Quick Take
A social media post suggest that soaking an herbal decoction overnight in a copper vessel and then boiling it can help patients with high uric acid levels. We fact checked and found the claim to be false.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that soaking cloves, green cardamom, giloy stem, cinnamon, tulsi leaves, and fennel seeds overnight in a copper vessel, then boiling it into a decoction and drinking it in the morning, can remove excess uric acid from the body.
Fact Check
Can this decoction actually remove uric acid from the body?
No, it cannot. Uric acid is not something that simply “builds up” and can be washed away with a herbal drink. It is a natural waste product formed when your body breaks down purines, compounds found in foods like red meat, seafood, alcohol, and even in your own cells.
Once produced, uric acid circulates in the blood and is filtered by the kidneys, eventually leaving the body through urine. If levels rise too high, due to excess production or poor excretion, it can lead to a condition called hyperuricaemia, and in some cases, gout.
Now here’s the key point: this entire process is tightly controlled by your liver and kidneys. No single drink, no matter how herbal or traditional, can override or “flush out” uric acid in a meaningful or immediate way. Claims suggesting otherwise oversimplify a complex biological system.
Dr Archana Daftardar, Consultant Nephrologist, Hypertension & Transplant Physician at Renova Hospital, Hyderabad, explains that no homemade herbal drink or DIY remedy can reliably break down or eliminate existing uric acid. Managing gout effectively requires long-term control of uric acid levels, rather than relying on quick fixes or so-called detox solutions.
Do the individual ingredients have any real effect on uric acid levels?
Yes, but only mildly and indirectly. Let’s break it down. Each ingredient in this decoction has some known health properties, but none act as a direct uric acid-lowering treatment.
- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Often praised in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. Some early studies suggest it may help reduce inflammation linked to gout, but it does not significantly lower uric acid levels.
- Tulsi (holy basil): Known for its antioxidant and mild diuretic properties. It may support kidney function slightly, which could help in overall metabolic balance,but again, not enough to treat high uric acid.
- Cinnamon and cloves: Rich in antioxidants and may help reduce oxidative stress. While this is good for general health, it does not directly impact uric acid metabolism.
- Fennel seeds and green cardamom: Commonly used for digestion and bloating. They may make you feel lighter, but they do not influence uric acid production or excretion.
So while the ingredients are not “bad”, they are also not a solution to the problem being claimed.
Does storing it in a copper vessel add any special benefit?
No, this is largely a myth in this context. Copper vessels are often associated with antimicrobial benefits and trace mineral intake. While copper is an essential mineral in small amounts, there is no clinical evidence linking copper-infused water to reduced uric acid levels.
In fact, excessive copper exposure over time may lead to toxicity, especially if used incorrectly. So using a copper glass does not make this remedy more effective,it simply adds to the myth.
Can relying on such remedies delay proper treatment?
Yes, and that can be risky. This is where things get concerning. When people believe that home remedies can “fix” high uric acid, they may delay seeking proper care. Meanwhile, uric acid levels continue to rise silently.
While some home remedies may provide temporary relief, Dr Sharad Malhotra, HOD – Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, advises against relying on them for long-term use. He stresses that these methods lack strong scientific evidence and should not replace proven, evidence-based medical treatments.
Over time, this can lead to painful gout attacks, joint damage, kidney stones, or even kidney issues. Evidence-based management includes:
- Reducing high-purine foods (like organ meats, certain seafood, and alcohol)
- Staying well hydrated
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Taking prescribed medications when needed
These approaches are backed by strong research,not social media claims.
So herbal decoction may feel soothing, traditional, and even slightly beneficial for general wellness, but it is not a cure for high uric acid. The claim that it can “clear” uric acid is not supported by science.
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