Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are painful mineral and salt deposits in the kidneys that resemble stones and cause pain while urinating. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Ashmari which means “the condition of stone formation.βΒ
The foremost cause is an imbalance within the three doshas of the body, which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This causes an excess collection of minerals in the kidneys. Unlike modern medicine, which relies on surgery and medications, Ayurveda uses natural detox methods, herbs, diet changes, and lifestyle improvements.
Bath and shower with herbal diuretics, alkalizing foods, and Panchakarma, alleviate pain while dissolving stones, This rescues pain, and prevents them from returning.
Along with the right Ayurvedic remedies and preventive measures, kidney stones can be eliminated naturally while simultaneously supporting the kidneysβ health.
Ayurveda treats kidney stones by balancing doshas to promote natural elimination and prevent recurrence. Letβs explore more about Kidney stone ayurvedic treatmentβ and much more.
What Are Kidney Stones? An Ayurvedic Perspective
Before jumping into the Ayurvedic remedy for kidney stonesβ, letβs understand this first – Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) result from the excess accumulation of minerals in the kidney due to the lack of proper waste removal. According to Ayurveda, kidney stones are known as Ashmari which obstruct the flow of urine due to their hard structure.Β
Ashmari is formed due to the accumulation of impurities (Ama), excessive body heat (Pitta) activity, and lack of minerals. Inadequate water consumption, poor-quality nutrition, and poor digestion (Agni) further aggravate these issues.Β
Kidney stone ayurvedic treatmentβ is possible. Ayurveda calls for breaking down the stones, flushing them out, and providing supplemental support with herbs, nutrition, and detoxification procedures to enhance kidney performance.
Understanding Kidney Stones (Ashmari) in Ayurveda
Before knowing about the Ayurvedic remedy for kidney stonesβ, understanding kidney stones is vital. Kidney stones are directly associated with abnormal functioning of the Mutravaha Srotas (urinary channels) stemming from toxic build-up due to poor digestion and imbalanced doshas. Sticky urine rich in minerals is a result of an imbalanced Kapha. An imbalanced Pitta is responsible for the low pH of urine and facilitates the easier formation of stones.Β
Vata is responsible for the depletion of fluids which leads to reduced waste excretion and hence leads to crystallization and urine stone formation. Ayurvedic medicine aims at restoring balance and detoxifying the body so that kidney stones can be dissolved naturally and expelled from the body effortlessly.
Types of Kidney Stones in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic classifications of kidney stones are based on the imbalanced dosha, each type possesses varying characteristics and complications:
1.Β Vata-Type Stones: Renal stones characterized as rough, dry, jagged and irregular, known for inflicting sharp pain, polyuria, and dehydration.
2. Pitta-type stones: Red, soft-looking stones that may cause burning urine and inflammation or even blood in the urine at times.
3. Kapha-type stones: These stones are slow-growing, large, and smooth. This may lead to dull pain alongside urinary blockage.
This knowledge assists in selecting the proper Ayurvedic herb, detox, and dietary program for a specific case.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Now, while exploring our guide covering Ayurvedic treatment for kidney stonesβ, letβs check the symptoms for the same. Kidney stones are quite painful, and Ayurveda has some important symptoms. They usually go unnoticed until they become a problem, something that accompanies immense pain. Severe pain is experienced while passing urine or a constant dull ache in the lower back region around the waist or jaw region.Β
It becomes more painful with every movement. The person experiences a burning sensation while urinating, and possesses a strong desire to urinate but struggles to do so.Β
Urine is not only cloudy and has a terrible odor, but is sometimes blood-tinged because of inflammation. Feeling dizzy and nauseous is usually associated with an imbalance in pitta or issues with digestion. When getting a diagnosis, Ayurveda takes into consideration all these symptoms with the imbalance of doshas.Β
The goal is to break the stones, relieve discomfort, and optimize the functioning of the urinary system without any medications.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stones
1. Panchakarma Detox for Kidney Cleansing
The use of panchakarma helps facilitate the removal of kidney stones through the cleansing of toxins. Uterine enema and Virechana Ayurveda palms serve the purpose of cleansing the body. Uttar Basti is a powerful therapy employing herbed oils infused in the urinary tract helping to break the stones and secure their safe exit.
2. Herbal Diuretics for Flushing Out Stones
Ayurveda recommends the use of natural diuretic herbs to increase urine output with the goal of flushing out stubborn stones:Β
- Punarnava: Assists in a reduction of Edema and kidney function.Β
- Varuna: Stone dissolver that also acts as a preventative measure for stone formation.Β
- Gokshura: Reduces urinary inflammatory conditions while cleansing the urinary bladder.Β
All these herbs improve the functions of the kidneys while minimizing the chances of stones developing in the kidneys in the future.
3. Alkalizing Diet to Reduce Stone Formation
Any food that balances Kapha and Pitta will aid in the prevention and remediation of kidney stones. Ayurveda recommends food like Barley water, which has cooling and hydrating properties, while also providing nutrients.
Β The same is true for cucumber and coconut water. Staying away from large intake of spices, oils and protein, is recommended. Including alkaline foods keeps the urine from acidic conditions that lead to stones.
4. Ayurvedic Medicines to Dissolve Stones
Extracts of recipes are given in the Ayurveda system to crumble the stones and lessen inflammation of the kidney.Β
- Chandraprabha Vati: Gives support to the urinary system, helps maintain ease and lessens pain.Β
- Gokshuradi Guggulu: Aids in dissolving stone formations and restricts the chances of developing stones.Β
- Pashanabheda: A strong herb that helps to break kidney stones by hand.Β
Use these remedies on a persistent basis to aid in removing stones as well as inhibiting the growth of new stones.
5. Hydration Therapy for Natural Detox
Consumption of water infused with Ayurvedic ingredients soothes the body as it removes toxins and prevents minerals from accumulating. There are several wonderful drinks such As warm water mixed with some lemon, coriander or cumin infused for cleansing.Β
Lime juice with honey helps reduce calcium deposits. Preventing stone formation requires effective hydration to help keep urine diluted. Smooth stone removal, without other problems, is made possible by proper hydration.
Best Ayurvedic Remedies for Kidney Stones
1. Pashanabheda β The Stone Breaker Herb
This herb breaks down kidney stones naturally. In simple words, it increases the urine flow along with getting rid of the toxins in the body while also reducing swelling in the urinary tract. In Ayurveda, the word Pashanabheda means βstone breakerβ.
2. Gokshura β The Ultimate Urinary Tonic
This is a very famous herb used in Ayurveda for childrenβs kidney and urinary tract health along with being a diuretic. Its known action helps in stopping further crystal formation and removal of small stones without any pain or hassle.
3. Punarnava β The Kidney Detoxifier
Punarnava improves kidney functions while providing rejuvenating effects. It provides great swelling relief alongside increasing the flow of urine. It also helps prevent the formation of stones again by allowing the body to maintain the perfect balance of fluids and minerals.Β
4. Varuna β Blood Purifier and Stone Reducer
Varuna is known to be a stone reducer and a blood purifier. This Kapha balancing herb Varuna is best known for dissolving excess minerals in the urine preventing stone formation. Varuna is also well known for clearing urinary blockages and kidney functioning.
5. Shilajit β The Strengthening Mineral
Β Shilajit is one of the rich sources of minerals that help support kidney health by removing toxins from the urinary system. It is especially useful for people who are prone to recurrent kidney stones as it helps in preventing new stones from forming.
How Ayurvedic Treatments Help Prevent Kidney Stones
While modern medicine pays attention to treating kidney disease after a stone has formed, Ayurveda works towards preventing kidney stones from forming by ensuring that the kidneys remain healthy. This is achieved by balancing doshas, detoxifications, herbal medicines, and altering dietary habits.
1. Balancing Doshas to Prevent Stone Formation
An imbalance in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas is the root cause of kidney stone formation. Vata imbalance is characterized by dryness accompanied by infrequent urination making it a fertile ground for stone formation.Β
Pitta Imbalance leads to increased acidity in the urine; permitting the deposits of crystals. An excess of Kapha gets rid of mucus, which makes stones larger. Ayurvedic treatment works to restore balance using herbs, nutrition, and detoxification therapies to reduce the chances of stone formation.
2. Detoxifying the Kidneys with Panchakarma Therapies
Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic method used to detoxify the body. It removes toxins (Ama) and other potentially harmful substances that lead to the formation of kidney stones. The kidneys and urinary system are cleansed through Basti (medicated enema), Virechana (purgation therapy), and Uttar Basti (herbal oil therapy via the urinary bladder) to prevent the formation of additional stones.
3. Using Diuretic and Anti-Inflammatory Herbs
In Ayurveda, diuretic herbs are prescribed for removing fluids from the body in a more natural way, along with preventing stone formation.
Β Pashanabheda, Gokshura, Punarnava, and Varuna help get rid of calcium, oxalate and uric acid before kidney stones develop because they turn these substances into powder. Taking herbal teas or powders of these herbs assists in enhancing the functions of the kidneys if done routinely.Β
4. Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines for Kidney Health
An appropriate meal plan is essential in averting the occurrence of kidney stones. In Ayurveda, it is recommended to cut down on high-oxalate foods such as spinach, tomatoes and nuts, which tend to form calcium oxalate stones.Β
Eating hydrating and alkaline foods like barley water or coconut water and cucumber or coriander-infused drinks would assist in maintaining the urine pH balance. Cutting down salt intake is critical too, as more sodium means more deposits of minerals in the kidneys. Eating light, cool, and easily digestible meals helps promote kidney health and avoid the formation of stones.
5. Hydration and Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term PreventionΒ
One of the most useful Ayurvedic practices to keep kidney stones at bay is adequate hydration. Regularly consuming large amounts of warm water containing Ayurveda herbs like lemon, coriander, or cumin helps in detoxification while also making the urine less concentrated to prevent crystal deposits.
Β Ayurveda also suggests some lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, because these things worsen the Pitta imbalance and create kidney stones. Yoga and breathing techniques, like Pranayama, enhance blood flow to the kidneys and urinary organs, thus promoting their health.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Kidney Stones
1. Maintain Proper Hydration for Kidney Health
Drinking enough water is essential for keeping kidney stones at bay. When the body becomes dehydrated, sodium and other minerals within the kidneys crystallize and bind together to form stones.Β
Ayurvedic practices advise drinking warm lemon water or water infused with coriander or cumin for better detoxification and to avoid stone formation in the kidneys. Barley water and coconut water aid in cleansing the kidneys as well.
2. Follow a Kidney-Friendly Ayurvedic Diet
Prevention of kidney stones is also heavily influenced by diet. Ayurveda recommends people prone to calcium oxalate stones steer clear from oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, nuts, and tomatoes.Β
These foods deal with alkaline foods like cucumbers, melons, or drinks infused with coriander, which increases urine pH levels and decreases the likelihood of stones forming. It is crucial to eliminate processed foods, additional salt, and a high consumption of protein foods.Β
3. Regular Physical Activity and Yoga for Kidney Function
Insufficient physical activity can result in improper functioning of the metabolism, which increases the chances of developing kidney stones. Certain yogic poses, such as Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose), help with blood circulation to the kidneys, as well as the overall urinary system functioning.
Β Regular exercise improves metabolic function as well, meaning that there is a reduced chance of toxins becoming overly accumulated.
4. Avoid Stress and Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle
A sharp rise in stress leads to high levels of Pitta dosha, which in turn can cause dehydration and increased acidity in urine which greatly increases the chances of kidney stones forming.Β
It is suggested through Ayurveda practice to implement meditation, Pranayama (breathing exercises) as well as somewhat relaxing teas in addition to adequate sleep to help balance the mind and pitta levels. Following a proper sleep schedule together with daily hospitality activities (Dinacharya) should also help maintain healthy kidneys.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the Ayurvedic treatment of kidney stones stands out as a natural and effective way of removing and preventing stones without using surgery. By employing herbs, panchakarma detox therapies, a balanced diet and plenty of water, kidney health can be sustained.Β
This way, the chances of stones forming again can be reduced. Apart from providing long-lasting relief, Ayurveda also supports a healthy urinary system.
FAQs on Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stones
In Ayurveda, kidney stones are treated through herbs that serve as Diuretic. The Panchakarma therapies are also incorporated which infuse substances intended to chase away stones along with herbs like Pashanabheda and Gokshura which further dissolve and flush out stones wherever they form.
Some of the most stunning herbs used in treating kidney stones include Pashanabheda, Gokshura, Punarnava, and Varuna. These herbs enable easier passage of stones through breakdown and inflammation and increase urinary flow.
Yes. For kidney stone prevention, Ayurveda has herbal remedies that detoxify the kidney and improve digestion while balancing doshas. Following these dietary changes, hydration practices, and other herbal remedies will ensure the patient never suffers from kidney stones again.
The time needed for Ayurvedic treatment varies based on the size and type of the stone. Small stones may take a couple of weeks or so to dissolve and pass, but larger stones may take two or three months of continuous herbal therapy and lifestyle changes.
Ayurveda suggests avoiding food rich in oxalate such as spinach, salt, tomatoes, nuts and spinach. A diet rich in salt, dairy and proteins should also be avoided. Drinking barley water, and coconut water, and eating fresh alkaline vegetables can help in naturally preventing kidney stones.