Kidney stones are crystals of calcium and other minerals that collect in your kidneys. They can be severely painful and difficult to pass through your urinary tract. Conventional treatment includes pain killers, surgery and shock waves, but these are not be appropriate for everyone. Herbal teas may help prevent, dissolve and expel kidney stones naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbal teas that treat calcium deposits in your kidneys have several actions. Antilithics can help prevent calcium formation and dissolve calcium deposits if stones have already formed. Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic herbs will soothe irritated, inflamed tissue and reduce muscle spasms. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbal teas to prevent and eliminate calcium deposits, the cause of kidney stones.
Gravel Root
Gravel root, or Eupatorium purpureum, is a tall plant with purple flowers, also known as Joe-Pie weed. Traditional healers use the roots and rhizomes to treat kidney stones, urinary tract infections, rheumatism and gout. The active ingredients include volatile oil, flavonoids and resin, and the herb has antilithic action. In their 2001 book, “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend gravel root to eliminate kidney stones. It may also relax your pelvic area, and fight infection caused by irritation from calcium deposits. Do not use this herb if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, is a tropical vine useful for treating spastic pain. It is rich in steroidal saponins and has potent anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action. In his 2003 book, “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine,” clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends it to alleviate muscle spasms in your urinary tract as the stones pass through your system. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli advise using it for small stones that cause shooting pains in your back and legs. Do not combine this herb with oral contraceptives.
Stoneroot
Stoneroot, or Collinsonia canadensis, is a tall, North American perennial herb in the Mint family. Herbalists use the roots and leaves to treat kidney and bladder disorders, including stones and infections. The plant contains essential oil, tannins, alkaloids and saponins, and has antilithic and diuretic actions. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that its main use is preventing and treating calcium stones. It also tones the kidneys and soothes irritation caused by stones. Do not ingest the fresh leaves as they might cause vomiting.
References
- “Herbal Remedies”; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffmann; 2003
