Proper hydration is a key to flush out stones from the kidney and, most importantly, prevent new stone formation. Liquid helps remove toxins from your body and also flush out grit and stones through the urinary tract.
Water does a great job to eliminate stones. However, some additional ingredients make ‘Hydration’ therapy more effective. Make sure to hydrate your body with 8-ounce glass of water every day soon after taking any flavored remedy as it will make way for the ingredients to travel through your system.
Consult a urologist or your family physician before trying out any of the natural remedies for kidney stones, which we will be discussing in the following section. Only a doctor can rightly assess if it is okay to start home remedies or any of these will aggravate your condition and you should better be on medications.
The expecting and breastfeeding ladies should now use any of these remedies without a doctor’s advice. Only a doctor can tell if any particular juice will cause bad side-effects to your baby.
Water
Upping water intake accelerates the process of passing a stone through the urinary tract. Increase your daily water intake from the usual 8 glasses to 12 glasses. Dehydration interferes with the process of stone formation and accumulation in the kidney.
Keep a close watch on the color of your urine, which should be light and pale yellow. The dark yellow color could be a sign of dehydration.
Basil Juice
Acetic acid, one of the components of basil, helps break down the stones and alleviate pain. Basil juice is high on nutritional value. It is a traditional remedy that has been used for ages to treat inflammatory and digestive disorders.
Basil juice contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents as well and so could be a great natural remedy to maintain the good health of your kidney.
Add dried or fresh basil to your tea and drink multiple cups every day. You can also put fresh basil in a juicer or use it in a smoothie. Never use medicinal juice for more than 6 weeks at a stretch. Overuse might cause:
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypotension
- Increased bleeding
More researches are needed to prove the degree of efficacy of basil leaves for kidney stones. However, its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative property will cause no harm to your body.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice made with freshly squeezed lemons tastes really good. Citrate in lemon is a chemical that breaks up stones into small pieces so that it can pass easily and quickly. Citrate also prevents calcium stone formation.
Lemon juice also offers other health benefits, which include inhibiting bacterial growth. It is a good source of Vitamin C.
For a huge effect, you need to consume a lot of lemon juice as some won’t help much.
Celery Juice
Celery juice purges your body of toxin, which is one of the major reasons for stone formation in the kidney. This traditional medication is believed to detoxify your body so that stone can easily pass through urine.
Make a blend of celery stalks and water and take sips of the juice throughout the day. However, you should avoid the drink if you:
- Have low blood pressure
- Suffer any bleeding disorder
- Need to undergo surgery soon
You should not take the drink if you are on any of the following medications:
- Lithium (Lithane)
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
- Sedative medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax)
- Medications that increase sensitivity to sun
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is thought to dissolve kidney stones. Apple cider vinegar also helps ease pain, which is a common symptom of kidney stones.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that helps dissolve kidney stones. Apple cider vinegar impedes the process of stone formation. It also provides other health benefits.
Mix 2tblspoon of apple cider vinegar with 6-8 ounces of purified water. Drink the juice throughout the day. You can pour the mixture over salads or add the juice to your salad dressing.
Excessive intake of apple vinegar juice might cause osteoporosis or a dip in potassium level.
Diabetic patients should consult their doctors before taking the drink as it might up their blood sugar level.
You should not take the juice if you are on any of the following medications:
- Insulin
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is a century-old home remedy to improve kidney health and function. It flushes stones along with other toxins from your body. Packed with several antioxidants, pomegranate juice plays a role in eliminating kidney stones and preventing stones from building.
The juice also helps reduce the acidity level in urine and thus, lowers the risk for future stone development.
The effect of pomegranate juice on preventing kidney stones requires more extensive studies. However, evidences support the claim that the juice reduces the risk of stone.
Don’t drink pomegranate juice if you are taking:
- Blood pressure medicines
- Medicines changed by liver
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass contains multiple nutrients and promotes good health. It improves urine flow and thus, helps remove the stones. Its vital components keep kidneys clean and improve their functioning.
Drink 2-8 ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice every day. To avoid side effects, drink the smallest amount initially and slowly increase your intake up to 8 ounces.
If you cannot get fresh wheatgrass juice in your local market, opt for powdered wheatgrass supplements and take it according to the instructions.
Drinking wheatgrass juice on empty stomach curbs the risk for nausea. However, it might cause constipation and loss of appetite in some people.
Horsetail Juice
Horsetail juice is a traditional remedy to improve urine flow and flush out kidney stones. It also helps soothe inflammation and swelling. Horsetail juice is also known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is a wonderful juice for overall urinary and kidney health.
However, horsetail juice should not be continued for more than 6 weeks at a stretch; otherwise, it might cause seizures, reduced vitamin B level and deficiency of potassium.
This juice is not recommended for breastfeeding and pregnant women as well as children. You should not drink horsetail juice if you are:
- Taking diuretics, lithium or heart medications
- Suffering from alcohol use disorder
- Diabetic
- Low on thiamine
- Low on potassium
Dandelion Root Juice
It is an amazing, natural kidney tonic that stimulates bile production. The process helps improve digestion, increase urine flow and remove waste. Dandelion juice contains vitamins A, B, C, D and minerals, including iron, potassium and zinc. This juice also prevents stones from developing in the kidneys.
You can use it fresh. It is also available as a tea. If you take it fresh, add ginger, apple and orange peel to make it tastier. Drink 3-4 cups of juice throughout the day.
Some people complain of heartburn after eating dandelion. You should not drink the juice if you are taking:
- Antacids
- Antibiotics
- Blood thinners
- Diuretics
- Lithium
Kidney Bean Broth
Broth from cooked kidney beans is a traditional and popular dish in India and is believed to improve overall kidney health. It also helps melt and eliminate the stones. Strain the liquid from cooked beans and drink a few glasses of it throughout the day.
Bottom Line:
If kidney stones don’t pass within 6 weeks of your starting the natural remedies, consult your doctor without any delay. Also, make sure to seek immediate treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Excruciating pain
- Blood in urine
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Your doctor is the best person to suggest if you need any medication or should continue with the natural therapy to pass the stones.