Kidney stones are a prevalent health problem. Passing these stones can be an unimaginably agonizing process. Most instances of them are treatable with fluid therapy, pain prescriptions, or some other sort of clinical intercession. In this article, we will learn about what is kidney stones and fifteen home remedies for kidney stones.
One treatment may be beneficial for one person but not for the other. You may need to explore different remedies and solutions before you find the one that works for you. Not all these remedies are well researched or demonstrated compelling. A few treatments or cures are likewise not reasonable for infants or children.1 2 3
Not all of these remedies or medications require a prescription. However, if kidney stones become too painful, it is ideal to seek medical advice. So let me tell you the most widely used 15 home remedies for kidney stones. But, before that, we should talk about kidney stones first.
Table of Contents
What are Kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline materials formed within the kidney or urinary tract. They are also known as nephrolithiasis or renal stones, and they are composed of solid waste materials that accumulate in the kidney and form crystals like structures. There are four main types, but about 80% of all stones are calcium oxalate stones. The other three are less common and include struvite, uric acid, and cysteine stones.
Smaller stones are not a problem to deal with, but larger ones may cause a blockage in part of the urinary system as they leave the body. They can lead to pain, bleeding, and vomiting. If someone gets a kidney stone once, studies suggest he is up to 50% more likely to form another stone within 5 to 10 years.1 2 3
Causes of Kidney Stones
An excess of stone-forming substances in the urine of a person or a decrease in urine volume can cause kidney stones. Several conditions are associated with this as like earlier kidney stones, family history, dehydration, high protein diet, obesity, any intestinal surgery, certain medications, or history of any cystic kidney disease.1 2
Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
1. Water
Kidney stones are primarily formed due to dehydration. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones. Water dilutes the stone-forming substances in the urine. Increasing your water intake can speed up the stone passing process. Try for almost ten glasses of water per day instead of the usual eight, and make sure that you are not dehydrated at any stage. One should pay attention to the color of his urine; it should be a light, pale yellow. Dark yellow colored urine is a sign of dehydration.1,3, 4
2. Kidney Bean Broth
Kidney beans are rich sources of magnesium, which helps to reduce symptoms related to kidney stones. The broth from cooked kidney beans has been used to improve overall kidney or urinary health. It dissolves the stones and then flushes them out. Just extract the liquid from cooked beans and drink a couple of glasses in a day.
Kidney beans should be removed from inside the pods, and then be boiled in purified hot water for 6 hours. Muslin cloth can be used to strain the liquid, which is then cooled and consumed.5 6
3. Lemon Juice and Honey
The combination of honey and lemon juice is one of the most advantageous remedies. Honey and lemon have numerous medical benefits, which makes them a viable solution for different health problems. Lemon, due to its rich citrate, assists in fighting against kidney stones in our body. The Citrate in lemon juice helps to break down calcium deposits and slows down their growth. So lemon juice increases the urine citrate, which prevents stone formation. Drinking 5 to 6 glasses of lemon juice with a couple of spoons of honey can break down the stones rapidly and alleviate pain.7 8
4. Dandelion Root Juice
It is a traditional Chinese and native American medication, and many herbalists believe that it can help in the treatment of many medical problems. It is a kidney tonic and stimulates the production of bile. This is believed to help eliminate waste materials, increase urine output, and improve digestion. Dandelion root contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and minerals such as potassium, zinc, and iron. One can make fresh dandelion juice or can buy it as tea. Ginger, orange peel, and apple can be added to improve the taste. The only complication few people face after taking dandelion is the “heartburn” .9 10 One shouldn’t take this mixture if he is taking blood thinners, antacids, lithium, diuretics, such as spironolactone, or antibiotics.
5. Wheat-grass Juice
Wheat-grass contains nutrients that help to increase urine flow, and this increase in flow helps to pass stones effectively and minimize the risk of developing kidney stones. Wheat-grass is also packed with the components that contribute to cleansing the urinary tract and kidneys. One can take 2 to 8 ounces of wheat-grass juice a day. To prevent the side effects, one should start with a smaller amount and then can increase gradually. The first preference should be the fresh wheat-grass juice; if it is not available, then supplements can be taken. Taking with an empty stomach can minimize the risk of nausea. Sometimes, it causes anorexia and constipation.11 10
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
It is enriched with acetic acid that helps to soften and dissolve the kidney stones. Also, apple cider vinegar alleviates the pain caused by stones. To gather these benefits, add two tablespoons of this to 6 to 8 ounces of purified water and drink throughout the day. One can also use it as a salad dressing. Care should be taken because this mixture taken more than 8 ounces per day can cause low levels of potassium and osteoporosis. People with diabetes should take care of and monitor their sugar levels regularly while taking apple cider vinegar. Patients taking insulin, digoxin, and diuretics should also avoid this.12 13
Related: 15 Uses For Apple Cider Vinegar
7. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates are a great source of Vitamins (B, C, K), fibers, and potassium. It is also packed with antioxidants. The seeds and juice of pomegranate are essential for removing kidney stones and will also flush other toxins from the urinary tract. Antioxidants help to keep the kidneys healthy and have a role in preventing the development of stones. It also reduces the acidity of urine, which further reduces the risk of stone formation.14 15. There is no particular limit to how much pomegranate juice you can drink in a day. One shouldn’t take pomegranate juice if he is using medications for liver, blood pressure medications, or statins.
Related: 10 Proven Health Benefits of Pomegranate
8. Basil / Tulsi Juice
Basil or Tulsi contains acetic acid and acts as a diuretic as well as a detoxifying agent and helps in removing the kidney stones by breaking them into smaller particles. It also helps to alleviate the pain due to stones. This product has been widely used since ancient times to treat digestive and inflammatory ailments. Basil Juice contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that may help maintain overall kidney health. You can use fresh and dried basil leaves to make tea and can take several cups throughout the day. Add this to your diet by boiling its leaves in water and then drinking it or by mixing basil powder to honey. Don’t use it for more than six weeks.16
9. Dates
Dates have a high amount of fiber in them and are packed with copper, manganese, magnesium, and many other essential nutrients. A high amount of fibers help in lowering the risk of kidney stone formation. The magnesium present in them aids in cleans the kidney and washes out all the unnecessary fluid and stones from the tract. You can soak dates in water overnight and consume them the next day.17
10. Okra/Lady Finger
Okra is also known as Ladyfinger and is a seasonal vegetable. It is loaded with magnesium that helps to cleanse the urinary tract and remove stones from the kidney. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that help in the prevention of crystal formation of chemicals in the kidney or urinary tract. So you can use the Okra dish to reduce the risk of kidney stones.17
11. Horse Gram/Kulthi Dal
Horse gram or Kulthi Dal is packed with flavonoids, polyphenols, steroids, proteins, Vitamin B complex, iron, and calcium. It’s diuretic and helps to remove kidney stones effectively. Its effectiveness is increased when it is combined with other natural herbs. Its soup is a good home remedy for kidney stones. It not only removes the stones but also prevents them from developing again.18
12. Celery
Celery Juice has long been used as a traditional medication to remove kidney stones. It not only removes stone-forming toxins but also flushes out already formed stones out of the body. You can blend one or more stalks of celery with water and can drink the juice throughout the day. If you have blood pressure problems, any bleeding disorder, or have any scheduled surgery, then you shouldn’t drink this. You can use its seeds as a spice as they are excellent kidney tonics and diuretics.19 20
13. Onion Decoction
Onion is an excellent antioxidant, and they prevent crystallization and further development of kidney stones. Onion decoction can be made by boiling 3 or 4 onions in purified water for 10 to 15 minutes. After draining you can add sugar to it and can drink three times a day for better results.21
14. Figs
Figs are also suggested for treating kidney stones. You can boil two to3 figs in a glass of water and drink it on an empty stomach for better results.18
15. Pineapple Juice and Cinnamon
If a mixture of pineapple juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in water is taken first thing on an empty stomach in the morning and before going to sleep, it can help to alleviate the symptoms of kidney stones. Amazingly it has no side effects.22
When to Consult a Doctor
Although smaller kidney stones can be treated with these above-mentioned home remedies for larger stones, one must visit a doctor and use these remedies as supportive treatment. One should seek immediate medical advice if he feels severe pain in the lower abdomen or genitals. Some other symptoms can also be present in addition to pain, and these symptoms also need immediate consultation to the doctor.1 2 3
These symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Painful micturition
- Blood in urine
- Foul-smelling urine.
There are multiple causes of kidney stones, and its symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. But there are also several practical and useful home treatments, which can help to alleviate your problem. You should consult your doctor if there are associated symptoms, or it is becoming severer day.
