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| - Last Updated on February 14, 2025 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking bay leaves and apple cider vinegar can help prevent kidney and gallstones in just 3 days. We fact checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
We received a tip via our WhatsApp line at +91-85078 85079 regarding an Instagram post claiming that drinking a mixture of bay leaves and apple cider vinegar (made by combining half a cup of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and adding 5-6 bay leaves, then refrigerating it for an hour) can dissolve gallstones and kidney stones in just three days.
Fact Check
Can bay leaves dissolve kidney and gallstones?
No, they cannot. Bay leaves may have some health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties, but they are not effective in dissolving kidney stones or gallstones. There’s no scientific evidence that supports this claim. While bay leaves have been traditionally used in some cultures for digestive issues, their role in breaking down stones within the body is unproven.
Kidney stones and gallstones are hardened deposits of minerals and substances like calcium or cholesterol, and they form over time. For a substance to dissolve these stones, it would need a specific chemical composition that can break down those deposits. Bay leaves simply don’t have the necessary compounds to do this. Although bay leaves are great for seasoning food, they don’t possess the dissolving power needed to eliminate stones.
We spoke to Dr Prerna Chaudhary, BAMS, Founder of Shri Shubhda Ayurveda Wellness Clinic in Gurugram, for an Ayurvedic take on natural remedies for gallstones. She explained, “Ayurveda does not offer specific medicinal treatments for gallstones. However, as per Acharya Sushruta, the father of Ayurvedic Surgery, gallstones are considered a type of Shalya (foreign body) resulting from a dosha imbalance. These stones should ideally be removed through Shalya Karma (surgical management). For gallstones measuring less than 3-4 mm (Pitta-Ashmari), Ayurvedic medicines prescribed by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner can help dissolve them.”
We spoke with Dr. Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad P, Consultant Nephrologist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. He explained that kidney stones are common in tropical countries due to dehydration, and treatment depends on the stone type. While home remedies don’t prevent kidney stones, reducing risk involves staying hydrated, cutting salt, maintaining a healthy weight, eating calcium-rich foods, and avoiding high-oxalate foods. For uric acid stones, limiting meat, sugar, carbs, alcohol, and smoking can help manage the risk.
Does apple cider vinegar really help dissolve stones?
Partially yes. It may dissolve kidney stones as per some studies. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a home remedy for many ailments, but there’s no direct scientific proof that it can break down kidney or gallstones. Some studies believe that the acidity of vinegar can help ‘dissolve’ kidney stones, but there aren’t any studies that talk about apple cider vinegar dissolving stones.
Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, advises, “To reduce the risk of gallstones, avoid very low-calorie diets and prioritise a balanced diet with healthy fats. Keeping a stable, healthy weight is crucial. It’s also important to seek guidance from qualified professionals who provide evidence-based information, ensuring you follow trustworthy health practices.”
What should you do if you suspect you have stones?
Seek medical advice immediately. If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain in your side or lower back, nausea, vomiting, or changes in urine colour, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose whether you have gallstones or kidney stones and recommend the best treatment for your situation.
The treatment for kidney and gallstones depends on their size, type, and location. A doctor can conduct imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans to determine the exact nature of the stones and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Relying on home remedies might delay important treatments and put your health at risk.
What are the best ways to prevent stones from forming?
Prevention is key, and it involves lifestyle changes. There’s no quick fix, but there are ways to reduce your risk of developing kidney or gallstones. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent the formation of stones. For those prone to kidney stones, cutting back on salt and animal protein may be beneficial, while for gallstones, avoiding high-fat, high-cholesterol foods can lower the risk.
Preventing kidney and gallstones is much more effective than trying to dissolve them later. Small, simple lifestyle changes can help keep your kidneys and gallbladder functioning properly, which reduces your chances of facing a painful episode with stones.
Conclusion
Bay leaves and apple cider vinegar cannot dissolve kidney or gallstones in three days. These home remedies lack scientific backing and shouldn’t be used as a replacement for proper medical care. If you’re suffering from gallstones or kidney stones, the best approach is to see a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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