The best remedies according to the Prophet ﷺ are fennel seed combined with rosemary, as an herbal tea, before meals, twice a day. Olive oil is also recommended, taken by the teaspoon, in the morning on an empty stomach. Very effective against urinary problems and gas.
Olives are also a good remedy, which can be added to salads, especially the black olive from the Maghreb, very effective against urinary problems.
What the science says: kidneys and urinary tract, irritable bowel and bloating, olive oil and olive leaf
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies look at material causes; healing belongs to Allah.
Kidneys and urinary tract
Cranberry reduces the risk of recurrence of urinary tract infections in some people according to the 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). Java tea (orthosiphon), cherry stems, and birch have a draining effect. Precaution: a urinary infection with fever or lower back pain is pyelonephritis — antibiotics are essential; in case of kidney failure, do not take diuretic herbs or magnesium/potassium without medical advice.
Irritable bowel and bloating
Peppermint essential oil in enteric-coated capsules relieves irritable bowel syndrome according to meta-analyses (Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2022) (J Clin Gastroenterol, 2014); soluble fiber (psyllium) and probiotics have also proven effective (Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2020) (Gastroenterology, 2023). Fennel, anise, cumin, and activated charcoal reduce gas. Precaution: charcoal should be taken apart from medications (it absorbs them); blood in the stool, weight loss, or nighttime pain require a medical work-up.
Olive oil and olive leaf
"Eat olive oil and rub it on your skin": a 2022 meta-analysis links olive oil consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mortality (Clin Nutr, 2022). Olive leaf, for its part, has shown an effect on blood pressure and metabolic profile in people with prehypertension (PeerJ, 2021) (Phytomedicine, 2011). Precaution: olive leaf extract potentiates blood pressure medications — monitor your blood pressure and talk to your doctor.
