Chronic Kidney Stones -The pain, truth & Herbal Remedies
Nothing is probably more painful, uncomfortable, and unsettling as chronic kidney stones. Kidney stones can form for a number of reasons. While kidney stones are not actually stones, they are crystals that have formed in the kidneys from dietary minerals in the urine. While the majority of kidney stones often pass on their own, via urine, in some rare cases, the kidney stones are too large and require some invasion to extract them. Whatever the size, kidney stones are quite painful and can be severe. This is especially so in individuals who have chronic kidney stones. A few reasons why kidney stones form, is an imbalance in the intake in the diet. Too much protein or processed foods, sugars,high fructose corn syrup and sodium, could potentially be an environment susceptible to kidney stones. Another reason could be dehydration. It is vital, not only for kidney stones, but many other diseases and ailments, to consume the suggested amount of water a day. While kidney stones are more prone to affect those with Chron’s Disease, kidney stones are non discriminatory.
Why is this happening?
Diseases and lack of proper nutrition play an important part in the development of kidney stones, but there many be other factors. A build of calcium in the body, could also play out in chronic kidney stones. Drinking water that his exceptionally high in flouride is another reason a person could develop them.People are more likely to develop chronic kidney stones if their body is fighting another infection. Because your body’s system is compromised, the development of kidney stones is more likely. Regardless of why, kidney stones are painful, and can be excruciating in the time waiting the passage of a kidney stone. Another side effect may be fever, nausea,and vomiting. The pain from a kidney stones can also cause severe pain around the upper thighs, lower back and abdomen.
The Benefits of Herbs in Everyday Life for Kidney Stones
Horsetail is one of the leading herbs for kidney stones. Horsetail will enter the system, and gently help break up kidney stones. It can also help move kidney stones out of the body faster. Usually this is done by drinking two to three cups of tea daily. Because minerals and calcium can build up in the kidneys causing kidney stones, herbal teas that can help eliminate that are Thyme, Knotgrass, and Dandelion. Dandelion is a diuretic that will increase the elimination of urine, helping the body heal faster. Other diuretics that are useful for kidney stones is Nettle, Corn Silk, and Parsley. Each of theses are high in vitamins and minerals and aids the body in repairing itself and ridding it of kidney stones. I seems you also can’t get away from problems with the urinary tract without mentioning Uva Ursi, or Bearberry. This plant has been used for many years to treat common ailments of the urinary tract. It is an antibacterial,anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
Old School Remedies
Another favorite is Buchu. Buchu has been used since the 17th century in South Africa. It was specifically used for kidney stones,muscle aches, and UTI’s. A brandy made with Buchu leaves is still made today and makes and excellent tonic for aiding in digestion. Also, something to be used topically for those sore back areas, is a warmed hay flower pack. Take a hay flower pack, warm it gently by steam, and place on the affected area. This should provide a measure of relief from the pain being caused by kidney stones. Changing certain aspects of the diet should also be considered to help combat chronic kidney stones. Juices from Fennel, Dill, Carrot, Alfalfa or Dandelion, are rich in minerals that will help the body not only deal with existing kidney stones, but help prevent further ones from forming. Another age old remedy that has been used, is Aloe Vera juice. It’s believed that drinking a cup of pure Aloe Vera juice a day can help stop kidney stones from forming in the first place. It may even help decrease the size of already existing kidney stones, resulting in the easier passage of them through the urinary tract. A sitz bath can also be very beneficial for the shooting pains that can result from kidney stones. This can help provide temporary relief.
Always be Careful
Generally, herbs are safe and should be treated as such. However, certain herbs may be more potent than others, and can cause adverse side effects, if not researched first. Uva Ursi, or Bearberry, for example, should not be taken by those who have kidney diseases. Also, Buchu should not be taken in excess or can have negative effects on the body. Pregnant women and nursing women, are should avoid these two herbs, and also should check with their doctor or a trusted herbalist, to see if these are safe to take during pregnancy or nursing. Please be cautious, and always, if you are unsure, please bring the issue up with your healthcare provider.
Category: HEALTH, HERBAL REMEDIES
You mention a LOT of diuretics in your article. I thought this was about resolving the stones? While the diuretics are good for flushing they do not normally facilitate the softening and breaking apart of the stones.
What about JUNIPER BERRIES? Or GRAVEL ROOT?
While I’d love to mention every herb that is beneficial for every symptom, ailment and disease, I cannot. If you know that Juniper Berries and Gravel Root are good for helping kidney stones, that is wonderful! Utilize that information.
In the article, near the bottom, I also mention the benefits of Aloe Vera for decreasing the size of the kidney stones, as well as preventing future kidney stones from forming.