Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis, form when tiny crystals of calcium, oxalate or uric acid stick together and create larger deposits inside the kidneys. The stones cause severe pain in the back, abdomen and groin, and can block the normal flow of urine. Conventional treatment includes drinking plenty of water and pain relievers, but sometimes sound waves, to break up stones, or surgery are needed. Herbs have been used to dissolve kidney stones for centuries. Consult a health care professional for accurate diagnosis before starting herbal therapy.
Aloe
Aloe, or aloe vera, is a fleshy green plant with serrated leaves that is native to North Africa but grows in dry regions throughout the world. Traditional healers use the gel from the leaves as a topical remedy for burns and wounds, as well as a juice to treat constipation. Aloe contains polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones and lectins; the plant has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant properties. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" recommend aloe juice to prevent kidney stones and to reduce the size of the stones during an attack. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster in "The Herbal Drugstore" also recommend aloe and state that the anthraquinones are the constituents that act on kidney stones. The amount of aloe useful for kidney stones is less than needed for constipation, so reduce the dose if it produces a laxative effect.
Wild Carrot
Wild carrot, or Daucus carota, is a biennial native to Europe that is more popularly known as Queen Anne's lace. The ancient Romans used it as a contraceptive and in traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to expel parasites. According to C.P. Khare's 2008 book, "Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary," the seed oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a kidney irritant. Ayurvedic practitioners use the plant to treat kidney stones because it increases urine output and eliminates uric acid, one of the components of kidney stones. Clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that wild carrot, as a tea or tincture, has diuretic and antilithic properties and is a specific treatment for kidney stones. People who are photosensitive should not use the juice. Wild carrot may stimulate the uterus, so do not use during pregnancy.
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
Sweet joe-pye weed, or Eupatorium purpureum, is a perennial herb with clusters of purple flowers native to North America. Its more popular common names, gravel root and kidney root, testify to the historical use of this plant as a remedy for kidney stones. The plant contains volatile oil, flavonoids and resin; it has diuretic and antilithic actions. Clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that the effective parts are the roots and rhizomes, while Steven Foster and James A. Duke in "Medicinal Plants and Herbs" note that teas made with either the leaf or root are used traditionally to eliminate stones in the urinary tract, including the kidneys. Henriettesherbal.com states that it can dissolve kidney stones and prevent them from reforming due to its irritant and diuretic actions. People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should not use this herb.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing": Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary": C.P. Khare; 2008
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
- Henriettesherbal.com
