Kidney stones, also called renal lithiasis, are bits of minerals and acid salts that form inside your kidneys and are painful to expel. If you have kidney stones, you may experience pain under your ribs and around the side and back, pain when you urinate, dark urine, and nausea. Conventional treatment may include NSAIDs for pain relief, but these can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs may help break up and eliminate kidney stones. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment for kidney stones.
Herbal Actions
Herbs have a long history of treating kidney stones. They work in different ways, but many have antispasmodic, antilithic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and demulcent actions. These herbs contain chemicals that may reduce pain, spasms and inflammation in the urinary tubes through which stones have to pass. You can use herbs for kidney stones as teas and tinctures, but consult a qualified practitioner for instructions on dosage and length of use.
Wild Carrot
Wild carrot, or Daucus carota, is a biennial herb also known as Queen Anne's lace. Traditional healers use the root or aerial parts to treat kidney and bladder disorders, including stones and infections. Active ingredients include flavonoids, alkaloids and volatile oil, and the plant has antilithic and diuretic properties. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that wild carrot is a specific treatment for kidney stones and recommends using a tincture or tea. Use caution if you use the fresh plant, since the juice may cause photosensitivity.
Pellitory of the Wall
Pellitory of the Wall, or Parietaria officinalis, is a perennial found growing in cracks of stone walls. Herbalists use the aerial parts to treat kidney stones, bladder problems and urinary tract infections. The plant is rich in organic acids and tannins, and has demulcent action, meaning it soothes and protects irritated tissue. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that this herb reduces inflammation and is especially valuable for kidney stones. Speak to your doctor before using this herb if you have severe pain from kidney stones.
Corn
Corn, or Zea mays, originated in Central America and is cultivated throughout the world. The silky strands on corn ears contain essential oil, flavonoids and mucilage, and are a traditional remedy for urinary tract disorders, rheumatism and arthritis. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend a tea made from the strands to relax spasms in your urinary tubes and reduce the formation of kidney stones. Discontinue use if you develop a skin rash or other allergic reaction.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
