Guide
10 Best Effective Herbs for Kidney Stones
Kidneys have an important role in the body. It acts as a filter and removes waste and excess fluids from the body through urine. Kidneys are vital for maintaining the balance of body chemicals that are beneficial for one’s body. Kidneys work closely with the urinary tract for expelling toxins in the form of urine. We have to take care of our kidneys to avoid complications.
Unfortunately, some people suffer from kidney stones. Kidney stones are very common among other kidney diseases. It may cause severe pain at the lower back and sides of the body. There are several factors on how one develops kidney stones. It may be due to lack of water intake or certain medications and supplements. Kidney stones are also said to be hereditary.
Kidney stones also develop due to the environmental and genetic factors that affect a person. Sometimes, medications with high doses of calcium and vitamin D can make way in the formation of kidney stones. It eventually builds up and may cause severe pain when urinating.
Kidney stones not only affect the kidneys but also the urinary tract system of the body. If one suffers from kidney stones, a crystal-like substance is found in the urine. There are also cases when urine is accompanied by blood. For worst cases, a person must undergo an operation to remove the stones from the kidney.
We can all take measures when dealing with kidney stones. We can consult a health practitioner. We can also take some herbs which can prevent further risk from having kidney stones. These natural herbs can help the body speed up its healing process. It can also soothe the pain and discomfort of having kidney stones.
Table of Contents
So, what are the 10 best herbs for kidney stones? Let’s find out.
10 Best Herbs for Kidney Stones
1. Lemon
OVERVIEW:
Lemons have been widely known for its healthy benefits. Not only is it used as a garnish or finishing touch for any dish, but also a natural remedy for common ailments such as the kidney stones.
Lemons contain antioxidants and beneficial nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C and potassium.
Lemons contain a compound called citric acid. Among all the other citrus fruits, it is said that lemon contains the most citric acid content. Citric acid is beneficial for people suffering from kidney stones. It prevents the further development of stones in the kidney that are starting to form.
Without a doubt, lemon can aid people in reducing the risk of developing kidney stones.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Lemon Juice
Drinking lemon juice can help increase the citrate in urine and prevent the development of kidney stones in the body. Lemon juice can also be taken in combination with olive oil or apple cider vinegar for maximum effect. It can help ease the discomfort you may experience when having kidney stones. It has been proven effective as a remedy for kidney stones.
Lemon
For you to enjoy the maximum health benefits of lemon, it is recommended to eat the whole fruit.
Lemon Water
Recently, lemon water has been popular for its various benefits. It is good for your digestion, detoxification and even assists in weight loss. It can be served hot or cold depending on your preference. It can also aid in cleansing your kidneys and urinary tract. It goes a long way to benefit you.
2. Cranberries
OVERVIEW:
Cranberries are popular not only for baking pastries but also for its healthy benefits. It contains fiber, sugar, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Cranberries also have an antioxidant component which helps in eliminating free radicals that are harmful for the body. It also has an anti-inflammatory compound which aids in reducing the effects of inflammation within the body.
Cranberries are considered to be one of the best remedies for your kidney. Basically, it is known for its preventive effects for other ailments. It is mostly popular in treating urinary tract infection (UTI) as well as reducing the risk of further development of kidney stones in the body.
Cranberries contain an antioxidant compound called “A-Type Proanthocyanidins”. It assists in promoting the inflammation response of the body against harmful foreign agents that enter the body.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Cranberries
Have some cranberries in your breakfast or as a snack. Enjoy its maximum benefits which is beneficial for your kidneys. It can also help in improving your urinary tract system.
Cranberry Juice
Having a cup of cranberry juice on a daily basis can help reduce the risk of having kidney stones. It can also aid in detoxifying harmful toxins in the body and reduce inflammation around the urinary tract when you make a pass to stone.
Cranberry Supplements
Because of its healthy benefits, cranberries have been used to produce supplements which are effective for preventing any urinary-related problems as well as improving the state of the kidney, thereby reducing the risk of stone formation within it.
3. Celery
OVERVIEW:
Celery has been known for its crunchy stalk which makes it a popular snack among health enthusiasts. It has many benefits that can support our body.
Celery contains antioxidants as well as various vitamins and minerals such as fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, folate, magnesium, iron and sodium. Significantly, the minerals found in celery are essential to maintain the functions of the body.
The roots of celery contain a substance called diuretics. Diuretics help eliminate the toxins that harm our body primarily in the kidneys which increases the urine output. With that said, celery can aid in reducing the risks of having kidney stones.
You can make several dishes out of celery. You can make soup, steam it, turn it into a juice drink or even eat it raw as a snack. Without a doubt, celery as a whole is a treasure.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Celery
Health enthusiasts take celery as a snack. Some have it as part of their breakfast routine or as a snack in between. With its water content and natural nutrients, it can have an alkalizing effect on the body.
Celery Juice
Celery juice has been popular due to the benefits it provides the body. It can help detoxify and eliminate harmful wastes that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
4. Ginkgo Biloba
OVERVIEW:
Ginkgo Biloba has been dubbed as the living fossil as it is the only surviving member of the species Ginkgophyta. The other ancient plants have been extinct. Ginkgo Biloba has also been one of the herbs used in traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ginkgo Biloba has a lot of essential benefits that are good for the body. It contains a powerful amount of antioxidants as well other nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Ginkgo Biloba can aid in the protection of kidneys by stimulating enzymes. Its antioxidant component can prevent the toxins that enter the body from damaging the kidney which may cause kidney stones.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Supplements
Ginkgo Biloba has been popular in modern day medicine. Some practitioners use it as a component for producing food supplements that can help protect the kidneys, improve eyesight and the overall condition of the body.
5. Hydrangea Root
OVERVIEW:
Hydrangea root is popular among Native Americans due to its health benefits. This herb contains high levels of flavonoids, volatile oil, quercetin and sapotin as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Hydrangea root has been used to treat indigestion as well as urinary tract discomfort. It can also prevent any cell damage within the body.
Hydrangea root can reduce the risks of having kidney stone formation and dissolve stones that have already formed inside the kidneys. It can also ease the pain when having urinary tract discomfort.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Hydrangea Root Extract
Some people use the extract from hydrangea root in the form of tea which can be taken in between meals. It can aid in digestion as well as help dissolve kidney stones that you may have.
Food Supplements
Just like ginkgo biloba, hydrangea root has also been used to produce various food supplements that can support kidney health and prevent toxins that can interrupt the essential bodily functions.
6. Kidney Beans
OVERVIEW:
OVERVIEW:Kidney beans are a major source of protein. It also contains other nutritional benefits such as carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, molybdenum, vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin K1, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and antioxidant compounds.
The shape of kidney beans may remind you of your kidney organs. Since kidney beans contain magnesium, it may help reduce the risk for having kidney stones. Its healing potential should not be taken for granted. It helps the person relieve the pain they suffer from having kidney stones.
Aside from that, kidney beans can also help lower the risks of having cholesterol as well as constipation due to its high fiber content – both insoluble and soluble fibers. Try adding it to your dietary plan. You won’t regret it!
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Broth
The broth coming from the cooked kidney beans can improve the condition of the kidneys and the urinary tract system. It may help in aiding the body to flush out the dissolved stones from the kidney and eliminate toxins.
Medicinal Tonic
Traditional medicine uses the pods of kidney beans as tonic. They boil the pods inside purified water for several hours. The liquid will then be used to relieve the pain coming from kidney stones.
7. Pomegrante
OVERVIEW:
Like ginkgo biloba and hydrangea root, pomegranate has long been used as part of traditional medicine for thousands of years. Pomegranate has its fair share of health benefits that is good for the body.
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which may help prevent cancer and boost the immune system. It can also eliminate free radicals that may harm the body and reduce the risk of inflammation throughout the body. Aside from that, pomegranate also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate and potassium.
Pomegranate is considered as a natural remedy for fighting off kidney stones. It can elevate the pain and discomfort one feels when dealing with kidney stones. Significantly, pomegranate reduces the chances of ever having kidney stones.
Because of its high antioxidant components, having pomegranate can help the kidneys function well and aid in secreting excess fluids from the body. It reduces the risk of having infections that may impede the overall functions of the body.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is popular due to its benefits. It has been closely associated with the dissolution of kidney stones that formed inside the kidneys and prevent further development of kidney stones. It also aids in reducing the risks of having a urinary tract infection (UTI). A cup of pomegranate juice can make a difference when it comes to your health.
Pomegranate Berry
Pomegranate berries can be taken as part of your breakfast or as a plain snack. It is loaded with beneficial nutrients that can help you prevent any illnesses or infections.
8. Uva Ursi
OVERVIEW:
Uva Ursi are dubbed as a bear’s berry. Most bears in the wild use uva ursi as a source of their food. Urva Ursi is typically used as part of traditional European medicine mainly because of its health benefits. Since then, Uva Ursi has been part of their herbal medicine.
Uva Ursi has been closely associated with kidney stone prevention. Research shows that uva ursi is useful for clearing high oxalate components found within the body. Oxalates are basically linked with the development of kidney stones and other health problems.
Uva Ursi contains antioxidants and an antibacterial component called glycosides. With this, uva ursi decreases the bacteria present in the urine. It also helps reduce the inflammation brought about by harmful toxins within the body most especially around the urinary tract system, bladder and kidneys.
Aside from glycosides, urva ursi also contains diuretic components which support in flushing out wastes and excess fluids that may cause infection.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Uva Ursi Tea
Uva ursi extract has been used to make tea. It has been used as a medicinal herb that can soothe the discomfort and reduces the effects of kidney stones in the body. It also does a wonderful effect of fighting off infection in the kidneys.
Food Supplements
Uva Ursi is also popular with other health practitioners that produce supplements. It typically promotes healing, boosts the immune system and reduces swelling around the kidneys and urinary tract. Before taking one, consulting with your physician for the dosage can be helpful.
9. Marshmallow Root
OVERVIEW:
Marshmallow root is known for its soothing effect in the body. Like any other herbs, marshmallow root has a long history with traditional medicine which treats digestive and respiratory problems.
Marshmallow root contains a component called diuretics. It helps the body cleanse any toxic wastes and excess fluids accumulated within the body. Basically, it supports the overall health condition of the urinary and kidney health. Its antibacterial properties can inhibit the infection from spreading.
Marshmallow root also elevates the pain. Mucilages, a component found in the marshmallow root, can protect the urinary tract against damages that kidney stones may create when passing. It also reduces any inflammation around the infected area.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Marshmallow Root as Tea
The marshmallow root can be taken as a tea. It amplifies the cleansing effects it has and detoxifies free radicals that harms the body. Its diuretic component can encourage aid in the protection of the urinary tract and kidney system. It eases the pain and helps you to make a pass to the stone. It can be taken in between meals which can also support the overall condition of the digestive system.
10. Juniper Berry
OVERVIEW:
Juniper berries are known for its many health benefits aside from its culinary purpose. Some experts claim that juniper berries are an important herbal plant. It has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine which stimulates the kidney to filter and flush out toxins and impurities that harms the body.
Juniper berries are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components. It safeguards your body against harmful toxins which may lead to an illness. Juniper berries also reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Aside from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, Juniper berries are also a good source for vitamin C. It also contains anticancer and antibacterial properties which are beneficial for the body.
Juniper berries are known to normalize LDL cholesterol levels in the kidney. It protects the kidney cells and tissues against toxins that can compromise the health condition of the body.
Maximum Effect When Taken In:
Juniper Berries
Juniper Berries can be taken as a snack or as part of your dessert pastries. It is free from preservatives which others may have. Juniper Berries can also aid in improving your digestive health.
Juniper Berry Tea
Health practitioners have produced juniper berry tea to maximize its health benefits. It can aid in detoxifying free radicals within the body. Aside from that, it also aims to reduce the infection and inflammation present throughout the body.
Supplements
Because of its abundance in health benefits, juniper berries have been used to produce supplements in combination with other herbal plants. Doing so can amplify the benefits it can provide to the body as well as the overall improvement of the kidney system.
Food for Thought
Herbal plants can promote the overall health condition of the body due to its benefits. Some herbal plants can cleanse the body from harmful toxins.
The use of herbs as medicine stems back centuries ago. Its health benefits have been proven effective and even reach modern medicine for further improvement. Several herbs are beneficial for maintaining the health condition of your kidneys.
Herbs known for their nutritional value have been combined with other herbs to produce supplements. Right amount of research and tests are used by the health practitioners to come up with a supplement that can support the bodily functions.
The effects of the medicinal plants can be amplified if you take a proper exercise and drink enough water on a daily basis. Remember that water intake is essential for supporting the function of the kidneys as a filter. It dilutes harmful substances that may lead to kidney stones. Additionally, water can speed up the process of passing a stone. You may also include some lemons or limes in your water for even more health benefits.
More importantly, staying hydrated can eliminate the risk of having kidney stones in the first place. Kidney stones are easier to prevent than avoid if you think about it more. Drinking at least eight (8) to twelve (12) glasses of water can create a miracle. Always stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods!
Final Words
We have to take care of our health. We should not take it for granted. Eating junk foods and an unbalanced diet can harm your body. It can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones which can worsen if left untreated. You may have to undergo an operation for its removal.
The procedure for removing kidney stones is called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It may take at least two days for you to recover from the surgery. Aside from that, it could also cost you a fortune. To avoid that, you have to take countermeasures to reduce the risk of having kidney stones.
Even if you are healthy does not mean that you might not get kidney stones. Always be mindful of what you take and what might contribute to kidney stones. Moderation in everything is the key.
With many herbal remedies to choose from, do not forget to ask for your doctor’s advice. Seek for what herbs may be taken along with medications or what therapy is good for lowering the chances of having kidney stones. Although what works for you may not work for others, you still have to pay attention with the nutritional value your kidney needs to be healthy.
There was another plant called ranakalli