Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain and other symptoms. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center states that kidney stones cause approximately one in 1,000 American adults to seek care in hospitals. Kidney stones are often composed of calcium, uric acid, cystine and magnesium ammonium phosphate. A qualified health care professional can help you choose the best herbs to treat or prevent kidney stones and should be consulted prior to taking herbs to discuss procedures, risks and alternatives.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when your urine becomes supersaturated with salts that can develop into stones. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, kidney stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of kidney stones include shifting back, side, abdominal and groin pain, blood in your urine, urinary tract infections, nausea, vomiting, chills and fever. Along with taking certain herbs, drinking plenty of water is a helpful way to prevent kidney stones.
Short-Term Treatment
Some herbs may be helpful in treating acute kidney stone attacks. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, herbal medicine expert, naturopathic doctor and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that a combination of khella, wild yam, lobelia, horse chestnut, valerian and kava kava may have antispasmodic action and help aid the passage of kidney stones through your ureter, or the tubes that help transport materials from your kidneys to your bladder. Horse chestnut and kava kava also possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Long-Term Treatment
The long-term treatment of kidney stones involves the use of herbs that help to prevent kidney stones, especially in people who have demonstrated a tendency to form kidney stones. Dr. Tilgner states that gravel root, goldenrod, nettle, corn silk and hydrangea all possess diuretic action and promote the excretion of solid materials. Nettle is a urinary tract tonic and goldenrod is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. When taken together, these herbs may be effective in preventing kidney stones from developing.
Considerations
Consider visiting a health care professional with extensive training in herbal medicine before using herbs to treat or prevent your kidney stones. Herbs contain active components that can significantly affect your body's physiological processes and should be taken under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner. Some herbs should be avoided entirely if you are pregnant. To better understand what herbs you should or should not take for your condition or health problem, first meet with your physician.
References
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Kidney Stones
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse:
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
