Claim: A Facebook user claimed that a combination of onion, bitter kola and scent leaves can cure piles.
Verdict: False. There is no scientific evidence that a mixture of onion, bitter kola, and scent leaves can cure piles. Medical experts also advised that anyone with symptoms of Piles/haemorrhoids should seek proper medical treatment instead of relying on unverified home remedies.
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Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are among the most common anorectal conditions worldwide. The condition develops when veins in the lower rectum or anus become swollen, often causing pain, itching, discomfort, bleeding during bowel movements or a lump around the anus.
Although haemorrhoids are rarely life-threatening, they can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and may require medical treatment if symptoms persist.
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis estimated that about 25.9% of the global population experiences haemorrhoidal disease. The study also found the highest prevalence in Africa. As the condition remains widespread, social media has been flooded with home remedies claiming to cure it.
One such claim was made by a Facebook user, @Victoria Akhademe, who said that a mixture of onion, bitter kola and scent leaves can cure piles (archived here).
The user who posted the claim in an explanatory video said, “I made a video on how to get rid of piles, and some people said they could not find that particular leaf anywhere around them. So, here is a simpler remedy. It will be attached to my screen. It works effectively and gradually. The recipe will also be attached as the first comment made by me in the comment section.”
As of July 14, 2026, the post garnered 109 likes, 38 comments, 43 shares and over 5,000 views.
DUBAWA looked through the reactions in the comments to understand how users responded to the claim.
One user, @Monica Onyinychi, curious to learn more, asked, “ How can we make use of the remedy?”
@Sakina Abudulai, seemingly satisfied with the details, said, “ Thank you for sharing .”
The other comments came from users who still requested the recipe from the person who posted the claim.
DUBAWA traced similar posts from other users here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
DUBAWA checked the page of the user who posted the claim and found that she had 48,000 followers. The page also featured several other videos in which she claimed to offer remedies for various ailments and health conditions. The page description read, “Healthy tips for both orthodox medicine and herbs.”
DUBAWA decided to verify the claim because it is a public health issue that could affect how people manage their medical conditions.
Verification
Onion is a widely consumed vegetable known for its nutritional value and antioxidant compounds. Bitter kola is a seed native to West and Central Africa and has long featured in traditional medicine for various ailments. Scent leaf is an aromatic herb commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine across many African countries. Although studies have explored the medicinal properties of each ingredient, the key question is whether scientific evidence supports their use as a cure for haemorrhoids.
DUBAWA searched using keywords such as “onion cures piles,” “bitter kola as a cure for haemorrhoids or piles,” “herbal treatment for haemorrhoids,” and “clinical trial haemorrhoids herbal medicine.”
The search did not produce any clinical trial, systematic review or recognised medical guideline showing that a mixture of onion, bitter kola and scent leaves cures haemorrhoids.
DUBAWA then reviewed guidance from recognised health authorities.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) states that treatment for haemorrhoids depends on the severity of the condition. It recommends dietary and lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment, including increased fibre intake, adequate fluid intake and avoiding prolonged straining during bowel movements. For persistent or severe cases, the guideline recommends office-based procedures or surgery. It does not list onion, bitter kola, scent leaves or any combination of the three as a treatment or cure for haemorrhoids.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends fibre-rich foods, increased fluid intake, sitz baths, topical medications where appropriate and medical procedures for more severe cases. The guidance contains no recommendation for onion, bitter kola, scent leaves or as a cure for piles.
Overall, DUBAWA did not find any study that identified the suggested remedies as a cure for piles.
What health experts say
Hamisu Aliyu, a gastroenterologist at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, told DUBAWA in a conversation that piles are among the common conditions he has treated over the years. He described them as non-cancerous swellings located in the lower rectum or anus.
“Piles differ. There is a type that grows outside the anus and another that develops deep inside the rectum, and they affect patients differently. One of the results of having piles is discomfort, bleeding, swelling, occasional leakage, and irritation. If it is detected early, it can be treated, but if it is advanced, it may need to be surgically removed,” he said.
Hamisu went on to explain that the best place to seek treatment for piles is the hospital, as many local remedies may seem to work but often provide only temporary relief before the condition returns.
“I have seen patients take matters into their own hands to treat piles, but later end up coming to the hospital because the condition persisted. When a patient has piles, and because cases vary, it may involve medications, applying creams for itching, and lifestyle changes like eating more suitable foods that aid digestion, alongside regular exercise,” he continued.
Responding to the claim that onion, bitter kola, and scent leaves can treat piles, he said these remedies are not recognised in the medical field. He reiterated that anyone who suspects they have piles or has been diagnosed with the condition should first consult a hospital before attempting to self-medicate.
DUBAWA contacted David Nansel, a gynaecologist at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, who has treated piles in pregnant and postpartum women. He said there is little to no truth to the claim because it stems from suggestions people share online rather than from medical specialists.
“If you check all of the people who are recommending such remedies, you will find that they are not medical practitioners and barely have full knowledge of the things they are sharing with others,” he added.
He said piles often result from everyday habits and other health conditions, not from a lack of herbal remedies. He also stressed that many people focus on finding a quick cure without first understanding the cause of the condition. According to him, proper treatment starts with identifying the cause.
David also agreed that simple lifestyle changes can lower the risk of developing piles.
“People don’t realise that some of the things they do every day increase their chances of developing piles. Sitting on the toilet for a long time, straining because of constipation, and eating very little fibre are some of the common causes I see. The good news is that many of these can be avoided. Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink enough water, stay active, and don’t make a habit of sitting on the toilet longer than necessary,” David concluded.
Conclusion
DUBAWA did not find any credible scientific evidence that a mixture of onion, bitter kola and scent leaves cures piles. While studies have explored the individual medicinal properties of these ingredients, none establish that the combination is an effective treatment for haemorrhoids. Thus, the claim is false.