Home Remedies to Alleviate the Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are ball-like structures in the urinary system. These stones are formed as a result of the solidification of minerals and acidic materials in the bladder or ureter. The kidneys filter these substances from the blood.

Kidney stones are caused by intake of foods that lead to excess minerals such as phosphate, oxalate, or calcium in the blood. The patient experiences a lot of pain in the lower back and abdomen when passing urine. Individuals with kidney stones may also find blood in their urine. Due to these symptoms, the initial treatment for kidney stones is reducing the pain and possibly diluting the stones.

Home Remedies for the Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Most treatment measures for kidney stones involve certain dietary changes. Below are natural home remedies that you can use to ease the symptoms of kidney stones. In mild cases, these simple home remedies can surely get rid of underlying kidney stone symptoms. However, for large kidney stones, urgent medical attention is needed, which may require immediate surgery.

The remedies mentioned below are easy to obtain and apply in real life. You can try one or more of them to help alleviate the often painful symptoms of kidney stones.

1. Uva Ursi

Uva ursi, also known as the bearberry plant, is one of the most common natural remedies for kidney and other urinary problems. An active compound in uva ursi known as arbutin helps minimize tissue inflammation. It also helps clean the urinary tract and relieve pain as well. Ideally, you may take 500 mg of uva ursi three times a day.

2. Lab Grade Chanca Piedra

First used in 2002, this herbal remedy has been scientifically proven to be effective in soothing urinary tract problems. The herb acts as a solvent, which helps dissolve kidney stones, thereby enabling the passage of remaining waste materials. It also slows down the process of kidney stone formation.

3. Dandelion Root

The roots of this medicinal plant have long been known for its liver health benefits. Everyday consumption of organic dandelion roots helps detoxify the body and relieve stomach discomforts as well as constipation.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon contains nitric acid, which is capable of dissolving oxalate and other crystal substances formed in the kidney. Squeezing lemon in your regular drinking water and consuming it throughout the day will help break down and soften stones in the kidneys.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil acts as a very helpful agent in dissolving kidney stones. You can mix lemon juice, apple cider juice, and olive oil in water and consume it daily. Or you can even try to consume olive oil individually.

Consuming olive oil and lemon juice has been a proven remedy for curing gallbladder stones. They also help in the breakdown of calcium stones. You are required to take a mixture of four teaspoons of lemon juice and olive oil three times a day for three days.

This remedy is not recommended for people with large stones. You should also stop taking this mixture in case you pass all the small stones at once.

6. Kidney Beans

Shaped just like the kidneys, kidney beans are helpful in diffusing kidney stones in the stomach. Kidney beans are easily available in the market and can be consumed in its boiled form. You can also incorporate it into your salads and daily vegetable servings.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV helps in dissolving kidney stones. Just mix a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of natural apple cider vinegar in a cup containing warm water. Drink this mixture three times a day.

8. Organic Celery

This natural remedy helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. You can consume celery in the form of tea or vegetable. Celery also promotes urine formation.

9. Basil

Basil tea acts as a kidney toner. If a person has kidney stones and experiences excruciating pain due to the stones, it is advisable to consume a teaspoon of basil juice with pure raw honey every morning. It will start showing its effects after some days and bring the digestive system and the kidneys working back on track.

You are required to take a combination of one teaspoon of basil juice and raw honey every day for six months. The remedy is also used for general kidney infections, and helps clear kidney stones from the urinary tract.

10. Pomegranate Juice

Both pomegranate seeds and juice play a major role in alleviating the symptoms of kidney stones. They also help prevent kidney stone formation in the future. 

11. Kidney Bean Broth

The broth can help relieve the pain. Cook the beans in boiled water for six hours. Strain the liquid using a cheesecloth. Let it cool and drink to ease the pain. The liquid can be taken throughout the day.

12. Water

Kidney stones occur when there is not enough water in the body for digestion and excretion process. Due to the lack of water, calcium stones and oxalate crystals are formed, which are very hard to excrete.

If a person consumes the proper amount of water daily, such condition will never occur. Enough consumption of water will help complete the digestion process. On average, a person must consume at least 5 liters of water daily.

13. Change in the Diet

The diet must include fibrous substances, such as leafy vegetables, oranges, pulses, etc. Unhealthy food intake can lead to an abnormal kidney function. Too much consumption of soda, alcoholic drinks, and processed foods can cause kidney stones.

The Bottom Line

As in most cases, prevention is always better than cure. Kidney stones can be avoided by following a proper diet with the right balance of solid and liquid foods. Many dietitians have an "eat liquids, drink solids" policy. By following this simple rule, you can prevent the development of kidney stones.

Even if kidney stones are detected, home remedies are proven to be useful. Kidney stones are one of the most painful conditions, but can still be controlled if you try the suggested remedies above. However, it is still advised to consult a doctor before taking any type of medication.