It is well known that healthy foods provide the right intake of Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. There are certain herbs or spices from a home kitchen that could alleviate some of the common daily ailments. Such home remedies are used by everyone at some point. Herbal teas for cold, essential oils to dull a headache, plant-based supplements for a better night’s sleep are some of such instances. If the effect relieves the pain or discomfort, it becomes a standard home remedy and is used time and again. It is not very clear how exactly a home remedy works the effect. It is always wondered if it is just a placebo effect or an actual physiological change in the body. Scientists have been working behind this scene and have come up with findings to prove that some of our plant-based home remedies are not just folk tales. As long as home remedies are backed by science and have no ill effects, there is no harm in giving it a go.
Treatment for Kidney stones, becoming a common ailment, has attracted all possible remedies and treatments towards prevention and cure. The experience of passing a kidney stone is painful and it is more likely to recur. There are a few home remedies to reduce this risk of recurrence. It is suggested that medical advice is taken before starting any home remedy especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Symptoms indicating complex kidney stones need immediate medical attention, failing which, complications can be severe. Keeping this in mind, one may consider the following as some home remedies for kidney stones:-
1. Water
The mineral-rich water is the best drinking water for anyone who is prone to kidney stones. Filtered water that contains the naturally occurring minerals in water is also good. Home is preferable than buying bottled mineral or spring water for the reason that bottled water regulation may be minimal in certain places. It would be sensible to avoid reprocessed tap water, usually with just some type of disinfectant added such as chlorine. Distilled water or reverse osmosis water is also better avoided as they are demineralized and can add up to imbalances in the kidneys and urine. 12 glasses of plain, simple and safe drinking water per day would be the best and foremost to help ease urine passage or slow the growth of deposits in the kidneys.
2. Citrus juice
Citrate is a compound present in lemons and other citrus fruits that help break down calcium deposits and slow their growth. A glass of lemon juice first in the morning on an empty stomach and another a few hours before dinner may help break down smaller stones. Juice products from the market shelf may be deceiving because most of them labeled as lemon juice may contain only small amounts of the actual extract and more of sweeteners and additives. Homemade fresh lemon juice with no added sugar would be ideal in getting citrate benefits for kidney stones.
3. Apple cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that may help dissolve calcium deposits.The acid helps the stone to absorb moisture and softens the stone for it to dissolve easily. Apple cider vinegar allows the painless passing of the stone. Diluted apple cider vinegar may help reduce the symptoms of kidney stones and prevent their development. 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water would form the right mixture. This mixture can be drunk several times a day and maybe most effective when consumed before meals. Different combinations of apple cider vinegar with lemon juice/honey/soda bicarbonate/olive oil are also tried and tested for relief from kidney stone symptoms.
4. Wheatgrass juice
Wheatgrass is a good source of magnesium, potassium, iron, amino acids, chlorophyll, and B vitamins. It is rich in compounds that increase urine production. It also contains antioxidants that help in getting rid of excess minerals and salts in the urine. These properties allow stones to pass more easily and reduces the risk of stone formation.The urinary benefits of wheatgrass are best achieved by consuming concentrated pure extract or juice daily. Wheatgrass consumption needs precaution in diabetics and those on medication.
5. Basil
Basil contains acetic acid, the chemical known to help dissolve stones.Basil also contains compounds known to help stabilize uric acid levels, making it difficult for kidney stones to form. Basil juice is generously supplied with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, both of which are beneficial in containing kidney stone symptoms. One teaspoon of basil extract or pure juice per day may help prevent and treat kidney stones.
6. Kidney bean broth/soup
Kidney beans are highly advocated as a remedy for kidney stones. Kidney beans are high in magnesium, a compound known to help reduce kidney stones and their symptoms.Soak the beans overnight and then boil in water. Strain the liquid, cool and drink the preparation throughout the day. Make a new batch for the next day. Stale, old concoctions can cause gut infections. Eating the beans too can give the much-needed dose of protein, Vitamin B and minerals which are essential for the health of the kidneys.
7. Pomegranate juice
The pomegranate is full of astringents and antioxidants. These properties of pomegranates are proven to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones and ease their passage.Eating pomegranate seeds or drinking its juice on a regular basis can help keep the kidneys healthy.Pomegranate juice also contains elements that lower the acidity of urine, making it harder for stones to form.Buying whole pomegranates and eating their seeds or making fresh juice out of them is the easiest way to get these health benefits.
8. Extra virgin olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is believed to lubricate the urinary tract and may thus help ease the passage of kidney stones.A tablespoon in the morning and late in the afternoon, at the same time as any of the above home remedies, may reduce pain and discomfort. The best combination recommended is along with lemon juice. It can be also added to vegetable soups and salad dressing.
9. Okra (Lady’s finger)
Okra is rich in magnesium and has great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to prevent the crystallization of chemicals in the kidney and thus makes an excellent remedy for kidney stones. To use it effectively cut 3 or 4 raw Okra into small pieces and soak them in water overnight. Squeeze out the pulp into the water and drink up three times a day. This remedy is believed to relieve stone passing pain also.
10. Pineapple juice & Cinnamon
A popular drink of pineapple juice and cinnamon in water is loaded with health benefits for the kidneys as well. When had first thing in the morning and before going to bed has therapeutic effects on symptoms of kidney stones? It cannot have adverse effects, so is definitely worth trying.
11. Horse gram soup
Soup made of horse gram as an accompaniment to crushed pomegranate seed paste is said to be a very effective combination in treating kidney stones. To make the soup add a cup of horse gram to half a liter of boiling water. Boil until water reduces to 1/5th the quantity. Cool, strain and drink with 1 tablespoon of the paste of crushed pomegranate seeds.
12. Radish
Radish can be soaked in water overnight. The infused water if strained and drunk twice a day is a popular remedy for kidney stones. Juice of radish leaves is also beneficial. Additionally, 2 teaspoons of radish seeds soaked in a glass of water can be boiled and reduced to half. Strain and drink ½ cup of this twice a day to help in dissolving kidney stones.
Other home remedies that are gaining importance in the treatment of kidney stones are Aloe vera, watermelon, figs, tomato juice, grapes, and organic vegetables. Though there is no guarantee that kidney stones will not recur there are a number of things that one can do to reduce the probability of them recurring. There are great ways to keep kidneys healthy and to prevent the formation of kidney stones by protecting oneself through dietary requirements and lifestyle changes.
