One of the recommended natural home remedies to combat kidney stones is to eat watermelon.
You probably never knew of the effect a 2mm object could have on you until you experienced the phenomenon called kidney stone. Kidney stones, if you’re among the average person who has experienced the excruciating pain brought about by the simple looking kidney stone.
In case you haven’t encountered the ‘kideny stone’ yet or met with it just once - you still need to know some more about the ‘stone.’ Why? Because this rather painful little deposit can cause enough uproar in your system and can recur - if you don’t respect it enough. A few simple guidelines on the dos and don’ts, and you’re golden.
First things first: What is the kidney stone?
Ayurveda categorizes kidney stones into the following four types based on their color, cause, and symptoms they produce:
- Vatashmari
- Pittashamari
- Kaphashamri
- Shukrashamri
Kidney stones are little deposits formed in the ureter and bladder. These deposits obstruct
the flow of bodily toxins, which would otherwise pass naturally through urine.
According to Ayurveda, an imbalance of vata leads to the drying of kapha. This, in turn, leads to kidney stones.
How do kidney stones develop?
Disclaimer: All of us are human and might be guilty as charged with the points below. However, there are several chances for us to remedy ourselves - if we choose to.
Presenting the fact and the mind
Fact of the matter | But the mind says |
Less water intake | Remember, you meant to have at least 4 liters a day? |
Overeating | That happens every day/when I’m in a hurry/upset |
Avoiding/postponing urinal urges | Hmm, I’m too bored to get up from my movie/reading/chatting |
Staying up late nights | People don’t seem to understand the inspiration that strikes at midnight |
Aerated drinks | I’ve promised to give up next year |
Excess dairy products | Not always |
Eating food which led to gas/bloating | Not always |
Irregular daily regimes which led to acidity | Same as above |
Sedentary lifestyle | I do know sitting is the new smoking |
Untimely eating | Can I help it if my work just got over? |
Use of preservative food | Isn’t it easier? |
Uses of sauces, vinegar | Only sometimes? Or did I forget I added some just yesterday? And the day before? |
Alcohol consumption | It’s all his fault |
Excess non-vegetarian food | It’s the cat’s fault |
Caffeine | It’s the boss’ fault |
Urinary tract infection | Ah? |
What happens when the kidney stone strikes?
- PAIN. It’s just an excruciating pain in the area of the kidney, spreading towards the spine and all over
- Nausea
- Heaviness in breathing
- Restlessness
- Feeling bloated
- Frequent sensation of urination
- Difficulty in urination/pain urination
- Fever and chills
Combating the kidney stone with Ayurveda
The removal or reduction of the stone size will depend on the size, shape, location, and strength of the stone.
According to Ayurveda,
- Small-sized stones can be removed through food, preventive measures, and adequate water intake
- Ayurvedic herbs and medicines can break a stone, larger than a grain of sand
- In advanced cases, large stones can be removed with flush therapy or invasive surgical methods
Some home remedies for Kidney Stones
1) Drink right:
Barley water (morning and evening)
Lemon water
Buttermilk
Coconut water (morning)
Pumpkin soup
Sweet lime juice (not in excess)
2) Consume sugarcane:
Mix green cardamom with a little sugarcane juice (twice a day empty stomach)
Tulsi seeds with sugarcane and milk
Cumin seeds, sugarcane, and honey
Fennel seeds, coriander, sugarcane/mishri (unrefined sugar)
3) Take some watermelon (preferably eat the fruit)
4) Include amla powder in food
Dos vs Don’ts: A simple truth about Ayurvedic remedies
- Drink enough water vs liquor consumption, aerated drinks
- Eat on time
- Urinate on time vs holding the urge
- Cleanse the bowel by drinking warm water early in the morning
- Avoid tomatoes, brinjal, chikku, too many bananas, dairy products, maida food - if you have a history of kidney stones
- Regularly practice yoga poses, meditation, pranayama vs a sedentary lifestyle / too much exercise (in the case of a large stone, or hypertension)
- Eat fruits with high water content
Inputs for this piece have been given by Dr. Ashwin, Sri Sri Ayurveda doctor
These ayurvedic remedies can be followed in general and will be beneficial. It’s advised to get a complete ayurvedic check-up to get a customized treatment plan. Contact a Sri Sri Ayurveda doctor today.
FAQ's to treat kidney stones Ayurveda way
Yes, there is Ayurveda to unblock kidney stones form your life. Small sized stones are removed through food and water intake. The larger ones are broken into tiny sand like grains through ayurvedic herbs. For advanced stones, flush therapy is done.
You can permanently get rid of kidney stones provided your water intake is sufficient to wash off the toxins daily. Say no to aerated drinks, tomatoes, brinjal, chikku, too many bananas, dairy products, maid Eating on time, therapies, practicing yoga poses, following active lifestyle than sedentary, meditation. Most important eat high water content fruits.
Best ayurvedic medicine for kidney stone - Vrikka Sanjivini Vati reduces problems related to kidney stones. Ashwagandha flowers relieves adrenal function due to its potent diuretic and aphrodisiac properties.
Most of the kidney stones don't dissolve, they break into smaller sand like particles. 5% of stones are of uric acid. On intake of ayurvedic medicines urine becomes alkaline to dissolve stone.
Vit B 6, (banana, mango, soybeans, avocados, halibut). Vit B12, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vit D help with kidney stones.
Flush therapy or invasive surgical methods breaks down kidney stones.
Consuming turmeric as a supplement can increase urinary oxalate levels. This will increase the risk of kidney stone formation specially in those who have history of stones.
Cucumber is the best cleanser for kidneys. It washes away all the debris and stones from the bladder. It prevents certain kidney and bladder stones as it regulates uric acid in the body.
Excessive usage of Vit D can cause kidney damage particularly in those who are not deficient in the vitamin.
Zinc is the core of kidney stone formation. Hence zinc proves to bad for kidney stones.
Oxalate absorption decreases in presence of magnesium, thus reducing the risk of kidney stones.
Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are likely to be hard on kidneys as their toxic levels occur with daily supplements. Take only when prescribed by your doctor.
Mix green cardamom with a little sugarcane juice Tulsi seeds with sugarcane and milk Cumin seeds, sugarcane, and honey Fennel seeds, coriander, sugarcane/mishri (unrefined sugar)
Ginger is a good herb that can improve kidneys' functional attributes. They facilitate better digestion, improve blood purification and increase oxygenated blood flow to the kidneys.
Herbs toxic to kidneys - Periwinkle, autumn crocus, sassafras, horse chestnut. Buch leaves, juniper berries irritate the kidney. Herbal supplements interact with drugs prescribed for kidneys. So avoid - garlic, ginseng, ginkgo. Transplant kidney patients and chronic kidney patients (capsicum, licorice, aloe, dandelion, cascara) take care of the interaction between herbs and medication.
