Fact Check: Can Barley (Jaun) Water Completely remove Kidney stones?

An Instagram post claims that Barley ( jau or jaun in hindi) Water Completely removes Kidney stones. The claim is MOSTLY FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Barley Water Completely removes Kidney stones. In the post by dr.sharmarobin , an ayurvedic doctor as per the instagram profile, it is said, "Kidney stone pain is such an excruciating pain that even your worst enemy shouldn't have to endure it. This patient had undergone surgery for stones four times, but every six months to a year, a stone of the same size would form again. Just think despite repeated surgeries, the same pain, the same agony would return. Now the question is, why do these stones keep forming again and again? And an even bigger question can we get rid of them permanently without surgery?

I asked my patient to do just two simple things, and since then, he has never had any stone-related complaint again. The most remarkable part? The existing stone he had broke down completely and came out of the body.

The first thing was a very simple remedy take jaun (barley). Take a small amount of it and boil it in two glasses of water until only one glass remains. Then strain it and sip it slowly throughout the day. I’ve tested this remedy on thousands of patients and every time, I’ve seen success. The stone exits through the urinary tract as smoothly as water flows from ice. Once the stone is expelled, repeat this once or twice a week as a preventive measure.

The second thing is even easier. But before I tell you that, let me ask have you ever experienced the pain of a kidney stone? Be honest. You know how terrible that pain can be. The second remedy is kulthi dal (horse gram). Eat it two to three times a week.

And then see for yourself how the chances of forming calcium oxalate stones disappear on their own. How difficult is that? With just a simple pulse, you can avoid surgery."

The claim can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is MOSTLY FALSE. Barley may support health and adequate water intake may help in preventing stones and may remove very small stones, but there's no scientific evidence that barley water can remove kidney stones.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in one or both kidneys when mineral concentrations become too high. Also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, they can be composed of substances like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate), or uric acid.

Their presence is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

What are the treatment strategies for kidney stones?

Kidney stones vary in size. Smaller stones often pass naturally with increased fluid intake, which also helps dilute urine and reduce the risk of new stones. Larger stones typically require medical intervention, either through surgical or non-surgical procedures. Several effective treatment options are available for managing kidney stones, aimed at relieving pain and preventing complications. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily through the urinary tract. Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy involve guiding instruments through the urethra to access and either remove or fragment stones located in the bladder, ureter, or kidneys. For larger or more complex stones, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is commonly used; this technique involves a small incision in the back to insert a nephroscope directly into the kidney for stone removal, often with laser support for fragmentation. These minimally invasive procedures promote faster recovery and improved clinical outcomes.

What are the Nutritional Benefits Of Barley (Jaun)?

Barley offers a range of health benefits, primarily due to its slower starch digestion. Its high content of high-molecular-weight β-glucan functions as a prebiotic, supporting gut health by modulating the microbiome and enhancing short-chain fatty acid production, which may help prevent colon cancer and strengthen immunity. Additionally, research on highland barley grass has identified functional compounds—such as flavonoids, saponarin, lutonarin, superoxide dismutase, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols, essential minerals like calcium, potassium, selenium, and vitamins—linked to antioxidant effects and potential benefits.

Can Barley Water Completely remove Kidney stones?

While barley may provide health benefits and adequate water intake may help prevent the formation of kidney stones, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they can fully dissolve or eliminate existing stones.

Barley is recognized for its wide-ranging health-promoting properties. A review by Arif Ali et. al. highlights barley’s potential to support gut health and strengthen the immune system. It attributes these benefits to the grain’s high β-glucan content and microbiome-modulating effects. The study also identifies flavonoids, polyphenols, and key nutrients in highland barley grass that offer antioxidant protection and support chronic disease management.

Additionally, a study by Ancuța Boantă et al. highlighted that barley is rich in essential vitamins and minerals and serves as an excellent source of soluble dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucans. The researchers also noted that green barley is valued for its strong antioxidant properties and nutritional content, making it a beneficial source of vitamins and minerals.

Research indicates that barley may benefit kidney health. A study in the International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases found that barley demonstrated significant diuretic effects and helped reduce calcium deposits in the renal parenchyma, suggesting its potential in supporting renal function and preventing kidney stone formation.

Drinking plenty of water may help in prevent kidney stones by diluting urine and flushing out stone-forming minerals. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, staying well-hydrated is the most effective way to prevent most types of kidney stones. Adequate fluid intake helps keep urine diluted and assists in flushing out minerals that could lead to stone formation. While water is the best option, beverages like citrus drinks may also aid in reducing the risk of kidney stones.

Thus it can be concluded that user's claim is mostly FALSE

In a conversation Dr Tanima Das Bhattacharya, MD DM Nephrology, Consultant Nephrologist, Narayana Hospital Howrah said, "Barley is a cereal grain being used worldwide for ages for various health benefits.It contains fibres,vitamins and minerals.

Regarding kidney stones,if stones in the urinary tract are 5mm or less,they can be flushed out through urine by maintaining adequate hydration.Hydration may be with water or barley water. Barley being a mild diuretic increases the flow of urine which helps in small stone removal.

Barley contains vitamin B6 or pyridoxine.B6 can reduce oxalate excretion by reducing its production in the liver. Less Calcium oxalate formation means less calcium oxalate stones which is only one type of kidney stone. Barley can cause alkalinization of urine making it less acidic and therefore less chances of acidic stones. However kidney stones have multiple variables therefore one is to one benefit is not always true.

Beta glucan present in barley has been studied in chronic kidney disease for reducing uremic toxins and also in kidney stones.However direct benefit has not been proved.

Barley is rich in minerals and electrolytes like calcium potassium iron magnesium selenium etc.

Individuals having other issues like hypertension, diabetes,cardiac or kidney diseases and on other prescription medications might have problems with potassium levels in their blood if on regular barley drinks.Monitoring of potassium,phosphorus levels is essential in such cases.

Barley water comes in various forms and with various added ingredients. It should not be an alternative treatment. It can be an additive treatment to standard treatment for kidney stones.

As stones with swelling or obstructed urinary tract or urinary infections,pain,fever and large impacted stones should be managed with definitive medical and surgical methods."

Dr. Rajesh Loonia, Consultant, MBBS; MS (General Surgery); MCh (Urology), Narayana Super Speciality Howrah further said, "Barley water cannot completely remove kidney stones. It may help support kidney health by promoting hydration and flushing out toxins due to its diuretic properties, potentially aiding in preventing stone formation or passing very small stones. However, there’s no scientific evidence to confirm that barley water can dissolve or completely eliminate all kidney stones entirely.

For kidney stones, medical treatments like increased fluid intake, medications, or procedures (e.g., lithotripsy, ureteroscopy) are typically required, depending on the stone’s size, type, and location. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that barley water can completely remove kidney stones is false. While barley may contribute to overall kidney health and hydration may help prevent stone formation as well as help flush out smaller stones, there is no evidence to suggest that barley water can completely eliminate kidney stones.

Hence, the claim is MOSTLY FALSE.