Holistic Medicine for Kidney Stones

Holistic Medicine for Kidney Stones
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Kidney stones are mineral deposits made up of uric acid, calcium, and other amino acids. People who have experienced them can attest to how painful they can be, with side effects including nausea, sweating and sharp waves of pain. Varying risks for kidney stone formation include insufficient fluid intake and excessive minerals in the urine Holistic treatments exist to treat kidney stones, contact your doctor to ensure which treatment may be right for you.

Herbs

According to the website Natural News, taking a hydrangea tincture may help reduce kidney stones in a matter of hours. Herbal remedies that can help with any related infection include goldenrod, cramp bark and joe pye weed--also known as gravel root, which was named for its help in relieving kidney stones. If you are experiencing bleeding, the herbs yarrow, horsetail, agrimony, shepherd's purse, or nettles may help relieve symptoms. Use any of these herbs to make a tea, which is the best way to take them since it is important to drink plenty of liquids to help flush them out of your body. Thus far, these herbs have not been proven to be effective for kidney ailments by the FDA.

Foods

The sole consumption of watermelon may help you eliminate kidney stones, according to Natural News. Eating a diet of watermelon for a day is purported to help cleanse the kidneys. To help rid the kidneys of excessive uric acid, consume foods which are alkaline in nature, which include cherries, asparagus, strawberries, and nettles. Fresh parsley may also be effective in treating urinary stones or edema. Remember to eat plenty of fresh vegetables--vegetarians are half as likely to develop kidney stones.

Vitamins and Water

According to Doctor Yourself, taking large doses of vitamin C may help eliminate kidney stones. The ascorbic acid in vitamin C helps to dissolve phosphate stones, along with preventing their formation. Taking a B complex vitamin twice daily with magnesium is suggested to help prevent calcium oxalate stone from forming.

Finally, one of the simplest things you can do to help your body eliminate stones is to drink plenty of water. HealthGuidance suggests letting the stones pass on their own, and assist their passage by consuming plenty of water. Avoiding sodas, soy and sugar may also help.

References

Article reviewed by Veronique Von Tufts Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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