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| - Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that aloe vera and ammonium chloride can cure all liver diseases in a month. We did the fact check and termed this claim as false.
The Claim
A Facebook post suggests mixing aloe vera juice with ammonium chloride and drinking it daily on an empty stomach with lukewarm water. It claims this concoction can completely cure liver lumps and all liver diseases in just one month.
Fact Check
Can aloe vera and ammonium chloride really cure all liver diseases?
Absolutely not. There’s no scientific proof whatsoever that this mixture can cure liver diseases. Conditions like fatty liver, cirrhosis, or liver fibrosis are serious medical issues that need proper diagnosis and treatment from a doctor. While aloe vera contains antioxidants, it’s not a cure for liver problems. Plus, ammonium chloride is a chemical that can actually be harmful if you take too much.
For expert advice, we spoke with Dr Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & HOD of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi. He says, “No single remedy can cure all liver diseases, and certainly not in just a month. Liver conditions range from fatty liver and hepatitis to cirrhosis and cancer, each requiring different treatments. Aloe vera has some antioxidants, but there’s no solid evidence that it heals liver disease. Ammonium chloride, on the other hand, can be harmful if consumed in excess, potentially worsening liver function. The liver is a vital organ that needs proper care—balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and medical guidance when needed. Relying on unproven remedies can delay real treatment and cause more harm than good.”
On a related note, some people suggest that aloe vera is good for digestion; however, there is still a lack of strong scientific consensus on this.
Does ammonium chloride have any liver-healing properties?
No, it doesn’t. Ammonium chloride is used in industrial applications, cough syrups (in small, controlled amounts) and as a food additive, but there’s no medical research to back up its use for treating liver diseases. In fact, too much ammonium chloride can cause problems like nausea and can even be toxic, especially if you have existing kidney or liver issues.
Can aloe vera juice with ammonium chloride remove liver lumps?
Definitely not. Liver lumps (nodules or tumours) are usually caused by infections, scarring, or even cancer. They need proper medical evaluation, scans, and sometimes biopsies to figure out what they are. Drinking this mixture won’t shrink or dissolve them. Trying unproven remedies can actually be dangerous because it can delay proper treatment and make the condition worse.
Similarly, some social media posts also claim that a back massage can cure fatty liver at home. However, this lacks scientific evidence.
Are there any risks in consuming this mixture of aloe vera juice and ammonium chloride?
Yes, there are potential risks. Here’s why:
Aloe vera latex (the yellowish substance in the leaf) contains anthraquinones, which have strong laxative effects. Consuming it can lead to diarrhoea, dehydration, and imbalances in the body’s salts and minerals. Prolonged use has also been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Instead of healing the liver, excessive consumption may actually cause liver damage over time. Additionally, there are other side effects of aloe vera juice that you should be aware of.
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High doses of ammonium chloride can lead to a dangerous increase in blood acidity (acidosis), nausea, and strain on the kidneys. It’s not meant for regular consumption.
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Relying on unproven home remedies can give people a false sense of security and stop them from getting the medical help they really need.
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We reached out to Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, and General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her expert insights. She explains, “Consuming a mixture of aloe vera juice and ammonium chloride can be quite risky. Aloe vera latex, found in the leaf, has strong laxative effects that may lead to diarrhoea, dehydration, and even liver strain with long-term use. Ammonium chloride, while used in certain medications, can disrupt the body’s acid-base balance if taken in excess, potentially affecting kidney and liver function. Together, these substances do not form a safe or effective remedy for liver health. Instead of relying on unproven mixtures, it’s always best to follow evidence-based medical advice and maintain a balanced diet for liver support.”
While diet can help in managing liver disease to some extent, it cannot replace essential medical intervention when necessary.
THIP Media Take
The claim that aloe vera and ammonium chloride can cure all liver diseases in a month is completely false. There’s no scientific or medical evidence to support this. Liver conditions need professional diagnosis and proper treatment. Taking too much aloe vera latex and ammonium chloride can be harmful. Always talk to a doctor before trying any of these kinds of remedies.
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