10 Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones
The kidneys are among the most important organs in the human body. The kidneys help to detox and filter impurities from the blood, pulling waste products out and regulating fluid balance. They shunt unnecessary nutrients, excess water, and toxins to the bladder for elimination as urine. Kidney stones form when the kidneys are not able to process and excrete waste, excess minerals, and toxins and crystals of unprocessed minerals begin to develop. Kidney stones, if they’re large enough, may cause tearing and pain, some even block urine flow.[1]
The following are some simple natural remedies that may help soothe the discomfort of kidney stones and speed up the body’s natural healing processes.
10 Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones
1. Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
The combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and raw apple cider vinegar is one of my favorites and, in my opinion, one of the most effective remedies for kidney stones and the discomfort they cause. At the first symptom of stone pain, mix 2 ounces of organic olive oil with 2 ounces of organic lemon juice.[2]
Drink it straight and follow with a 12-ounce glass of purified water. Wait 30 minutes. Then, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into 12 ounces of purified water, add one tablespoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar and drink. Repeat the lemon juice, water and apple cider vinegar recipe every hour until symptoms improve.
2. Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is a common folk remedy for kidney stones. Not only will it help discourage infection in the kidneys, but it may also help reduce discomfort and cleanse the urinary tract. According to some, 500mg three times a day is recommended for kidney stones.[3]
3. Dandelion Root
Organic dandelion root is a tool to cleanse the kidneys and support normal kidney function.[4] Taking up to 500 mg twice a day may be beneficial.
4. Kidney Beans
The shape of this bean may remind you of it's healing potential. Kidney beans are an excellent source of magnesium, which helps reduce symptoms associated with kidney stones.[5] Traditionally the pods were used as a medicinal tonic.[6]
Try removing the beans from inside the pods, and then boil 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.
5. Horsetail
Horsetail tea is an effective, natural diuretic that helps you flush excess water and uric acid from your kidneys.[7] Drink up to 3-4 cups of horsetail tea daily or take 2 grams of the herb in capsule form daily.
6. Pomegranate Juice
We've all heard that pomegranates have many health benefits. But, more specifically, the seeds and juice of pomegranates can be considered another natural remedy for kidney stones.[8] This may be related to their sour nature and astringent properties. I prefer to eat organic pomegranates and drink freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice.
7. Magnesium
Studies show that people with recurrent kidney stones who took magnesium supplements showed significant improvement in symptoms.[9] Magnesium orotate is one of the best sources of magnesium.[5]
8. Organic Celery
Celery in vegetable form and celery seeds are great urine-promoters and kidney tonics. Regular use of celery seed as a spice or a tea may discourage kidney stone formation.[6]
9. Basil
Basil tea supports the kidneys and can be taken throughout the day for proper fluid, mineral, and uric acid balance.[10] If you have kidney stones, try taking one teaspoon each of basil juice with raw honey daily for up to six months. Some believe that folk remedies with pure basil juice can help induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.
10. Change in Diet
Unhealthy food is a primary cause of kidney stones. Cut down on the amount of soda and energy drinks you consume.[11] Avoid processed food and alcoholic beverages. Add more fibrous fruits and veggies to your diet, especially those listed above.[5]
11. Bonus! Inversion Table
It sounds odd, but some research suggests using an inversion table can help pass stone fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, in short, is when a targeted shock wave is sent through the body to break up stones. It seems that inversion therapy helps the body pass the broken stones.[12]
I also recommend reading the book "The Green Body Cleanse" to learn how to select foods that support kidney health.
Remember, an ounce of maintenance is worth a pound of cure. I highly recommend that you keep your kidneys functioning normally by performing a kidney cleanse twice a year. Try Global Healing’s Kidney Cleanse Kit — a powerful combination of our very best supplements for supporting normal kidney health. Our kidney cleanse kit is formulated to detoxify, flush and purge the kidneys of built up toxins, kickstarting your natural healing mechanisms and promoting whole-body health.
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Length: 90 Seconds
References (13)
- "Definition & Facts for Kidney Stones What are kidney stones?"National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Sept. 2016. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- Koff, Stacey G., et al. "Comparison Between Lemonade and Potassium Citrate and Impact on Urine PH and 24-Hour Urine Parameters in Patients with Kidney Stone Formation." Urology 69.6 (2017): 1013–1016. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- Grases, F., et al. "Urolithiasis and Phytotherapy." International Urology and Nephrology 26.5 (1994): 507–511. Web.
- "Dandelion." University of Maryland. University of Maryland Medical Center, 1997. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- "Kidney stones." University of Maryland. University of Maryland Medical Center, 1997. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- Paulien, Gunther B. "The Divine Prescription and Science of Health and Healing." TEACH Services, 1995. Print. 2 Mar. 2017.
- "Horsetail." University of Maryland. University of Maryland Medical Center, 1997. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- "Horsetail." University of Maryland. University of Maryland Medical Center, 1997. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- Hariprasath, K., et al. "ANTIUROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS FRUITS AND PUNICA GRANATUM SEEDS IN ETHYLENE GLYCOL INDUCED RAT MODELS." Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2013): n.pag. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- Azarfar, Anoush, et al. "Evaluation of the Effects of Magnesium Supplement in Primary and Secondary Preventions of Nephrolithiasis: A Systematic Review." Reviews in Clinical Medicine 3.1 (2016): 18–22. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- Pattanayak, Priyabrata, et al. "Ocimum Sanctum Linn. A Reservoir Plant for Therapeutic Applications: An Overview." Pharmacognosy Review 4.7 (2010): 95–105. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
- Ferraro, P.M., et al. "Soda and Other Beverages and the Risk of Kidney Stones." Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN. 8.8 (2013): 1389–95. Web. 2 Mar. 2017
- Yu, X., et al. "Application of Inversion-Table in the Treatment of Lower Pole Renal Stones." Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery]. 47.4 (2009): 255–7. Web. 2 Mar. 2017.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
