with your current prescriptions.
- Start small. Don't overhaul your entire life based on one 60-second TikTok clip. If you want to try the Celtic salt under the tongue thing, go for it, but monitor how you feel.
- Watch for "New" content. She is still filming new lectures. If you want the most up-to-date info on what she's doing, check for "Camp Meeting 2025" or "2026" series which are being released through her partner ministries.
The bottom line? Barbara O’Neill is alive, she’s still teaching, and she’s probably more influential now than she was five years ago. Just keep your eyes open and your skeptical hat on when it comes to the "miracle cure" claims.