Herbs for Kidney Stones: Herbal Remedies to Treat & Prevent Stones
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are mostly composed of calcium salts, and most cases of these type of stones are caused by unexplained hypercalciuria,or abnormally high levels of calcium in the urine. Other stones are caused by uric acid or struvite. Kidney stones affect about twelve percent of the American population and roughly half of these people will have a recurrence within ten years. The following herbs for kidney stones can be used to help treat and prevent future occurrences.
Herbs
Aloe (Aloe vera) & Senna (Senna alexandrina)
Anthraquinones, compounds found in aloe and senna (herbs commonly used to produce a laxative effect), bind to calcium and can greatly reduce the growth rate of urinary crystals. Dosage recommendations are less than those for the treatment of constipation.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberry juice has been shown to reduce urinary calcium levels by over fifty percent in people with recurrent kidney stones. Most juices on the market are high in sugar. Therefore, many herbal practitioners recommend taking it in a pill form. To help prevent kidney stones, people who are at high risk of getting them should take a supplement equal to 16 ounces of cranberry juice.
Khella (Ammi visnaga) & Gravel Root (Ruta graveolens)
According to a study conducted in the 1930s, the herb Khella was shown to be effective in relaxing the ureter (the tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder) and allowing the stone to pass. Gravel root has similar compounds and has also been used to treat kidney stones.
Couch Grass (Agropyron repens)
Couch grass has been used for thousands of years to improve urine flow and treat kidney stones. This herb has demulcent, diuretic, and antibacterial properties.
Corn Silk (Zea mays)
Corn silk, the silky tassels of corn, also has a long history of treating urinary complaints. This wonderful herb removes toxins from the body, reduces deposits and irritants from the kidneys, and reduces the formation of stones.
Other
The following are other herbal remedies used to help treat and prevent kidney stones:
- goldenrod (Solidago canadensis or Solidago virgaurea)
- bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- stone root (Collinsonia canadensis)
- cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
- seven barks (Hydrangea arborescens)
- cleavers (Galium aparine)
- agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
- horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
- yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
- nettle (Urtica dioica)
References
Calcium Info: Kidney Stones - https://www.calciuminfo.com/calciumquestions/kidneystones.aspx
Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (1998)
Mother Nature: Kidney Stones - https://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/15/49.cfm
Health Communities: Kidney Stones Alternative Treatment - https://www.urologychannel.com/kidneystones/alternativetreatments.shtml
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cornsilk_7091.jpg
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