Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What Works?

Kidney stones signs and risk factors

Home remedies for kidney stones

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones are popular and effective. Drinking a sufficient amount of fluids is a vital chunk of diet necessary for passing kidney stones and preventing new stones from forming. The fluid not only flushes out toxins but also helps move stones and sand around the urinary tract.

While water alone may be enough to achieve the goal, adding certain ingredients can be beneficial. Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after taking any flavored product. This can help move ingredients around your system.

Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following home remedies.  A medical doctor is the only person who can assess and decide if home-based treatment is right for you or if it could initiate additional complications.

Home remedies for kidney stones

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, sidestep from using any products if not recommended by your primary physician or OBGYN. Your doctor can determine if the juice might cause side effects for you or your child. Before understanding how to use home remedies for kidney stones read the following article and get familiar with the process of manufacturing kidney stones in your body, signs, and symptoms of kidney stones, and causes of kidney stones.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard pieces of mineral deposits that formed inside kidneys. The many causes of kidney stones include diet, being overweight, certain medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications. Kidney stones can affect every part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Sometimes, stones manufactured by kidneys when urine becomes concentrated, allowing the salts to crystallize and create obstacles for urine flow.

Renal calculus

 

Driving over the urine track kidney stones can cause severe pain, but stones usually don’t cause permanent damage if detected in a timely manner. Depending on your situation, you may only need painkillers and drink plenty of water to pass through the kidney stone. In other cases – for example, if stones get stuck in the urinary tract, are related to a urinary tract infection, or are causing complications – surgery may be necessary.

Your doctor may recommend preventive treatment to reduce the risk of recurring kidney stones if there is an increased risk of them developing again.

Symptoms of Kidney stones

A kidney stone usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it moves around your kidney or enters your ureters – the tubes that connect your kidneys and bladder. If it gets stuck in the ureters, it can block the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell and the ureter to cramp, which can be very painful.

Symptoms of nephrolith

At this point, the following signs and symptoms may occur:

  • Severe, sharp pain in the side and back below the ribs
  • Pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin
  • Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
  • Other signs and symptoms could include:
  • Pink, red, or brown urine
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Persistent urge to urinate, urinating more than usual, or small amounts of urine

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills if there are an infection

Pain caused by a kidney stone may change, such as: For example, when they move to another location or increase in intensity as the stone moves through your urinary tract.

Causes of kidney stones

Kidney stones often don’t have a clear cause, although various factors can increase your risk.

Causes of renal calculus

Kidney stones occur when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, than the fluid in your urine can dilute. At the same time, your urine may be lacking substances that prevent crystals from sticking together and create an ideal environment for kidney stones to form.

What are the most popular home remedies for kidney stones?

Before trying home remedies for kidney stones, it is important to consult a doctor, especially if a person has an underlying disease or is taking the medication regularly.

While many of these drugs can help relieve symptoms or reduce the risk of future recurrences, kidney stones can cause severe pain. Home remedies may appear to be effective than other forms of traditional treatments.

Some people may even need surgery to extract or break open the stones, as well as intravenous pain medication.

The following sections discuss some home remedies for relieving symptoms of kidney stones.

Home remedies for renal calculus

 

1. Water is #1 on the list of home remedies for kidney stones

As the stone passes, increasing the amount of water can speed up the process. Aim to drink 12 glasses of water a day instead of the usual 8.

Once the stone has passed, you should continue to drink 8 to 12 glasses of water every day. Dehydration is one of the main risk factors for kidney stones, and the last thing you need is kidney stones.

Pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be very light, pale yellow. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.

2. Lemon juice – very effective home remedy for kidney stones

You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. Lemons contain citrate, a chemical that prevents the formation of calcium stones. Citrate also may lead to breaking small stones, letting them flow through the urine tract more easily.

Lemon juice

It would take a lot of lemons to have a huge effect, but some can help a bit.

Lemon juice has many other health benefits. For example, it helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and provides vitamin C. That’s what makes lemon juice one of the most effective home remedies for kidney stones

3. Basil juice – one of the most popular home remedies for kidney stones

Basil contains acetic acid, which helps break kidney stones and reduce pain. It is also full of nutrients. This herb has been used conventionally for gastrointestinal and inflammatory illnesses.

There are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in basil juice and they can help maintain kidney health.

Basil Juice

Use fresh or dried basil leaves to make tea and drink several cups a day. You can also put the fresh basil juice in a centrifuge or add it to a smoothie.

You should not use medicinal basil juice for more than 6 weeks continuously. Prolonged use can lead to:

  • Low blood sugar
  • low blood pressure
  • increased bleeding

There is very little research on the effectiveness of basil for kidney stones, but it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Add basil juice to your list of home remedies for kidney stones

4. Apple cider vinegar – topping the list of home remedies for kidney stones

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid helps dissolve kidney stones.

In addition to flushing out the kidney’s stones, apple cider vinegar can help relieve stone pain. There are numerous other health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar

A lab study found that apple cider vinegar was effective in helping reduce kidney stone formation, although more studies are needed. But due to the numerous other health benefits, there is probably a small risk.

To get these benefits, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 6-8 ounces of purified water. Drink this blend throughout the day.

You shouldn’t consume more than an 8-ounce glass of this blend per day. You can also use it on salads directly or add it to your favorite salad dressing.

When ingested in larger quantities, apple cider vinegar can lead to low potassium levels and osteoporosis.

People who suffer from diabetes should be cautious when consuming this combination. Monitor your blood levels of sugar wisely throughout the day.

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular home remedies for kidney stones

You shouldn’t consume this remedy if you’re taking:

5. Celery juice

Celery juice is believed to remove toxins that stimulate kidney stone formation and has long been recommended by traditional medicine. Also, this home remedy helps to flush your whole body so you can pass the kidney stones.

To prepare and use this home remedy for kidney stones mix a couple of celery stalks with purified drinking water and consume this drink throughout the day. You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you are suffering from:

  • any bleeding disorders
  • hypotension
  • a scheduled surgery

Celery juice

Also, avoid this mixture if you’re taking:

  • levothyroxine (Synthroid)
  • lithium (Lithane)
  • medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as isotretinoin (Sotret)
  • sedative medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax)

6. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice has been used to improve overall kidney function for centuries. It flushes stones and other toxins out of your system. It’s full of antioxidants that help keep the kidneys healthy and possibly help prevent kidney stones from developing.

It also lowers the acidity of your urine. Lower acidity will reduce the risk of future kidney stones.

Pomegranate juice

The effect of pomegranate juice on preventing kidney stones needs better research. However, there seems to be some benefit from taking pomegranate extract as it reduces the risk of stones.

There is no known limit on the amount of pomegranate juice that you can consume throughout the day.

You shouldn’t consume pomegranate juice if you are taking the following remedies:

  • Medicines that have been altered by the liver
  • Blood pressure medication such as chlorothiazide (Diuril)
  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

7. Kidney bean broth

Boiled Bean Broth is a traditional dish often used in India that is used to improve the overall health of the urinary tract and kidneys.

Kidney bean broth

It also helps dissolve and flush out the stones. Simply strain the liquid from the boiled beans and drink a few glasses throughout the day.

8. Dandelion root juice

Dandelion root is a tonic for kidneys that also stimulates the manufacturing of bile. This is said to help eliminate waste, increase urine output, and improve digestion. Dandelion contains vitamins (A, B, C, D) and minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc.

Dandelion root juice

A trusted Source study showed that dandelions were effective at preventing kidney stones from forming.

You can prepare dandelion juice by yourself or buy it in a form of tea. If you make it fresh, you can also add orange peel, ginger, and apple to taste. Drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.

Some people experience heartburn when they eat dandelion or its parts.

Avoid this drink if you are taking the following prescription medicines:

Discuss with your physician before consuming dandelion root extract. This home remedy may interact with some pharmaceutical drugs.

9. Wheatgrass juice

Wheatgrass is rich in many nutrients and has long been used to improve health. Wheatgrass increases urine flow, helping to excrete stones. It also contains important nutrients that help cleanse the kidneys.

Wheatgrass juice for kidney stones
wheatgrass, photo collage

You can drink 2 to 8 ounces of wheatgrass juice per day. To prevent side effects, start with the smallest amount possible, and gradually work your way up to 8 ounces.

If fresh wheatgrass juice isn’t available, you can take powdered wheatgrass supplements as directed.

Taking wheatgrass on an empty stomach can reduce your risk for nausea. In some cases, it may cause appetite loss, and constipation.

10. Horsetail juice

Horsetail has been used to upsurge the urine stream to help to rinse out kidney pebbles and can soothe puffiness and inflammation of the urinary tract. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that aid in overall urinary health.

However, you shouldn’t use horsetail for more than 6 weeks at a time. There are dangers of seizures, decreased levels of B vitamins, and loss of potassium.

Horsetail may interact with pharmaceutical drugs that contain lithium, diuretics, or digoxin.

It is also not appropriate for kids under 14 and pregnant or breastfeeding women. One of the ingredients in horsetail is nicotine. Don’t drink horsetail juice if you’re using stop smoking patches or pills.

Horsetail juice for kidney stones

Avoid consumption of horsetail juice if you have:

When to see your doctor

See your physician if your kidney stone didn’t flow through your urinary tract within 6 weeks or you started suffering from any of the following symptoms:

Your medical provider will determine whether you need medication or any other therapy to help you pass the stone.

The bottom lines

Although it can be uncomfortable, it is possible to have a kidney stone on your own.

You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any pain you may feel.

The list of OTC drugs includes acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve).

Be sure to continue the treatment until the stone passes and do not drink alcohol.

Once you have had a kidney stone, you may want to save it to present to your doctor for testing. To save the stone, you have to filter your urine. You can do this by using a urine screen, which you can obtain from the doctor’s office. Your doctor can determine what type of stone it is and help you develop a targeted prevention plan.

You can take these home remedies for kidney stones in addition to your typical treatment schedule and remain using them after the stone has passed. This addiction to your daily regimen will prevent more stones from forming. It is important that you consult your physician before taking any medications or medicinal herbs.

Herbs aren’t regulated for quality and purity by the FDA, so research your choices and sources for purchase. A recent analysis of 27 different supplements for kidney health found that two-thirds of the included ingredients have no research to support their use.

Herbs are not regulated for quality and purity by the FDA, so research your choices and sources for purchase. A recent analysis of 27 kidney health supplements found that two-thirds of the included ingredients have no research to support their use.

That’s why it is mandatory to see a medical professional who is trained in the prescription of medicinal herbs and herbal products.

If you are living in the City of Brotherly Love contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic (267) 284-3085 to schedule your appointment for evaluation and treatment with the medical doctor Victor Tsan who has more then 40 years of experience in holistic and natural medicine including acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, reiki, and clinical hypnosis.

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