Herbal Help for Kidney Stones

I can tell you from personal experience that passing a kidney stone is very painful. The painful condition strikes both men and women, and occurs when a stone moves from the kidney into the bladder via the ureter. Men suffer from kidney stones more often than women, but they are definitely not alone.

There are several things that can increase the likelihood of developing stones. Genetics play a role. If your family has a history of kidney stones, you are much more likely to do so. If you’ve already had a round or two with the painful condition, chances are pretty good you will do so again.

Other risk factors are lack of proper fluid intake, where you live, diet, obesity and lack of exercise. People who live in hot, dry climates are likely to become dehydrated and develop stones. Some foods and over the counter medications can create a greater likelihood of stone formation.

There are several things that can be done toward prevention of kidney stones. Drinking enough fluids is a key factor. What to drink? Water is a good choice, though a glass or so of lemonade on a daily basis can also be helpful. This is because increasing citric acid intake may prevent the formation of stones. For this purpose, only lemon juice (fresh or concentrate) is going to help.

Watching your diet is also important. Some types of stones are more likely to form when a lot of the various oxalates are eaten. It might surprise you what foods contain oxalates. A prime example is spinach, which contains calcium oxalate.

Food is not the only source of oxalates. Some vitamin and mineral tablets contain high amounts, so read the labels of anything you ingest to check for them. Check other over the counter medications as well, particularly anti acid tablets.

Herbs can be used to ease some of the discomfort of kidney stones. Catnip is a good choice, not only because it soothes the kidneys, it also has a mild relaxing property. If the pain is preventing sleep, valerian and hops are good choices. Be aware that valerian smells horrible. I have often likened the odor to that of well used gym socks.

Two herbs that might be useful may surprise you. One of them is probably growing as an obnoxious weed in a yard near you. If hydration is not an issue, dandelion leaves may be useful in dealing with kidney stones. As it is a diuretic, it is not a good choice for kidney stones caused by to little fluid intake. Corn silk (the thin fibers around an ear of corn) is used for many kidney problems and may help.

Like dandelion, parsley is sometimes used as a natural herbal remedy for kidney ailments. As it is a mild diuretic as well, be certain the stones are not caused by lack of fluid intake.

It is advisable that you get a correct diagnosis to make sure kidney stones are the problem, and to make sure what kind of stone it is. It might be necessary to take traditional medications as well as use herbs.

Let your doctor or pharmacist know of any herbal supplements you take, as well as any you intend to add. They know your medical history and can advise you to make sure you’re taking the appropriate things.

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