Kidneys are a vital component of human life. Hence, we often come across a number of social media posts highlighting the importance of healthy kidney functionality. However, the accuracy of the content of these is not guaranteed.
This is our investigation of such a misleading which claimed
Social Media Posts
Viral Facebook posts suggested that a drink made out of scent leaves has the power to clean the kidneys and maintain their healthy functionality.
“KIDNEY IS LIFE-THREATENING, PLS CLEAN IT WELL IN EVERY THREE MONTHS.
*HOW TO CLEAN KIDNEYS WITHOUT PAIN – GOOD FOR ALL AGES*
Clean your kidneys. The years go by, and our kidneys always filter the blood, eliminating salt, poison, and all that is harmful to our system.
Over time, the salt accumulates and requires cleaning treatment.
How to get rid of this?
It is very easy, first, take a bunch of Scent leaves ”Ewe Efinrin” in Yoruba language. (Nchuanwu in Igbo language) and wash well, then cut into small pieces and put in a saucepan add clean water (1 liter). Boil for ten minutes, allow it to cool, filter it into a clean bottle and refrigerate.
Drink one cup a day and you will see that all the salt and poison accumulated in your kidneys begin to appear when you urinate.
_This is recognized as the best cleansing treatment for the kidneys and it’s natural!
_Please send it to all your good friends, well-wishers, loved ones and family members! _
_It is for your own good and that of others, giving somebody relief is always rewarding
The posts were viral among Sri Lankan WhatsApp users as well.
We decided to do a fact-check on this.
Fact Check
The kidney is among the vital organs in the body. It is a bean-shaped organ on both sides of the spine, below the ribs. The role of the kidney is to filter blood, remove waste and control the body’s fluid balance.
The FactCrescendo Sri Lanka spoke with medical experts to confirm whether there was any scientific evidence to support the use of scent leaves in cleaning the kidney.
Dr.Ashan Pathirana – Health Promotion Bureau
Dr.Ashan Pathirana of the Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka said that there is no significant evidence to prove that scent leaves have the ability to clean the kidneys. He further elaborated that even though this treatment prescribed in these posts seems harmless, following /experimenting with random prescriptions for miracle cures can cause severe damage to the human body.
Nigerian Nephrologist – Dr. Fatiu Arogundade
These claims have been viral in other parts of the world as well. Africa Check consulted nephrologist Dr. Fatiu Arogundade regarding the same suit, who also mentioned that scent leaf therapy is not a scientifically proven method. He also warned against home remedies related to kidney functionality, as seen below.
“If anyone should have kidney failure or its symptoms, the person should see a physician as soon as possible. Kidney disease is not something that should be managed by just anybody or anywhere. It is too delicate.”
Dr. Fatiu Arogundade further stated that in normal conditions, salts are not accumulated as social media posts say; if salts accumulate, it`s some condition that should be treated. Africa Check article can be read here | Archived.
Health Benefits of Scent Leaf
Scent leaf is native to Nigeria, Ghana, and some parts of Africa and Asia. Apart from their aroma, Scent leaves are known for several health benefits as they are rich in calcium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, etc. Scent leaves possess some antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Also, they are used for stomach illnesses like cholera and dysentery. Since scent leaves are rich in Vitamin A, it helps promote eyesight as well. More uses of scent leaves can be found in this article.
Research Findings
We also searched the research papers and scientific findings related to the health of kidneys and scent leaves (African Basil).
In traditional medicine, Ocimum gratissimum (clove basil) is utilized to treat various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, inflammation, anemia, diarrhea, pains, and fungal and bacterial infections. The present study reviewed the phytochemicals, essential oils, and pharmacological activities of O. gratissimum. Details can be read here. Archived
And we found a research paper that concludes Ocimum G. prevented kidney injury and enhanced renal function via inhibiting inflammation and oxidant-induced Cyclophosphamide (CP) toxicity. (CP) is one of the potent and low-cost chemotherapies used in clinical settings against various tumors. However, its association with nephrotoxicity limits its therapeutic use.
Ocimum G. is said to have herbal uses. So, what the researchers did was they tested the efficiency of the extract of basil leaves against nephrotoxicity by using rats. After doing research using the rats, the research group detected that there were fewer adverse effects from CP for the rats who had been previously treated with basil leaf extract. More details about this research can be read here. Archived.
Another similar study, which was done using rats, can be read here. Archived. However, we could not find any human-related research on this subject.
Steps for healthy kidney functionality
Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Also, water helps to keep blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to the kidneys and deliver essential nutrients. Therefore, National Kidney Foundation highlights that drinking the right amount of water and being “water-wise” is paramount as seen here., Also, high salt idea t will alter this sodium balance required for optimum kidney functionality hence too much salt intake is not advised, as per this study.
Here are some guidelines from the CDC to prevent kidney problems and keep your kidneys healthy. This is a six-step guide from the National Kidney Foundation to protect kidney health.
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Conclusion
According to our investigation, the viral social media posts claiming that a drink made from scent leaves (African Basil/Clove Basil) contributes immensely towards cleansing activity of kidneys are misleading.
The right amount of water intake is a vital part of maintaining healthy kidney functionality. However, experts always advise seeking medical help in treating kidney-related diseases without resorting to home remedies since there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of such methods.
Source: https://srilanka.factcrescendo.com/
