Staghorn kidney stones, also known as struvite stones, occur in about 10 percent of all people who suffer from kidney stones. If you have experienced many urinary tract infections, you are more likely to form staghorn stones. Almost all them will pass on their own, but the process can be extremely painful. Utilizing a few well-known home remedies and alternative therapies can help to aid the passing of current staghorn kidney stones and prevent future occurrences.
Step 1
Drink plenty of water, about 2 to 3 quarts each day. The extra water helps the stones to pass more quickly. Drink even more water if you have been vomiting because of the pain.
Step 2
Use alternative methods to deal with the pain until your staghorn kidney stone passes. Using hypnosis or guided imagery can help you learn to deal with a wide variety of stressful situations, including pain. Make an appointment with an acupuncturist if this technique has helped you deal with pain in the past.
Step 3
Use over-the-counter pain killers like Tylenol, aspirin or ibuprofen to help alleviate pain associated with your kidney stones. Aspirin and ibuprofen will reduced kidney swelling as well.
Step 4
Add a magnesium supplement to your daily diet if you are prone to staghorn kidney stones. Magnesium is not a magic cure, but if taken regularly, it can help ease the pain and make it easier to pass kidney stones when they do form. Along with magnesium supplements, vitamins B6, A and K (in moderation); and potassium are are vitamins to make sure you get in a daily multivitamin.
Step 5
Drink two hot cups twice daily of horsetail tea, thyme and knotgrass tea, or goldenseal tea to stimulate the urinary tract and kidneys. This can sometimes help to break up smaller stones and thus pass them easier.
Step 6
Drink the juice of carrots and parsley, which contain high amounts of vitamins A and C to stimulate the urinary tract.
Tips and Warnings
- Most alternative therapies will help you deal with the pain of passing a staghorn kidney stone. Only changes in diet will prevent the problem from recurring. Cut back on alcohol or eliminate it entirely. Alcohol acts as a diuretic and depletes the body of essential nutrients.
- Staghorn kidney stones tend to be very large and may clog up the tubes in your kidneys. If the stone does not pass or you are in great pain, go to the doctor for surgical interventions. If you are experiencing bleeding or may be experiencing an infection, see a doctor immediately. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of over-the-counter pain medications, and do not rely on them for extended periods of time.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Pain relievers
- Magnesium
- Multivitamins
- Horsetail tea
- Thyme tea
- Knotgrass tea
- Goldenseal tea
- Carrot juice
- Parsley juice
