Kidney stones occur when mineral and salt acids accumulate in the kidneys, causing the development of rock-like deposits typically composed of calcium. Kidney stones vary in size. Once discovered, the primary treatment goal is to help the patient process them and pass them in the urine. There are steps patients with kidney stones can take if they prefer a natural method of treatment, but natural treatment methods alone may not fully cure them.
Step 1
Drink a minimum of six to eight 8 oz. glasses of water to produce urine. Drinking ample water can help a patient produce urine and help her pass the kidney stones. Drinking water also prevents dehydration. Dehydration can make it extremely difficult to pass the kidney stones. Patients should attempt to drink water at regular increments throughout the day to promote consistent production of urine. Drinking one glass of water each hour during the day is an easy way to get the minimum recommended daily amount.
Step 2
Drink a cup of black or green tea daily. Although it may not be effective to treat all patients’ kidney stones, the Mayo Clinic says that it can be helpful in preventing kidney stones or reducing the risk of their development.
Step 3
Drink orange or lemon juice. The Mayo Clinic states that the citric acid in orange or lemon juice helps break down the calcium in kidney stones. Because citric acid can cause the development of other symptoms, such as heartburn, some patients may add orange or lemon juice to water to reduce acid levels and prevent dehydration.
Step 4
Use a heating pad to treat pain associated with passing kidney stones. A patient’s physician typically recommends an over-the-counter pain medication. For patients who prefer a natural treatment method, using a heating pad can help relieve pain near the ribs or abdomen in lieu of taking medication. Some patients also find relief by applying a warm compress to the affected area. A warm compress can be made by saturating a clean towel with warm water and wringing out the excess water.
