The Phyllanthus niruri plant originated in India, and it is native to tropical coastal areas. In herbal medicine, it has long played a role in treating several conditions, including urinary tract stones, dysentery, ulcers and swelling.

Some practitioners of herbal medicine use Phyllanthus niruri as a diuretic. Diuretics remove water and sodium from the body. They can help treat high blood pressure and a range of other conditions.

In a 2017 study in rats, researchers found that Phyllanthus niruri appeared to reduce inflammation about as well as ibuprofen.