Ibn al-Qayyim says in his book that since figs did not exist in the Hijaz and Medina, because its soil is not suited to fig trees, they were not mentioned in the Sunnah, but Allah swore by the fig tree in His book, because of its many benefits.
The fig is hot in nature; the best is the white one with ripe skin. In our time there are more than 250 varieties of figs, which can be divided into three: white, red, and gray figs. Medicine uses the fig in several forms: it uses the fruit, fresh and dried, the leaves, or the pulp. Today we also use a variety known as the prickly pear fig (Barbary fig); its juice, oil, or stem is used, and it is effective against many skin problems such as vitiligo. The fig dissolves kidney stones, protects against poisons, is effective against ailments of the throat, chest, and esophagus, and cleanses the liver and spleen. It is more nourishing than all other fruits. The leaves taken as an herbal tea are good for the mood.
Dried figs are good for the nerves and are excellent with walnuts and almonds.
On this subject, Galen, a Roman physician, said that if one ate figs with walnuts and rue, which is a plant, before taking a deadly poison, this would be beneficial and would protect against all harm.
Abu Darda reports: "A plate of figs was offered to the Prophet ﷺ, he said 'eat,' and he ate some himself. He said: 'If I had to say that a fruit had come from Paradise, I would say this one, for the fruits of Paradise have no pit.'" Figs eliminate hemorrhoids, are useful for coughs, are good for constipation problems, prevent colon cancer, and are also useful against gout. Fig juice, for its part, reduces thirst. Moreover, figs are diuretic, clear blockages of the liver and spleen, and are suited to the liver and bladder. If eaten on an empty stomach, they are useful for clearing the nutrient pathways, especially when consumed with almonds and walnuts. Eating them with heavy foods is very bad.
Today the fruit of the fig tree, its leaves, and its oil are used in cosmetics.
What the science says: liver, kidneys, and urinary tract
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for informational purposes — these studies address material causes; healing belongs to Allah.
The liver
Silymarin from milk thistle improves liver markers in fatty liver disease and various liver conditions according to meta-analyses (Ann Hepatol, 2024) (World J Gastroenterol, 2017); the Mediterranean diet (olive oil, vegetables, fish) reduces liver fat (Clin Nutr, 2022). Artichoke, black radish, rosemary, and dandelion are the traditional detoxifiers; fasting gives the liver a rest. Precaution: viral hepatitis or cirrhosis should be monitored by a specialist; certain plants are hepatotoxic (comfrey, celandine, kava) — do not improvise.
Kidneys and urinary tract
Cranberry reduces the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in certain people according to a Cochrane review (Explore, 2024); for kidney stones, abundant hydration and diet (citrate, less salt and animal protein) are the best-supported measures (Minerva Urol Nephrol, 2025) (Arch Ital Urol Androl, 2015). Orthosiphon, cherry stems, and birch have diuretic effects. Precaution: a urinary tract infection with fever or lower back pain is pyelonephritis — antibiotics are essential; in case of kidney failure, do not take diuretic plants or magnesium/potassium without medical advice.
