Kidney stone is a painful condition. If you don’t get rid of kidney stones fast, it may pose serious complications. The stones may grow more significantly, block the ureter, and cause severe pain.
Some home remedies may work as complementary treatments in shrinking kidney stones and minimizing the related symptoms of the condition.
This article will review the efficacy and use of these natural home remedies for kidney stones; you will know how to get rid of kidney stones naturally.
Kidney stones are deposits made of minerals and acid salts [1]. These form when waste products from the blood accumulate inside the kidneys [2].
One of the major causes of this problem is not drinking enough fluids. Certain medications and medical conditions are also responsible for this condition [2]. It also shows other symptoms such as fever, nausea, blood or pus in the urine, and difficulty urinating [3].
It is highly recommended that you seek medical help to diagnose the condition and get proper treatment for kidney stones.
How to Get Rid of Kidney Stones: Potential Home Remedies
Following is a list of 14 excellent home remedies that will help treat kidney stones. All these ingredients are 100% natural and safe to use.
1. Lemon Juice
About 80 percent of kidney stones consist of calcium [4].
One of the best ways to prevent their formation or flush them out is with lemon juice.
Herbal remedies have recently become popular in the United States and Europe [5].
Drinking lemon juice can inhibit the formation of calcium stones inside the body. Data analysis from a 2007 study shows that [5].
Researchers thoroughly analyzed the effects of lemon juice on male Wistar rats. Then they arrived at this conclusion [5].
The rats got drinking water for ten days. It contained ethylene glycol, ammonium chloride, or lemon juice for ten days [5].
Lemon juice used in the research came in various concentrations. These were 100 percent, 75 percent, and 50 percent [5].
Those who consumed 75% and 100% lemon juice had fewer kidney stones than those in the other groups [5].
Lemon juice was as effective as potassium citrate’s traditional treatment [6, 7, 8].
Meanwhile, scientists did these studies on human subjects who have kidney stones.
The study noted that treatment with lemon juice was successful. It was even more effective when combined with a proper diet [6].
How to drink lemon juice for kidney stones:
Take 2-3 glasses of water and add a ÂĽ cup of lemon juice and olive oil. Drink the mixture 2-3 times per day for three days. Then, drink water. Also, you can drink a glass of 100% lemon juice every day for two weeks.
Read More: Lemon Juice for Acne: 8 Simple Home Remedies
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranate has a significant effect on kidney health.
It is the go-to solution for urinary tract infections because it prevents the problem from progressing to the kidneys.
Researchers from Istanbul, Turkey, experimented. It shows that pomegranate has protective effects on kidneys [9].
They found that pomegranate could reduce crystal deposits in the renal tubes [9].
In this trial, the researchers experimented on 56 rats with kidney stones. They fed them ethylene glycol or pomegranate juice for ten days [9].
The ethylene glycol group had a notable increase in crystal deposits in the kidney tubes [9].
But, rats that took pomegranate juice did not have any [9].
A different group of Turkish researchers undertook a similar study. They also investigated the effects of pomegranate juice on kidney stones [10].
A study found that a high dosage of pomegranate juice decreased stones. It also prevented kidney damage and oxidative stress [10].
Pomegranate is rich in anti-urolithiatic properties. It also promotes tissue regeneration in the liver [11].
Pomegranate doesn’t only help maintain kidney health but also that of the liver.
Pomegranate for kidney stones:
Drink one glass of pomegranate juice in the morning. Also, you can crush one tablespoon of pomegranate seeds to form a paste. Consume this with horse gram soup in the afternoon. Repeat every day for one week.
Read More: 19 Health Benefits of Pomegranate (Backed by Evidence)
3. Cranberry Juice
Low urine output is a reason behind the formation of kidney stones. That’s why you should drink more fluid to prevent this problem [12].
You’d often hear experts say to drink more water to avoid having kidney-related issues.
Do note that some fluids like cocoa and soda only increase the risk of kidney stones [12].
Choosing suitable beverages like cranberry juice is essential. It has always been an often-used remedy for urinary tract infections [12].
Researchers recommend cranberry juice as a “conservative therapeutic protocol” for kidney stones [12].
Cranberry juice reduces the pH level of urine and urinary uric acid [13].
Cranberry is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So, you’ll be doing your health a big favor by drinking this juice.
It will give you the necessary vitamin C and other nutrients. All these are vital for your body to keep its immune defense strong against various diseases.
Make sure you don’t drink cranberry juice loaded with sugar and other chemicals. Instead, drink fresh cranberry juice so you can reap its benefits.
How to use cranberry juice for kidney stones:
Drink three glasses of cranberry juice a day. Do this for one to two weeks.
Read More: 13 Cranberry Juice Benefits (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
4. Black Currant Juice
Another reliable solution for kidney stones is blackcurrant juice.
In 2002, scientists from the University of Bonn in Germany conducted a clinical trial. It involved 12 healthy male participants between 18 and 38 years of age [14].
The participants took the standard diet recommended by the German Society of Nutrition. They paired the diet with either plum, cranberry, or black currant juice [14].
Results gathered showed that blackcurrant juice increased the pH of the urine. It also increased the excretion of citric and oxalic acids [14].
Researchers explain that black currant has alkalizing effects. It can inhibit the formation of uric stone acids [14].
Findings prove this juice is an effective treatment for kidney stones made of uric acid [14].
It’s also best to consume fresh blackcurrant juice. You can, at least, try to find a commercial product that’s not packed with sugar and chemicals.
How to use blackcurrant juice for kidney stones:
Consume three glasses of fresh blackcurrant juice daily for one week. You can drink once in the morning, at lunchtime, and once during dinner.
Read More: 5 Best Essential Oils for Kidney Stone and Pain Relief
5. Water
Everyone knows that drinking water is necessary for optimal health.
As it turns out, it can also help prevent the formation of kidney stones and aid in flushing them out.
Water helps dissolve the substances in the urine that form into stones. [30]
Each person should drink eight glasses of water daily to pass at about two liters of urine daily.
It also helps ensure you don’t get dehydrated, especially during warm weather.
Water for kidney stones:
Drink eight glasses of water a day to prevent kidney stones.
Read More: 7 Oxygenated Water Benefits That’ll Surprise You!
6. Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is one of the botanical medicines that protect the kidneys and the urinary tract [15].
It can also help combat the problem of kidney stones because it contains antiseptic, anti-adhesive, and antioxidant properties [15, 16].
Not only does it has disinfectant effects, but also saponins. These properties are the reasons behind its beneficial effects [16].
Experts also recommend uva ursi for urinary tract infections [17].
It’s one of those natural remedies you’d want to use if you want to maintain your kidney in top health.
Uva ursi tea for kidney stones:
Simmer one tablespoon of uva ursi leaves in 2 cups of water for 40 minutes. Drink the tea two to three times a day for one week.
Read More: 17 Best Home Remedies for Kidney Infection (Backed by Science)
7. Green Tea
The formation and recurrence of calcium oxalate kidney stones can cause Hyperoxaluria. It’s a condition marked by increased oxalate in the urine [18].
Reducing urinary oxalate concentration may lower the risk of kidney stones [18].
Black tea seems to increase the risk of oxalate stones, which is why you must remove it from your diet [18].
An alternative for tea drinkers is green tea. According to WebMD, it can prevent kidney stones.
Seoul National University Hospital in Korea conducted a study confirming that green tea’s polyphenols can inhibit urinary stone formation [19].
It was an animal test. It investigated the anti-oxalate effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It is the primary polyphenol in green tea [19].
The rats involved in the study either consumed green tea or other liquids [19].
As it turns out, green tea suppressed the free radical formation caused by oxalates. It explains why the number of crystal deposits in the green tea users was fewer than in the other groups [19].
But, that’s not all that green tea can do for your health.
It can also help in weight loss and ward off premature skin aging, among many other benefits.
Green tea for kidney stones:
Steep green tea in a cup of hot water. Drink the tea in the morning once a day for three to four weeks.
Read More: Green Tea for Acne: How Effective?
8. Thai Basil
A favorite herb used in the kitchen, basil is often used to add flavor and aroma to dishes.
What some people do not know is that its volatile components work to keep many types of ailments at bay [20].
It is also an effective treatment for kidney stones [20].
According to a 2013 study, Thai basil can reduce the formation of stones in the kidneys [20].
Contributing to its anti-stone formation activities are saponins, lupeol linoleate, and lupeol [20].
Some active compounds in this herb not only treat kidney stones but also maintain their health.
Thai basil for kidney stones:
Mix one tsp of Thai basil juice with honey. Consume this mixture in the morning for three to four months.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric has long been famous for its wide range of therapeutic effects.
Its phenolic compound called curcumin is more than pigment and spice. It is a curative agent that reduces inflammation and fights free radicals [21].
This chemical may have protective effects on the kidneys [21].
It can also help prevent kidney stones and infections in the urinary tract [22].
The phytonutrients in turmeric can help increase urine output. Urine flushes out toxins from the urinary tract and reduces the risk of infection [22].
How to use turmeric for kidney stones:
Add one tbsp of turmeric powder to a glass of warm water. Stir well. Drink the mixture. Do this once a day for one week.
10. Dandelion Root
Dandelion is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and hails from Europe. But it’s now growing in the other warm regions in the Northern Hemisphere [23].
People consume many of its parts as food and use some as medicine [23].
It contains many types of phytochemicals that give it various pharmacological effects. So, scientists have explored the benefits of dandelion root in people’s health.
The Journal of Pharmacotherapy published a study in 2005. It mentions that dandelion roots can help prevent the occurrence of kidney stones [24].
Another one says it helps treat even recurrent cases of kidney stones [25].
How it exactly works remains unclear. It may be the diuretic effects of the dandelion root [26].
Dandelion for kidney stones:
Boil 2-3 cups of water in a pot. Add a piece of dandelion root. Simmer for 30 minutes to one hour. Remove from heat. Strain the mixture. Drink one to two cups of this concoction for one to two weeks.
Read More: 10 Home Remedies for Gallbladder Pain (& How to Use Them)
11. Celery
Celery is a popular remedy to get rid of kidney stones. Because it can clear away the toxins responsible for the formation of kidney stones. [27]
People have been consuming celery seeds and roots for many years because they can treat pain, gout, headache, and loss of appetite.
Celery can increase urine production, which will help flush out kidney stones. However, it can also impede the formation of kidney stones.
Celery juice for kidney stone:
Blend raw celery and extract juice from it. Drink this juice on an empty stomach. Repeat this process for 2-3 days.
12. Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf comes from the plant Stinging Nettle. It’s great for many health issues like urination and urinary tract infections. It can also treat enlarged prostate, as well as irritable bladder. [28]
It maintains the flow of water between the kidneys and the bladder.
Nettle leaf is quite helpful in increasing the volume of urine. It means you can flush out your kidney stones with ease.
Nettle leaf for kidney stones:
Boil some water in a saucepan. Pour it into a cup. Add 2 tbsp of dried nettle leaves to it. Wait for ten minutes. Strain and drink the solution. Try to drink 2-3 cups per day until you heal.
Read More: 6 Amazing Birch Leaf Benefits and Uses You Didn’t Know!
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
We already know the countless health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It comes with a surprise again, as it is pretty effective in treating kidney stones! [29]
The critical active element, in this case, is the citric acid of apple cider vinegar or ACV. Citric acid contributes to dissolving kidney stones.
Apple cider vinegar helps in alkalizing blood and urine. It also increases stomach acids that prevent the formation of new kidney stones.
Drinking ACV helps to flush out harmful elements and dissolve kidney stones. Besides, it stops the formation of new stones and ensures relief from the pain due to kidney stones.
Apple cider vinegar for kidney stones:
Mix 2 tablespoons of raw ACV with one cup of water. Drink this mixture throughout the day. Don’t drink more than the mentioned amount as it will cause other problems. Do this every day for better results.
[NOTE: If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before consuming apple cider vinegar. Because it may react with certain medications]
Read More: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne Treatment
14. Homeopathy for Kidney Stones
Naturopathic physicians often recommend homeopathy treatments for kidney stones.
Some popular homeopathic remedies for kidney stones include Ocimum canum, Berberis vulgaris, Pennyroyal, Cantharis, and Colocynthis.
These remedies may address different symptoms of kidney stones such as sharp pain, burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, vomiting, and nausea.
You should consult an expert before resorting to these homeopathic remedies for kidney stones. They may prescribe you the appropriate dosage.
When to See a Doctor
Home remedies may not be successful in flushing out kidney stones thoroughly.
Consult a doctor if you have symptoms like nausea, fever, severe pain, and blood in your urine. The doctor will prescribe medicines based on the severity of the issue.
Bottom Line
Kidney stones can take a toll on your life and affect your health. It would help if you changed your lifestyle to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Drink a lot of water and put fresh vegetables in your daily diet.
The above-discussed home remedies for kidney stones may help you to get rid of kidney stones symptoms to a great extent. However, for proper diagnosis and treatment of the condition, seek professional medical help.
