Fact Check: Can Clove Studded Apple Completely Eliminate Migraine and Acidity in 40 days?

An Instagram reel claims that a clove studded apple can completely eliminate migraine and acidity in 40 days. The claim by the user is false.

Claim

An Instagram reel posted by the user medimanch, claims that a combination of apple and clove can completely eliminate migraine and acidity in 40 days. The caption of the reel states "Eat an apple with cloves inserted in it for 40 days – see the benefits."

The speaker in the reel says "Try inserting cloves into an apple and see what happens. Eat it this way for 40 days, and you’ll see the benefits—it's said to permanently cure migraines. Yes, permanently. It's said to work within half an hour—relieving migraine, acidity, and chest heaviness. So, the method is: take seven cloves. One side of the clove has a flower-like head, and the other side is pointed like a pin. Insert the pointed side into the apple like this, do it at night, and keep the apple in the fridge—or anywhere. In the morning, eat it on an empty stomach. Make sure to peel the apple before eating. For those with thyroid issues: take your thyroid medicine first, and then eat this apple-clove remedy half an hour later."

The reel has 415096 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim by the user is False. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating an apple with cloves inserted in it for 40 days can permanently cure migraine or acidity. While cloves and apples have some health benefits, this home remedy is not a proven or medically recommended treatment for either condition.

What are the nutritional benefits of Apple?

Apples are the second most consumed fruit globally, rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, along with a variety of health-promoting polyphenols. These include compounds such as flavonols, anthocyanins, and flavanols. Because of these beneficial components, apples have been linked to protective effects against several health conditions, including cancer, asthma, heart disease, Alzheimer's, aging-related decline, obesity, and diabetes.

What are the nutritional benefits of Cloves?

Clove, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum, originally from Indonesia and now grown in places like Brazil, is a highly valued spice used for centuries in food preservation and traditional medicine. It is especially rich in phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate, and gallic acid, making it useful in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and agriculture. Studies have shown that clove has stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial properties than many fruits, vegetables, and other spices.

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a common neurological disorder with a genetic link, marked by recurring moderate to severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. These headaches are often accompanied by nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, lasting from hours to days and significantly affecting daily life. Triggers vary by person and may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental factors. Diagnosis is based on a patient’s history, physical exam, and established criteria. Treatment involves managing attacks with quick-relief medications, using preventive therapies to reduce how often and how severely migraines occur, and making lifestyle changes. A team-based, patient-focused approach is essential for improving care and outcomes in people living with this chronic condition.

What is Acidity?

Acidity, commonly known as heartburn, refers to a burning feeling in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. This can occur due to acid reflux or its more persistent form, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Certain foods—such as spicy meals, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, tomatoes, alcohol, and drinks with caffeine like coffee and tea—can trigger or worsen symptoms. While occasional heartburn is usually harmless, frequent episodes that interfere with daily life or stem from GERD can lead to more serious esophageal problems.

Can a combination of apple and clove completely eliminate migraine in 40 days?

Both, apple and clove offer various nutritional and health benefits. Apples are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while cloves provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antiviral properties. However, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support that this combination of clove and apple can completely eliminate migraine and acidity in 40 days.

A study published in the journal Bioscience Research had concluded that apple-quince syrup is a safe and effective treatment for reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine headaches. After three months of use, patients experienced significantly fewer and less severe migraine attacks compared to those who received a placebo, suggesting its potential as a helpful first-line option for managing migraines. However, the study does not mention any role of clove in relieving or eliminating migraine, nor does it support the claim that consuming the remedy for 40 days has any therapeutic effect.

The Association of Migraine Disorders classifies apples and apple juice as migraine-safe foods. However, it does not mention anything regarding eliminating migraine completely.

Another article in the journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry has stated that a paste of milk, salt crystals, and cloves can be a great headache remedy. However the article does not mention anything about completely eliminating migraine.

While both apple and clove offer various nutritional and therapeutic benefits, there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the claim that a combination of clove-studded apple can completely eliminate migraines within 40 days. Although studies have explored the individual benefits of apple-based remedies and clove-containing preparations, no clinical research validates the effectiveness of this specific combination for migraine treatment.

Dr. Bharath Kumar Surisetti, Consultant Neuro Physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, said, "Although apples and cloves have some nutritional benefits, there’s no scientific evidence to support that they can cure them. While they may provide minor relief due to their nutritional properties, they’re not a proven solution. For effective management of migraines, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional and consider evidence-based treatments tailored to your condition."

Can a combination of apple and clove completely eliminate acidity in 40 days?

A study in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry highlights clove oil's effectiveness in relieving indigestion, gas, and bloating. It also eases peptic ulcer discomfort and helps with nausea, hiccups, motion sickness, and vomiting. However, it does not specifically mention its effects on acidity or heartburn.

A study published in the journal Nutrients mentioned that a mix of natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, apple, and banana has shown promise in easing symptoms of non-erosive reflux disease. The study does not mention about apple completely eliminating acidity in 40 days.

Apple and clove both have recognized nutritional and digestive benefits. Apple has been studied as part of natural remedies for reflux-related conditions, while clove oil is known to aid in digestion and relieve symptoms like bloating and nausea. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that consuming a clove-studded apple can completely eliminate acidity within 40 days.

Dr. D. Chandra Sekhar Reddy, Sr. Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic Endoscopist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, said, "In Instagram some people are claiming that apples with cloves cures acidity in 40 days. This claim is false and there is no scientific basis for this claim. Let me explain how acid is secreted in our stomach and when can it cause problems. In a normal person acid is secreted in the stomach and it helps in the digestion of food. Acid converts pepsinogen to pepsin and it is useful for the digestion of proteins. If stomach is infected with bacteria like Helicobacter pylori it can lead to increased acid production and it can lead to formation of ulcers. Some medicines like pain killers and steroids damage the protective barrier of the stomach mucosa and this can lead to ulcer formation. Some times acid can reflux in to the esophagus it can cause heart burn which is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). GERD is precipitated by overweight, excess fatty food consumption and excess coffee or tea intake. Coming to clove it is used as spice and it contains some antioxidants like eugenol. Clove consumption doesn't have any effect on acidity. Coming to apple it contains vitamins, minerals, fibre and carbohydrates and apple also doesn't have any effect on acidity. There is no scientific evidence also that apples with cloves cures acidity. By all these facts we can conclude that the Instagram claim apples and cloves cures acidity is false."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Both apples and cloves offer specific health benefits. Apples are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while cloves provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antiviral properties. However, there in no scientific evidence that consuming clove studded apple can effectively manage or completely eliminate migraine or acidity in 40 days.

Hence the claim, that consuming clove studded Apple can completely eliminate migraine and acidity in 40 days is False.