Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis, are mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. Dehydration, metabolic problems, certain diseases and obstructed urine flow can all contribute to the development of stones. This can be a serious condition, and you may experience fever, nausea, and severe pain in the side, back, lower abdomen and groin. Herbs have a long history of relieving the pain and helping your body pass kidney stones. Consult a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis before using herbal remedies for kidney stones.
Wild Carrot
Wild carrot, or Daucus carota, is a biennial herb known popularly as Queen Anne's lace. Herbalists use the aerial parts and seeds to treat kidney and bladder disorders, especially infections and stones, or gravel. The leaves and seeds contain flavonoids, alkaloids and volatile oil, and the plant has diuretic, antilithic and antispasmodic properties. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that wild carrot is a specific remedy for treating kidney stones, and recommends a tea made from either the leaves or seeds. Besides helping to dissolve kidney stones, the herb may also help prevent the development of recurring stones. Do not use wild carrot if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. The fresh plant may also cause photosensitivity.
Gravel Root
Gravel root, or Eupatorium purpureum, is a perennial with lavender flowers, also known as Joe-Pye weed and kidney root. Traditional healers use the roots and rhizomes to treat kidney stones. Active ingredients include volatile oil, resin and flavonoids, and the herb has diuretic and antilithic actions. Hoffmann recommends combining a tincture of gravel root with tinctures of stone root, corn silk, wild yam and black haw to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle spasms in the urinary tract and to allow the stones to pass. If your symptoms do not change, or if they become worse, consult medical help.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow, or Althaea officinalis, is a tall perennial with pale lavender flowers. The root contains mucilages comprising polysaccharides that soothe and protect irritated and inflamed tissues. Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster state that marshmallow mucilages act as a demulcent, forming a coating along the urinary tract to protect against damage from the passing stone. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, state that a quart of marshmallow root tea daily helps to cleanse the kidneys and eliminate stones. Marshmallow root may diminish the effect of other drugs, so check with your doctor before using this herbal remedy.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing": Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
