Kidney Stones Remedies

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Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What Works?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on June 5, 2018 — Written by Emily Cronkleton

Water
Lemon juice
Basil juice
Apple cider vinegar
Celery juice
Pomegranate juice
Kidney bean broth
Other natural remedies
Dandelion root juice
Wheatgrass juice
Horsetail juice
See your doctor
Takeaway

Drinking plenty of fluids is a vital part of passing kidney stones and preventing new stones from forming. Not only does the liquid flush out toxins, it helps move stones and grit through your urinary tract.

Although water alone may be enough to do the trick, adding certain ingredients can be beneficial. Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after drinking any flavored remedy. This can help move the ingredients through your system.

Talk to your doctor before getting started with any of the home remedies listed below. They can assess whether home treatment is right for you or if it could lead to additional complications.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using any remedies. Your doctor can determine whether a juice may cause side effects for you or your baby.

1. Water

When passing a stone, upping your water intake can help speed up the process. Strive for 12 glasses of water per day instead of the usual 8.

Once the stone passes, you should continue to drink 8 to 12 glasses of water each day. Dehydration is one of the main risk factors for kidney stones, and the last thing you want is for more to form.

Pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be a very light, pale yellow. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.

2. Lemon juice

You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. Lemons contain citrate, which is a chemical that prevents calcium stones from forming. Citrate can also break up small stones, allowing them to pass more easily.

A great deal of lemons would be needed to make a huge effect, but some can help a little.

Lemon juice has numerous other health benefits. For example, it helps inhibit bacteria growth.

3. Basil juice

Basil contains acetic acid, which helps to break down the kidney stones and reduce pain. It’s also full of nutrients. This remedy has been used traditionally for digestive and inflammatory disorders. There are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in basil juice, and it may be helpful in maintaining kidney health.

Use fresh or dried basil leaves to make a tea and drink several cups per day. You may also juice fresh basil in a juicer or add it to a smoothie.

You shouldn’t use medicinal basil juice for more than six weeks at a time. Extended use may lead to:

low blood sugar
low blood pressure
increased bleeding

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid helps to dissolve kidney stones.

In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar can help ease pain caused by the stones. There are numerous other health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Shop for apple cider vinegar online.

To reap these benefits, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 6 to 8 ounces of purified water. Drink this mixture throughout the day.

You shouldn’t consume more than one 8-ounce glass of this mixture per day. You can also use it on salads straight or add it to your favorite salad dressing. If ingested in larger amounts, apple cider vinegar can lead to low levels of potassium and osteoporosis.

People with diabetes should exercise caution when drinking this mixture. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully throughout the day.

You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:

insulin
digoxin (Digox)
diuretics, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)

5. Celery juice

Celery juice is thought to clear away toxins that contribute to kidney stone formation and has long been used in traditional medications. It also helps flush out the body so you can pass the stone.

Blend one or more celery stalks with water, and drink the juice throughout the day.

You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you have:

any bleeding disorder
low blood pressure
a scheduled surgery

You also shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:

levothyroxine (Synthroid)
lithium (Lithane)
medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as isotretinoin (Sotret)
sedative medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax)

6. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice has been used for centuries to improve overall kidney function. It will flush stones and other toxins from your system. It’s packed with antioxidants, which help keep the kidneys healthy and may have a role in preventing kidney stones from developing.

It also lowers your urine’s acidity level. Lower acidity levels reduce your risk for future kidney stones.

There’s no limit to how much pomegranate juice you can drink throughout the day.

You shouldn’t drink pomegranate juice if you’re taking:

medications changed by the liver
blood pressure medications, such as chlorothiazide (Diuril)
rosuvastatin (Crestor)

7. Kidney bean broth

The broth from cooked kidney beans has been used to improve overall urinary and kidney health. It also helps dissolve and flush out the stones. Simply strain the liquid from cooked beans and drink a few glasses throughout the day.

Other natural remedies

The following home remedies may contain ingredients that aren’t already in your kitchen. You should be able to buy them from your local health food store or online.

8. Dandelion root juice

Dandelion root is a kidney tonic that stimulates the production of bile. This is thought to help eliminate waste, increase urine output, and improve digestion. Dandelions have vitamins (A, B, C, D) and minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc.

You can make fresh dandelion juice or buy it as a tea. If you make it fresh, you may also add orange peel, ginger, and apple to taste. Drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.

Some people experience heartburn when they eat dandelion or its parts.

You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:

blood thinners
antacids
antibiotics
lithium
diuretics, such as spironolactone