Kidney stones are mineral deposits, typically composed of calcium, that collect in your kidneys or urinary tract, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." They are usually caused by suppression of your immune system, which can allow uric acid and calcium to crystallize in your urinary tract. Kidney stones produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, upper back pain, fever and blood in your urine. Certain herbs may help you pass kidney stones.
Check with your doctor before taking any herb to treat kidney stones. Herbs shouldn't replace conventional medical treatment for this condition.
Step 1
Drink 4 oz. of aloe vera juice twice per day. The chemical compounds in aloe vera may reduce the size of kidney stones, making them easier to pass, according to the Balches. It may also reduce the risk of kidney and urinary tract infections, which may make stones more difficult to pass. Talk to your physician if you plan to treat kidney stones with aloe vera juice. This herb contains chemicals, called anthraquinones, which have a laxative effect and may cause diarrhea.
Step 2
teep 1 tbsp. of goldenseal root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes and drink the resulting tea. Goldenseal root is a natural immune system booster, which may help your body dissolve crystallized calcium deposits in your kidneys and urinary tract. It also has antibiotic properties, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." This may help prevent bacteria from causing inflammation and preventing kidney stones from passing through your urinary tract. Consult your physician if you plan to use goldenseal for kidney stones. This herb may raise your blood pressure.
Step 3
Boil 1 tbsp. marshmallow root in 1 cup of water and drink the resulting tea two to three times per day. Marshmallow is an immune-system booster that may help cleanse your kidneys, according to the Balches. This herb may expedite the passing of kidney stones. Check with your physician before treating kidneys stones with marshmallow root. In rare cases, this herb may cause diarrhea.
Step 4
Take a 250 mg supplement of ginkgo biloba once per day. Ginkgo biloba may help promote circulation to your kidneys, which may improve your body's ability to expel kidney stones, according to the Balches. This herb also has anti-inflammatory properties. Check with your doctor if you plan to take ginkgo biloba for kidney stones. You shouldn't take this herb if you have a blood-clotting disorder.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink at least eight glasses of filtered water each day. Proper hydration is necessary for passing kidney stones.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe vera juice
- Goldenseal root
- Marshmallow root
- Ginkgo biloba supplements
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
