10 simple home remedy for kidney stones

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are crystallized minerals and salts, and may be a result of dehydration.
Kidney stones occur when minerals and salts, most commonly calcium oxalate, crystallize in the kidneys and create hard deposits. Although they form in the kidneys, kidney stones can affect any part of the urinary tract.

Kidney stones are also called calculi or urolithiasis.

Dehydration is considered a major contributing factor in the development of kidney stones.

When the body is dehydrated, fluid moves more slowly through the kidneys, increasing the chances of mineral and salt compounds coming into close contact and sticking together.

Small stones may form and pass on their own without causing any symptoms. However, most medium or large stones are extremely painful to pass and require medical attention.

Ten home remedies for kidney stones

Before taking any home remedies, it is a good idea to talk with a doctor, especially for people with pre-existing medical conditions or who are taking medications.

Many antibiotics, diuretics, blood pressure, cholesterol, and liver medications can interact negatively with herbal remedies.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor herbs or supplements.

1. Water

Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to prevent and treat kidney stones. Most health authorities recommend drinking 64 ounces (oz) or eight glasses of water per day.

Drinking 12 glasses per day may help ease the passage or slow the growth of deposits in the kidneys.

2. Lemon juice

Lemons contain citrate, a compound that helps break down calcium deposits and slow their growth. Two 5-oz glasses, the first on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and another a few hours before dinner, may help break down smaller stones.

It is important to examine labels closely when purchasing juice products. Many products labeled as lemon juice contain small amounts of pure lemon extract and high amounts of sweeteners, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Buying pure extract online or purchasing fresh lemons and squeezing them at home are the easiest ways to get undiluted lemon juice.

3. Basil

Basil contains compounds known to help stabilize uric acid levels, making it harder for kidney stones to form. Also, basil contains acetic acid, a chemical known to help dissolve stones.

One teaspoon of basil extract or pure juice per day may help prevent and treat kidney stones. These can be purchased online.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar again contains citric acid that may help dissolve calcium deposits.

Two tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 oz of water may reduce the symptoms of kidney stones and prevent their development. This mixture can be drunk several times a day and may be most effective when consumed before meals.

Apple cider vinegar, and apple cider vinegar supplements, are available to purchase online from various brands.

5. Wheatgrass juice

Green smoothie surrounded by wheatgrass shoots.
Wheatgrass juice can help to expel minerals and salts from the urinary tract, preventing them from crystalizing into kidney stones.
Wheatgrass contains compounds that increase urine production, allowing stones to pass more easily and reducing the risk of their formation.

Wheat grass also contains antioxidants, which help rid the urinary tract of minerals and salts.

The urinary benefits of wheat grass are best obtained by consuming 2- to 8-oz of pure extract or juice daily. Supplemental powders or pills are also available to purchase online or at many health stores.

6. Celery juice or seed

Celery contains antioxidants and compounds known to increase urine production. Adding celery seeds to meals on a regular basis may help reduce the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

One or two celery stalks can also be blended with water to create celery juice. Celery juice can be consumed daily to help treat kidney stone symptoms.

7. Uva ursi

The disinfectant and solvent properties of the herb uva ursi may help cleanse the urinary tract and ease the passage of kidney stones.

Some research indicates that 500 milligrams (mg) of pure, dried uva ursi three times daily may be beneficial for those with kidney stones.

Uva ursi supplements are available to purchase in some health food stores or online.

8. Kidney bean broth

Kidney beans contain a lot of magnesium, a compound known to help reduce kidney stones and their symptoms.

One way to get the benefits from the beans is to remove them from their pods then slowly boil the pods for approximately 5-6 hours. The resulting liquid can then be strained, ideally using a cheesecloth, and served warm or cooled.

The preparation can be consumed several times throughout the day.

9. Extra-virgin olive oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is a thick, rich oil that may help ease the passage of kidney stones by lubricating the urinary tract.

A 5-oz glass first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon, ideally at the same time as other herbal or home remedies, may reduce pain and discomfort.

10. Tribulus terrestris

Drinks made from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris may help lower phosphate levels in the urine, making it harder for stones to form.

The herb also contains compounds known to increase urine output and help dissolve mineral deposits.

All the parts of the plant and its fruits can be consumed raw. The herb may only be available in pill form or dried for use as a tea, though various supplements are available to buy online.

One 500-mg pill, or 1 cup of tea, may be enough to help prevent kidney stones and ease their passage.

11. Pomegranate juice

The astringent and antioxidant properties of pomegranates are thought to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones and ease their passage.

Pomegranate juice also contains compounds that lower the acidity of urine, making it harder for stones to form.

Buying whole pomegranates and eating their seeds or juicing them is the easiest way to get these health benefits.

12. Dandelion extract, tea, or juice

Dandelions contain compounds that increase the production of bile and urine, helping to rid the body of waste.

In a pill or capsule form, 500 mg of dried dandelion extract may help ease the symptoms of kidney stones or prevent their formation. In tea or juice form, 3 to 4 cups daily are recommended.

Various forms of dandelion are available to purchase online, including in supplement, extract, or tea form.

13. Lose weight

A healthy weight combined with a healthful diet rich in nutritious, fiber-filled foods, is considered essential to the prevention of kidney stones and for their treatment.

Carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks can all increase a person's risk of developing kidney stones.

Also, foods high in sugar, salt, or fat are known to increase the risk of kidney deposits and to intensify symptoms.