Best Herbal Remedies For Kidney Stone
Herbs Kidney Stone
Kidneys
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the lower back, just below the rib cage. They are one of the most important organs in the human body. They help to detox and filter impurities from the blood, as well as waste products in our urine. Their function is to:
Keep the composition of the blood balanced.
Regulate the amount of fluid in the body.
Control balance of electrolytes in blood.
Help to control blood pressure.
Produce hormones that are crucial for blood and bone formation.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid concretions (collections of solid material) or crystal aggregations of dissolved minerals in urine; calculi typically form inside the kidneys or bladder. The terms nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis refer to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively. In simpler terms, kidney stones form when the kidneys are not able to process toxins efficiently. In other words, they originate from large concentrations of minerals that occur naturally in the urine as calcium oxalate and uric acid. Renal calculi can vary in size from as small as grains of sand to as large as a golf ball. They measure from 1 millimeter to over 3 inches, the latter being very painful.
Kidney stones typically leave the body by passage in the urine stream, and many stones are formed and passed without causing symptoms. If stones grow to sufficient size before passage – on the order of at least 2-3 millimeters – they can cause obstruction of the ureter. The resulting obstruction with dilation or stretching of the upper ureter and renal pelvis as well as spasm of muscle, trying to move the stone, can cause severe episodic pain, most commonly felt in the flank, lower abdomen and groin (a condition called renal colic). Renal colic can be associated with nausea and vomiting due to the embryological association of the kidneys with the intestinal tract. Hematuria (bloody urine) is commonly present due to damage to the lining of the urinary tract.
Approximately 10 percent of people develop kidney stones at some time in their lives. Men are four times more likely than women to get kidney stones, the theory being that female hormones prevent kidney stones from forming. Kidney stones are more likely in men, who are aged 20 to 40, or who have gout. Kidney stones also tend to run in families, so individuals with a close relative who has been through a stone episode should be careful.
Like gallstones that go undiagnosed, kidney stones don’t always cause problems. Kidney stones may be present for years and never produce symptoms. But when they grow large enough to block the flow of urine through the ureter (one of the two tubes that allow urine to drain from the kidneys to the bladder), the pain can be excruciating.
Kidney Stones Symptoms
The symptoms of kidney stones include:
Abdominal pain
Abnormal urine color
Blood in urine
Fever, chills
Flank pain or back pain
Cramps or spasms
Nausea and occasional vomiting
Urination painful, burning sensation
Urgency or urinary frequency
Exhaustion
Kidney Stones Treatment
The following are some simple natural remedies to help soothe the discomfort of kidney stones, as well as speed up the body’s natural healing process.
Water: Drinking plenty of water is the undisputed champion of kidney stone prevention.
Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica): Some herbal teas, such as those made from the leaves of stinging nettles, may enhance the benefits of water by acting as natural diuretics. The nettle leaf has a long tradition of safely promoting urination. By keeping water flowing through the kidneys and bladder, nettle helps keep crystals from forming into stones and washes bacteria away. It may also help maintain a kidney-stone-busting balance of electrolytes in the urine. Though further research is needed, drinking 2 to 3 cups of nettle leaf tea per day may help prevent kidney stones. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons dried nettle leaf with 1 cup hot water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Dried nettle leaf should be stored in an airtight container, away from light and heat. It will last as long as a year if protected. It must either be grown in the garden or it must be harvested from the wild. Keep fresh nettles in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Vitamin B6 & Magnesium. Scientists have found that vitamin B6 may actually lower the amount of oxalate in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of stone formation. The B vitamins, specifically vitamin B6, are well-known stone fighters. Vitamin B6 keeps the body from building up excess oxalate. Too much oxalate is a major factor in kidney stone formation. Three ounces of chicken provide more than one-third of your daily needs. Magnesium, too, is helpful in preventing stones. Your doctor may suggest a daily supplement of B6 and/or magnesium or a drug that combines the two. If you take a supplement of vitamin B6, don’t take more than 25 milligrams a day. Studies show that people with recurrent kidney stones who took magnesium supplements had a 92.3 percent improvement rate in reduction of kidney stones.
Milk. Though calcium is one of the major minerals in kidney stones, recent evidence shows that not getting enough calcium can actually increase chances of getting a stone. The reason: When you have lower levels of calcium, your body produces more oxalate, which makes you more at risk from kidney stones. One study found that men who ate the most calcium had a 34 percent less chance of developing stones than those who ate the least amount of calcium. Meeting your recommended daily allowance, which for most adults is between 1,000 and 1,200 mg a day, the amount in about three glasses of milk, should do the trick. Mix 1 / 2 pint of hot milk with an equal amount of wine. Remove the cream to form and add a handful of chamomile flowers. Heat until dissolved. Take 1 cup a day, especially when you feel cramping.
Vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary for the overall health of your urinary tract. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A for healthy adults is 5,000 international units, which should be easily met through a varied, balanced diet. However, if you get too much A, your body won’t excrete the excess, and the buildup can be toxic. See your doctor if you are unsure how much A your body is getting. Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, broccoli, and carrots. One carrot can give you twice your daily requirements for this kidney-friendly nutrient.
Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. This is easily one of the most effective remedies for kidney stones and associated pain. At the first symptom of stone pain, mix 2 oz of organic olive oil with 2 oz of organic lemon juice. Drink it straight and follow with a 12 ounce glass of purified water. After 30 minutes, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon in 12 ounces of purified water, add 1 tablespoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar and drink. Repeat the lemon juice, water and apple cider vinegar recipe every hour until symptoms improve.
Uva Ursi (Arctosyaphylos uva ursi): Uva Ursi is a common folk remedy for kidney stones. Not only will it help fight off infection in the kidneys, but it may also help reduce pain and cleanse the urinary tract. 500mg three times a day is recommended for kidney stones. The chief constituent of Uva Ursi is a glycoside called arbutin. During its excretion arbutin produces an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane and can therefore help eliminate urinary tract infections. Tannic acid is also contained in the leaves. This herb also helps to keep the pH balance of urine from being too acid. It actually strengthens the lining of the urinary tract and helps to relieve any inflammation in the system. It has a direct sedative effect on the bladder walls. For chronic inflammation of the bladder or kidneys Uva Ursi has no equal. It has anti-lithic properties that help in dissolving crystals not just in the kidneys, but throughout the body as well. It has, therefore, been used for arthritis and other painful joint problems.
Dandelion leaf & root (Taraxacum officinale): Organic dandelion root is a great kidney tonic and cleanser. Taking up to 500 mg twice a day may be beneficial. Place 2 handfuls of dandelion root in a cup of water. Put it to boil and let it settle for half an hour. This infusion, taken three times daily for two months, will help prevent the pain and dissolve the stones. Dandelion leaf is also a good natural source of potassium, and will replenish any potassium that may be lost due to the diuretic action of the other herbs in this formula.
Kidney Beans. The shape of this bean may be indicative of its healing potential. An effective urinary home remedy for kidney stones, traditionally the pods were used as a medicinal decoction. Try removing the beans from inside the pods, and then boiling the pods in purified hot water for six hours. This liquid can be strained through cheese cloth, cooled and taken throughout the day for one day to ease kidney stone pain.
Onion, parsley. Boil for 10 minutes, a handful of roots of leek 1 onion, chopped 3 sprigs parsley and one pint of water. Add a teaspoon of oil and a salt. Drink this throughout the day. This is ideal remedy for cramps caused by kidney stones.
Parsley root (Petroselinum crispum): It is an excellent diuretic and as such it is used for edema and urinary stones. It is believed to increase the elimination of waste products like urea and other acidic metabolites. Fresh parsley is also very nutritious. The German Commission E, an advisory panel on herbal medicines, has approved parsley for use in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. Note: Parsley should not be used during pregnancy, nor is it recommended during painful menstrual periods.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): A diuretic, horsetail tea is an effective natural remedy for kidney stones. Drink up to 3-4 cups of horsetail tea daily or 2 grams of the herb in capsule form daily.
Pomegranate Juice. The seeds and juice of pomegranates can be considered another natural remedy for kidney stones. This may be related to their sour and astringent properties. Try eating organic pomegranates or drinking freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice.
Organic Celery. Both the vegetable and the celery seed are great diuretics and kidney tonics. Regular use of celery seed, as a spice or as a tea, may prevent kidney stone formation.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum): A kidney tonifier, basil tea can be taken throughout the day for overall kidney health. If you have kidney stones, try taking one teaspoon each of basil juice with raw honey daily for up to six months. It’s believed that folk remedies with pure basil juice can help induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.
Ginger. To soothe the pain of kidney stones, boil an ounce of fresh ginger in a quart of water for ten minutes. Then, place wet towels still warm with this preparation where you feel pain or colic.
Watermelon: One effective way to dissolve kidney stones is to consume large quantities of watermelon and nothing else for an entire day. Watermelon helps cleanse your kidneys and the rest of your system as well. Regular consumption of watermelon helps keep kidney stones at bay.
Bran flakes. Fiber helps get rid of calcium and oxalate in your urine, which cuts the risk of kidney stones. A bowl of bran flakes can give you 8 mg of fiber.
Whole-wheat bread. A couple of slices of whole-wheat bread contain a good amount of magnesium, a mineral known for averting stones. One study found that people who got an adequate amount of magnesium stopped getting kidney stones altogether.
Radish. Wash and cut up three radishes. Place them in a cup with water and sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it macerate for 12 hours and then strain to get a syrup. Take two tablespoons.
Hydrangea tincture may dissolve kidney stones in hours. If you have the plant in your garden you can make a tea from the leaves – take a teaspoon 3 times a day.
Kidney Stone Tea
2 teaspoons hydrangea root
1 teaspoon wild yam root
1 teaspoon cramp bark
1 and 1/2 quarts water
1 teaspoon joe-pye weed
1/2 teaspoon each of corn silk, plantain leaf and yarrow leaf
Place the water in a saucepan and add hydrangea, wild yam and cramp bark to water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add the other herbs, then cover the pan and steep for at least 20 additional minutes. Strain and keep refrigerated. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily. If bleeding occurs, add 30 drops shepherd’s purse tincture to each cup of tea.
“Chicken Bone Grass” herb, dried red dates and water. This Chinese remedy reportedly works very well on kidney stones. Simmer all ingredients in three cups of water until reduced to only one cup of water. Drink it twice a day and repeat for 10 days. Occasional regular use of the remedy should also prevent future kidney stones. “Chicken Bone Grass” is a common herb which is found in Chinese herb shops. This remedy also works on gallstones. A variation of the remedy is to make a tea out of HB Abrus frutus losus, dried red dates and water and drink twice a day for three weeks.
Gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum): It exhibits both diuretic and anti-lithic properties. Used primarily for kidney stones or gravel (which accounts for its name), it also helps with cystitis, dysuria, urethritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also play a role in the systemic treatment of rheumatism and gout as it encourages excretion of excess uric acid. And finally, it tones the reproductive tract and is used to treat inflammation of the prostate.
Marshmallow root (Althaea Officinalis): Marshmallow’s highest medicinal acclaim is as a demulcent. Internally it has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated tissues of the alimentary canal, and urinary and respiratory organs. It aids in the passage of kidney stones and is used in combination with other diuretic herbs for kidney treatments which assist in the release of gravel and stones. It works very well for urinary problems. Marshmallow has factors which combine with and eliminate toxins, helping the body to cleanse.
Corn, or Zea mays, originated in Central America and is cultivated throughout the world. The silky strands on corn ears contain essential oil, flavonoids and mucilage, and are a traditional remedy for urinary tract disorders, rheumatism and arthritis. In their 2000 book, “The Herbal Drugstore,” Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend a tea made from the strands to relax spasms in your urinary tubes and reduce the formation of kidney stones. Discontinue use if you develop a skin rash or other allergic reaction.
Corn silk (Maydis stigma ): Corn silk is a soothing diuretic and works as an excellent remedy for urinary conditions such as retained urine, burning urine, kidney stones, bladder infections, gonorrhea, and as a lymphatic system cleanser.
Goldenrod (Solidago virguarea): Goldenrod is used as an aquaretic agent, meaning that it promotes the loss of water from the body (as compared to a diuretic, which promotes the loss of both water and electrolytes such as salt). It is used frequently in Europe to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones. In fact, goldenrod has received official recognition in Germany for its effectiveness in getting rid of kidney stones, and it is commonly found in teas to help “flush out” kidney stones and stop inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. Goldenrod is said to wash out bacteria and kidney stones by increasing the flow of urine, and also, soothe inflamed tissues and calm muscle spasms in the urinary tract. It isn’t used as a cure in itself, but rather as an adjunct to other, more definitive treatments such as (in the case of bladder infections) antibiotics.
Pellitory of the Wall: Pellitory of the Wall, or Parietaria officinalis, is a perennial found growing in cracks of stone walls. Herbalists use the aerial parts to treat kidney stones, bladder problems and urinary tract infections. The plant is rich in organic acids and tannins, and has demulcent action, meaning it soothes and protects irritated tissue. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that this herb reduces inflammation and is especially valuable for kidney stones. Speak to your doctor before using this herb if you have severe pain from kidney stones.
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria): Agrimony is one of the most frequently used herbal supplements for kidney stones. Primarily because of its high silica content, it can help get rid of kidney stones in a matter of weeks. Urinary incontinence, cystitis and other disorders of this system may also be treated with Agrimony.
Acocado & Apple Juice. Drink daily avocado leaf tea with apple juice.
Cucumber juice. To help pass the stones, drink plenty of cucumber juice.
Change in Diet: Unhealthy food intake is a primary cause of kidney stones. Cut down on the amount of sodas and energy drinks you consume. Avoid processed foods and alcoholic beverages. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, especially those listed above.
Prevention
Fluid intake: Increasing your fluid intake should be your first step (and may be the only step needed) toward staying free of kidney stones. Six to eight 8-ounce glasses is the minimum amount you should drink every day. While water is always a good choice, other caffeine-free and nonalcoholic beverages count (although your doctor may caution you about drinking too much decaffeinated tea if you produce a high concentration of oxalates in your urine).
Oxalates: Go easy on oxalates. Eating large quantities of fruits and vegetables provides you with lots of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients; however, some of these foods also provide oxalates, which you may need to go easy on if you have a tendency toward kidney-stone formation. People prone to forming calcium-oxalate stones may be asked by their doctor to cut back on the following foods if their urine contains an excess of oxalate: Beets, beans, spinach, cauliflower, artichokes, cabbage, chocolate, coffee, cola, nuts, parsley, peanuts, rhubarb, strawberries, etc. But don’t completely avoid these foods without first talking to your doctor. In most cases, these foods can be eaten in limited amounts.
Less Vitamin “C”. Although some regard it as a wonder vitamin, in very high doses — more than 3,000 milligrams daily — vitamin C can be a potential problem for those who tend to form kidney stones. That’s because the body converts this vitamin to oxalate. If you have had a kidney stone, your safest bet is to get your vitamin C from foods, not high-dose supplements. (Vitamin C is essential; the Recommended Dietary Allowance for men is 90 mg a day and for women, 75 mg a day. Don’t think of trying to go without it.)
Less meat and fish: Eat less meat and certain fish. Individuals who form uric-acid stones are usually found to eat diets high in animal protein. Animal protein can accelerate formation of uric acid and calcium in the urine, which may, in turn, cause stones to form. So try to moderate your meat intake.
Cut back on protein: Uric acid also forms when purines in protein foods are broken down. If you suffer from uric-acid stones, you also may need to cut back on protein, particularly foods high in purine. Some of these foods include anchovies, fish roe, herring, mackerel, mussels, sardines, and shrimp. Other foods high in purine to watch out for include beer, brains, heart, kidney, liver, sweetbreads, and wine. Of course, high-protein fad diets should also be avoided.
Exercise: One of the many benefits of regular exercise is that it facilitates the passage of calcium out of the bloodstream and into the bones. The result: stronger bones and less risk of stone formation. If you need one more reason to lace up those walking shoes, recalling the anguish of a kidney stone may be a great motivator. Inactive people tend to accumulate too much calcium in your bloodstream, while the activated helps restore calcium to your bones.
Salt. There’s also a high correlation between kidney stones and salt intake. Limit your sodium consumption to no more than two grams per day.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
