Fact Check: Can drinking carrot, bay leaf, honey, and sweet orange-infused water remove gallbladder and kidney stones?

Claim: An Instagram post claims that drinking carrot, bay leaf, honey, and sweet orange-infused water cure gallbladder and kidney stones. The Instagram post by tip2 recipes titled "Remove the stone from the gallbladder and kidneys" has a voice stating," If you have stones in your gallbladder or kidneys I bring you a natural alternative with great medicinal benefits. The constant use of this remedy can help you dissolve those dangerous stones and avoid an operation. You will need bee honey, bay leaves, sweet orange and carrot for this simple to prepare infusion. The combination of these ingredients provides impressive health benefits." The video goes on to suggest to make a concoction of the three ingredients

" To begin add two cups or half a liter of water to a saucepan. Add half a sweet orange a handful of bay leaves. Half a sliced carrot and two tablespoons of pure be honey. Let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes. after boiling let it steep for a few minutes strain and serve. The video then suggests to drink this infusion every day on an empty stomach for three months and that the mixture of these ingredients creates a Potent combination that improves overall health, strengthening the immune system promoting vide digestion and taking care of the skin and eyesight." 

 The video has 27.3k likes. The claim can be accessed here 

Fact Check:  Amongst other claims, the video makes the claim that drinking this concoction of carrot, honey, bay leaves and sweet orange can remove gall bladder and kidney stones. This claim is FALSE.

Gall Stones and its treatment 

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the United States National Institutes of Health, defines gallstones as hard, pebble-like pieces of material, usually made of cholesterol or bilirubin, that form in the gallbladder(9).

Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Gallstones are also known as Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis Gallstones develop within the gallbladder or biliary tract and arise from an imbalance in the components that constitute bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Cholesterol gallstones form when there is an excess of cholesterol in the bile, while pigment gallstones develop due to an excess of bilirubin in the bile.

There are two types of gallstones, cholesterol gallstone and calcium bilirubinate. The cholesterol gallstone contains cholesterol whereas calcium bilirubinate gallstone contains bilirubin.

To treat gallstones there are two methods which are used, surgical and non-surgical methods.

The surgical method comprises: -

Cholecystectomy is the surgical procedure that is performed to remove the gallbladder. Surgeons perform two types of cholecystectomy:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy- Cholecystectomy is performed with laparoscopic surgery then it is known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Open cholecystectomy- An open cholecystectomy is performed when the gallbladder is severely inflamed, infected, or scarred from other operations.

Nonsurgical treatments include: -

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)- ERCP is used to remove a gallstone that is stuck in the common bile duct.

Oral dissolution therapy- Chenodiol and Ursodiol are medicines that contain bile acids that can break up gallstones.

Shock wave lithotripsy - Shock wave lithotripsy is used to blast gallstones into small pieces. Doctors use this procedure only rarely, and sometimes along with ursodiol. (9)

Kidney Stones and its treatment 

According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a kidney stone is a solid, pebble-like piece of material that can form in one or both of the kidneys when high levels of minerals are present(8). They are also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis. Calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, struvite, magnesium ammonium phosphate, and uric acid stones are the types of kidney stones. (5)

Kidney stones are associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney diseases, end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension (1).

To remove the kidney stones or break them into small pieces, a urologist performs the following treatments: 

Shock wave lithotripsy- This method blasts the kidney stone into small pieces. The smaller pieces of kidney stones then pass through the urinary tract.

Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy-In cystoscopy, the doctor investigates the position of the stone in the urethra and bladder by using a cystoscope however in ureteroscopy, ureteroscope is used to examine the detailed images of the linings of the uterus and kidneys. A cystoscope and ureteroscope are inserted through the urethra to investigate the rest of the urinary tract. Once the stone is detected, the doctor removes it or breaks it into smaller pieces.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy- Nephroscope is a thin viewing tool, used to locate and remove kidney stones. The doctor directly inserts the tool into the kidney by making a small cut in the back of the patient. For large kidney stones, the laser is used to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces. (8)

Benefits of Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of carotenoids, fiber, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, vitamins & minerals and they provide nutritional health advantages. Due to the presence of carotenoids, polyphenols & vitamins carrots are rich sources of antioxidants, anticarcinogens, and immune boosters. Carrots have anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing properties as well. (2)

Benefits of Bay Leaf

Bay leaf is utilized in food for flavoring, as an essential oil, and in traditional medicine. It contains tannins, flavones, flavonoids, alkaloids, eugenol, linalool, methyl chavicol, and anthocyanins. Bay leaves possess wound-healing, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulant, antifungal, and anti-convulsant properties. (3)

They are employed in treating skin allergies, rheumatism, bad breath, nausea, vomiting, fever, anemia, and diarrhea due to their astringent, aromatic, carminative, and stimulant qualities. The seeds of bay leaves combined with honey are used to treat coughs and dysentery in children.

Benefits of Honey

Honey possesses wound-healing, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. It is abundant in antioxidants and phenolic compounds, which aid in protecting the body against oxidative stress. Additionally, honey serves as a natural preservative in certain food products, helping to extend their shelf life.(4)

Benefits of Sweet Orange

Sweet oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting immunity, enhancing skin health, and combating infections. They also provide vitamin A, flavonoids, potassium, and fiber, which are essential for good vision, healthy digestion, and maintaining blood pressure.(10)

Can drinking carrot, bay leaf, honey, and sweet orange-infused water cures gallbladder and kidney stones?

We searched detailed on the scientific database and could not find a study that would relate any of the ingredients of carrot, bay leaf, honey, and sweet orange-infused to removal of gall stones, let alone its water based concoction.

The study conducted by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK) determined that eating a high-fiber diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, and oats, while limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can lower the risk of developing gallstones. Additionally, consuming healthy fats like fish oil and olive oil promotes regular contraction and emptying of the gallbladder, which further helps in preventing gallstone formation.(8)

The study conducted by Ferraro et.al published in Journal of American Family Physician showed that by increasing fluid intake to 2.5 to 3 L per day and decreasing the intake of carbonated drinks especially those acidified with phosphoric acid can prevent recurrent kidney stones. It was also found that consumption of high fiber and vegetables with a normal content of calcium (1.0 to 1.2g per day) is helpful in preventing stone occurrence. Intake of limited sodium (4 to 5 g per day) and animal protein (0.8 to 1.0 g per kg per day) also helps to prevent stone occurrence. (6)

Another study conducted by Pietro Manuel et.al. published in Journal of American Society of Nephrology concluded that the consumption of carbonated drinks which includes soda increases the risk of stone formation as they are rich in fructose which is a sugar sweetener and is associated with stone formation, obesity, and gout formation. However, citrus fruits such as orange, lemon and sweet oranges contain citric acid which increases urine citrate excretion and reduces the risk of stones. (7)

Scientific evidence has been found that indicates that drinking water and eating a balanced diet helps in dissolving kidney stones. However, no scientific research has indicated that drinking honey, bay leaf, carrot and sweet orange-infused water can remove kidney and gallbladder stones.

What do the experts say?

The Health Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr. Kartikeya Kohli, Nephrologist, Internal Medicine consultant at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital, responded to the claim," Kidney stones are the solid masses formed from crystals in the urinary tract, arise due to high mineral and salt levels in urine. Consumption of specific foods, including carrots, bay leaves, honey, and sweet oranges does not have an effect on kidney stones. While honey, carrot, bayleaf and sweet orange offer various health benefits, carrots being rich in antioxidants, honey have antimicrobial property, bayleaf have immunostimulant property and sweet orange have ability to boost immunity but they all do not have ability to manage kidney stones. Increasing fluid intake, limiting oxalates, and reducing sodium help reduce stone risk. Hydration can aid in flushing out small stones, but larger stones require medical intervention. Infused water from these ingredients should not replace professional medical advice or treatment. Consult a nephrologist for proper management rather than relying on unproven remedies.

Dr. Prashanth Krishna, Gastroenterologist, Consultant Department of Gastroenterology and Transplant, Prashant Hospital, responded to the claim  "There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones primarily consist of undissolved cholesterol. Pigment stones consist of excess bilirubin, which is a pigment that forms during the breakdown of red blood cells. Not everybody with gallstones will experience symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they can include pain in the right upper quadrant, fever, jaundice, bloating, heartburn, vomiting."

"Drinking infused water made from carrot, bay leaf, honey, and sweet orange is unlikely to remove gallstones. Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder and typically require medical intervention for removal if they cause symptoms or complications. While some home remedies and natural therapies are promoted for gallstones, such as certain diets or herbal treatments, their effectiveness is often not scientifically proven or sufficient for treating established gallstones. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options if you suspect you have gallstones or are experiencing symptoms related to them," Dr Prashanth added

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

Scientific studies show that carrot has antioxidants properties, bay leaf has antiviral, and immunostimulant properties, honey has wound-healing and antimicrobial properties and Sweet oranges have antioxidant properties and help boost immunity. However, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that drinking carrot, bay leaf, honey, and sweet orange-infused water can remove gallbladder and kidney stones.

Hence, the claim that drinking carrot, bay leaf, honey, and sweet orange-infused water removes gallbladder and kidney stones is FALSE.

Reference

1. Alelign, T., & Petros, B. (2018). Kidney Stone Disease: An Update on Current Concepts. Advances in urology, 2018, 3068365. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3068365
2. Varshney, K., & Mishra, K. (2022). An analysis of health benefits of carrots. International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering & Management, 9(1), 211-214
3. Batool, S., Khera, R. A., Hanif, M. A., & Ayub, M. A. (2020). Bay leaf. In medicinal plants of South Asia (pp. 63-74). Elsevier.
4. Mandal, M. D., & Mandal, S. (2011). Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine, 1(2), 154–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6
5.  Frassetto, L., & Kohlstadt, I. (2011). Treatment and prevention of kidney stones: an update.
   American family physician, 84(11), 1234–1242.
6. Fontenelle, L. F., & Sarti, T. D. (2019). Kidney stones: treatment and prevention. American family physician, 99(8), 490-496.
7. Ferraro, P. M., Taylor, E. N., Gambaro, G., & Curhan, G. C. (2013). Soda and other beverages and the risk of kidney stones. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 8(8), 1389-1395.
8. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones
9. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/treatment

10. Etebu, E., & Nwauzoma, A. B. (2014). A review on sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L Osbeck): health, diseases and management. American Journal of Research Communication, 2(2), 33-70.