Kidney stones can form when urine contains high levels of salts and minerals leading to the formation of deposits that can block up the kidney and become extremely painful. Sometimes stones stay in the kidneys without causing problems. Sometimes they make it to the bladder where they are eliminated. Kidney stones are usually treated surgically where they are broken up into small pieces, with larger pieces being removed. Non-invasive, natural treatments have been known to have remarkable results. Those who wish to use more natural medicines for treatment or prevention, consider the following:

Herbal Remedies

• Bilberry– Helps prevent kidney stones
• Burdock– Contains inulin that dissolves stones in all organs, also a diuretic
• Chanca Piedra- Helps normalize calcium levels to prevent and break up stones
• Cramp Bark– Relieves cramps, antispasmodic (spasms,) diuretic
• Dandelion Root- Helps dissolve kidney stones
• Horetail– Diuretic, reduces the amount of bleeding and pain when passing stones
• Licorice- Anti-inflammatory, supports adrenal function
• Lovage– Helps prevent kidney stones
• Meadowsweet– Reduces uric acid, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and astringent
• Pipsissewa– Helps prevent kidney stones
• Plantain- Herbal antibiotic, prevents stones from forming, diuretic
• Rosemary– Prevents the enzyme which causes stones to form
• Stinging Nettle- For urinary infections and kidney ailments, reduces inflammation
• Uva Ursi- Diuretic, can help reduce uric acid

Homeopathic Remedies

• Argentum Niricum- Pain from congested kidneys, dull ache, dark urine
• Asparagus- Colic, gravel passing, urges to urinate, strong smell, blood
• Belladonna- Sharp, shooting pains, cramping, feverish, iritation, gallstones
• Benzoic Acid- Colic with offensive odor, deep red
• Berberis Vulgaris- For kidney stones on the left side
• Bryophyllum- Helps break up very large stones
• Calcarea Carbonica- Helps when stones are composed of calcium
• Cantharis Vesicatoria- For stones with burning urination, kidney pain frequent urges
• Chimaphila Umbellata- Constant pain in kidney region, fluttering sensation, thick ropey bloody urine
• Hydrangea Arborescens- For stones with white or yellow sand in urine
• Hydrastis- Dull ache, intense pain in left ureter, frequent scanty urination with burning
• Ipomea Nil- Helps stones pass from kidney to bladder
• Lithium Carbonate- Pains in heart when urinating and bending, dark bloody urine
• Lycopodium Clavatum- For right side kidney stones, red sediment in urine
• Sarsaparilla Officinalis- For stones with burning at the end of urination, right side kidney stones
• Natrum Phosphoricum- Good for oxalate stones
• Nux Vomica- Renal colic, kidney on right, pains extend to genitalia, straining
• Ocimum Can- Good for removal of stones, especially with kidney on right side
• Pariera Brava- Helps remove stones that have been there for a long time, irritable bladder
• Silicea- Involuntary discharge, constant urges to urinate, nightly incontinence
• Tabacum- Pains and nausea with fever and cold sweat
• Urtica Urens- Useful to remove stones and gravel, cleansing agent

Home Remedy/Treatment/Maintenance

• Avoid: Milk, cheese and anything with calcium
• Apple Cider Vinegar in water
• Basil Tea
• Celery
• Cranberry Juice
• Decrease Vitamin D
• Drink extra water to flush kidneys
• Green Tea
• Kidney Bean Broth
• Lemon Juice in water
• Olive Oil
• Pineapple
• Pomegranate Juice
• Prunes
• Watermelon
• Noteworthy: Those with hyperuricemia should avoid red meats, offal and fish, which are rich in purines, and should receive treatment with allopurinol.
• Noteworthy: Those with cystinuria should avoid eggs, meat and fish which are high in sulphur containing proteins and should be restricted.