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| - Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating an apple with cloves can cure migraines and acidity. We fact checked this claim and found it to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that placing seven cloves inside an apple and leaving it for 12 hours can cure migraines and acidity. The remedy suggests eating the apple each morning for 30 to 40 days. Additionally, it asserts that this method can heal throat damage caused by acid reflux.
Fact Check
Can an apple with cloves completely cure migraines?
No, there’s no strong evidence to suggest that an apple with cloves can relieve or cure migraines. Both apples and cloves offer nutrients and have been studied for potential health benefits, but they are not recognised treatments for migraine relief.
Some studies have looked at natural remedies for migraines, such as apple-quince syrup, which showed benefits in reducing the severity and frequency of migraines for some people. However, this research focused on a syrup made from apple and quince, not on whole apples for migraines or on combining apples with cloves. Cloves contain eugenol, known for mild pain-relieving properties, yet there’s no clinical evidence it can relieve migraine pain when taken with apples. Moreover, sniffing the aroma of clove oil has shown to reduce headache symptoms, but this effect is mild and temporary and does not support using cloves as a migraine cure.
We reached out to Dr Vivek Barun, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, for his take on an apple and cloves for migraine. He says, “As you know, migraine is a condition with a complex pathophysiology. Effective treatment involves both acute therapies to manage individual attacks and prophylactic therapies for prevention. While apples contain magnesium and other trace minerals that may help reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks to some extent, they cannot cure migraines.”
Dr Chandril Chugh, Senior Neurologist and Co-founder of Doctor Good Deed, New Delhi, clarifies, “Apples and cloves have traditionally been considered helpful for easing certain types of pain, including headaches and migraines. Apples are thought to contain compounds that may help balance the body’s pH and reduce headache triggers. Cloves, known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties due to compounds like eugenol, may offer natural pain relief. Consuming these in small amounts or as part of a warm infusion might be soothing. However, while such home remedies may provide mild relief, they should complement medical advice and are not substitutes for proven migraine treatments.”
We also got valuable insights from Dr Sreenivas Meenakshisundaram, Consultant Neurologist, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, on apple and clove for curing migraines. He states, “Cloves and apples have no correlation with migraine relief. The only nutritional factors known to reduce migraines are magnesium and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). While apples contain these nutrients, they are not present in amounts sufficient to act as a prophylactic.”
Dr Varun Kodam, Consultant Neurologist, TX Hospitals, Banjara Hills, explains, “Migraine is a very common type of headache disorder with many known triggers. There are no specific foods that can cure migraines, despite claims on social media. The best approach is to identify foods that trigger attacks (such as alcohol, monosodium glutamate, caffeine, etc.) and avoid them. This can help decrease the frequency of migraine attacks.”
Dr Mithilesh Kumar, Consultant Neurologist, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, clarifies, “They are not proven by evidence and may or may not help, as there is no data to support their effectiveness. Though apples have nutritional value, I would encourage viewers and listeners to consult a neurologist for proper care, as migraines can significantly impact quality of life.”
We have also come across claims suggesting cream of tartar for migraine relief. But, even this does not work.
Can this combination of an apple and cloves cure acidity?
No, eating an apple with cloves won’t cure acidity or acid reflux. While apples are alkaline and may help ease acidity symptoms, cloves show mild gastroprotective effects. However, there is no evidence that combining them can cure acidity.
Apples provide fibre and nutrients that may support digestion, while cloves might help with symptoms like heartburn. However, no studies show that this combination reduces stomach acid or heals acid reflux damage. Managing acidity usually involves avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and sometimes using antacids or acid reducers. Cloves may help in digestion, but they’re not enough to cure acidity or repair acid reflux damage.
Can an apple with cloves heal acid reflux damage in the throat?
No, an apple with cloves cannot heal acid reflux damage in the throat. Acid reflux can inflame the oesophagus lining, sometimes requiring medical treatment. While cloves have anti-inflammatory properties, they aren’t strong enough to reverse acid-related damage. Managing acid levels and consulting a healthcare provider are essential for healing.
THIP Media Take
The claim that eating an apple with cloves can cure migraines, acidity, and heal acid reflux damage is false. Both apples and cloves have nutritional benefits, but there is no scientific evidence supporting this combination as a remedy for these conditions. For effective relief from migraines or acidity, it’s best to rely on proven medical treatments and consult a healthcare professional.
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