Kidney stones can be uncomfortable and may lead to infection. Conventional medical treatment usually involves pain management and prescription medication to help dissolve the stones. Extreme cases may even require surgery. Ayurvedic treatments may offer a gentler alternative. However, the function and safety of many Ayurvedic treatments is not fully understood. Consult a medical doctor before starting Ayurvedic treatment for kidney stones.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, occur when crystals form in the urine and collect in the kidney. They are usually asymptomatic until the kidney tries to expel them in the urine. The kidney stone can block the passage leading from the kidney to the bladder, leading to infection and causing pain in the belly, low back or groin. Their causes can range from diet to intestinal disorders, urinary tract infections, gout or chemotherapy.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is a system of traditional Indian medicine that promotes wellness and treats disease by addressing imbalances within the energies of the body and between the body and the environment. It advocates thoughtful eating to support and balance each person’s individual constitution, yoga and meditation, and when necessary, the use of herbal blends and other treatments. Ayurveda is a gentle, holistic system that takes the prevention of disease as seriously as its treatment.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stones
The Ayurvedic approach to kidney stones aims to encourage the stone to pass. Herbal medicines such as ber pathar bhasma or cystone tablets can help dissolve the stones, and gokshura kada and chander prabha vati can relieve the pain of urination when kidney stones are present. In addition, Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend drinking a liter of water a day. An infusion of onion and sugar in water may also be helpful. To prevent kidney stones, try cleansing foods like basil, celery, apples, watermelon and pomegranate. See an Ayurvedic practitioner for recommendations specific to your condition.
Evidence and Recommendations
A study published in the August 2008 “Journal of Endourology” reviews studies of nine Ayurvedic medicines used to treat kidney stones. It concludes that an herbal blend called phyllanthus niruri is potentially beneficial for kidney stone treatment and prevention, but recommends that further well-controlled studies be conducted on humans. If you would like to pursue Ayurvedic treatment for kidney stones, first ask your medical doctor whether the approach is safe for you. Then consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ayurvedic Medicine – An Introduction
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ayurveda; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2009
- PubMed Health: Kidney Stones
- “Journal of Endourology”; Ayurvedic Medicine and Renal Calculi; S. Kieley, et al.; August 2008
- Only My Health; Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stones; Poonam Sachdev; 2011
