Kidney Stones Herbal Remedies

Specific Herbal Remedies for Kidney Stones

NOTES on effects:

Effects listed emphasize effects relevant to kidney stones and are not intended to be comprehensive. Herbs may have other effects and interactions besides those listed here. All herbs listed here are not equally effective with respect to a given effect, nor are all effects recognized by traditional use validated by modern scientific testing. In the case of some herbs not included here, certain herbs traditionally prescribed for kidney stones have actually proven counter-productive. Please consult other sources (see bibliography) for more complete information, and consult your physician before using any herb.

“Anti-inflammatory” indicates the herb reduces swelling and pain from swelling.

“Antilithic” indicates the herb tends to prevent the formation of kidney stones and promote their destruction.

“Antibacterial” indicates the herb fights bacteria.

“Antispasmodic” indicates the herb reduces spasms.

“Astringent” indicates the herb shrinks inflamed tissues such as mucous membranes and reduces discharges of fluids from such tissues.

“Demulcent” indicates the herb soothes mucous membranes.

“Diuretic” indicates the herb increases urination.

NOTES on directions:

Directions are given for preparing herbs by infusion or decoction. For other methods of preparing a given herb, consult additional resources such as those referenced in the bibliography.

NOTES on safety:

In addition to the specific safety notes here, as a general statement, the information here is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. When using herbs with diuretic effects, be aware of the increased risk of potassium loss, water and sodium retention, and high blood pressure, and take appropriate measures. Standard precautions apply in the case of women who are pregnant or nursing and of small children. Those who have had kidney transplants should beware any herb that stimulates the immune system, which can trigger rejection of the transplanted organ. Certain herbs traditionally prescribed for kidney stones have not been included here due to concerns about known or potential side effects.

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)

Effects: Diuretic; urinary antibacterial; urinary astringent.

Parts used: Leaves.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10-15 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.

Safety:

Use no more than 2 weeks at a time and no more than 5 cycles per year.
Prolonged use may turn urine greenish color, which is not harmful.
Excessive use beyond recommended dosage may irritate stomach.
No known side effects reported in medical literature except one case of retina damage in a person who used bearberry daily for three years, possibly due to bearberry’s property of inhibiting melanin synthesis.
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Should not be used by children under 12.
Should not be used by those with an irritated stomach condition.
Should not be used by those with kidney disease.
Should not be used by those with acidic urine.
Should not be used in conjunction with drugs which produce acidic urine, because it reduces antibacterial effect.

Birch, aka White Birch, etc. (Betula alba)

Effects: Diuretic; antibacterial; anti-inflammatory.

Parts used: Young leaves.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves into a cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse for l0 minutes.
Drink three times per day.

Safety:

Should not be used by those hypersensitive to aspirin.

Cascara, aka Cascara Sagrada, Chittem Bark, Sacred Bark (Rhamnus purshiana)

Effects: Diuretic; antilithic.

Parts used: Bark.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried bark into cup of water.
Bring contents of cup to a boil.
Simmer 10 minutes.
Drink at bedtime.

Safety:

Laxative effect.
Do not use for more than 1-2 weeks at a time.
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Should not be used by children under 12.
Should not be used by those with an abdominal or intestinal condition, such as appendicitis, Crohn’s Disease, or colitis.

Chaparral, aka Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)

Effects: Diuretic; antibacterial.

Parts used: Leaves and twigs.

Directions:

Place leaves and twigs in cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Soak for a few seconds to make tea.

Safety:

Contains Nor-Dihydro-Guaiaretic Acid (NDGA).
Use only in infused tea form and only for short periods of time (two weeks maximum). Concentrated or prolonged usage, especially in pill or tablet form, may cause liver or kidney damage. The FDA has banned the sale of this product in pill and tablet form.
Discontinue use if fatigue, fever, nausea, or jaundice (yellow discoloration of the eyes or dark urine) occur.
Should not be used by those suffering from liver cirrhosis or hepatitis.
Do not use concurrently with ephedrine or MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine). Do not use if under treatment with antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, aspirin, and coumarin.

Cherry Bark aka Wild Cherry Bark, Virginia Prune Bark (Prunus serotina)

Effects: Astringent; antispasmodic.

Parts used: Bark.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried chopped bark into cup (or use powdered bark with tea bag).
Pour boiling water into the cup and cover cup.
Infuse for 15-30 minutes (longer for larger chips).
Drink 3 times per day.

Safety:

Should be administered carefully over a period of several months in conjunction with other herbs, otherwise it will expel stones without softening them first.
Do not exceed dosage of more than 1 teaspoon.
Not for long-term use.

Cleavers aka Clivers, Bedstraw, Goosegrass, Galium (Galium aparine)

Effects: Diuretic; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic.

Parts used: Dried aerial parts.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried herb into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10 minutes.
Drink 2-3 times per day.

Safety:

Juice may cause contact dermatitis.

Corn Silk (Zea mays)

Effects: Diuretic; urinary demulcent.

Parts used: Tuft of silk from tip of ear of corn.

Directions:

Measure 2 teaspoons of dried silk into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10-15 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.

Safety:

Do not overuse. Prolonged use may lower potassium levels.
Skin contact may cause rash or hives in some.
Do not use if taking Lasix (furosemide).
Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Cramp Bark, aka Crampbark, Cranberry Tree, European Cranberry Bush, Guelder Rose, Highbush Cranberry, Pembina, Snowball (Viburnum opulus)

Effects: Diuretic; antispasmodic.

Parts used: Branch bark.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoons of dried, shredded bark into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 30 minutes.
Remove solid parts.
Drink up to 3 times per day.

Safety:

Do not use during pregnancy or nursing.

Crataeva, aka Barun, Three-leaved Caper, Varuna (Crataeva nurvala)

Effects: Diuretic; anti-inflammatory; antilithic.

Parts used: Bark

Directions:

Measure 2 teaspoons of dried bark into cup of water.
Bring contents of cup to a boil.
Simmer 10 minutes.
Strain.
Drink 2-3 times per day.

Safety:

Should not be used by those suffering from liver or kidney disease.
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Should not be used by young children.

Damiana, Turnera (Turnera diffusa)

Effects: Urinary antibacterial.

Parts used: Leaves.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried leaves into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10-15 minutes.
Drink 1 time per day.

Safety:

May have aphrodisiac effect.
Do not use more than once per day due to cumulative effects.
Do not use if suffering from liver disease or urinary tract disease.

Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale)

Effects: Diuretic.

Parts used: Leaf.

Directions:

Leaves may be eaten raw in salads or cooked.
For tea:
Measure 2 teaspoons of dried leaf or 4 teaspoons of freshly-chopped leaf into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10 minutes.
Strain.
Drink up to 4 times per day.

Safety:

Milky latex in fresh dandelion leaves may cause contact dermatitis.
Those with allergies to related plants (such as Chamomile and Yarrow) should use with caution.
Bitter herbs such as Dandelion Root may cause hyperacidity in some individuals.
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Should not be used by young children.
Should be used with caution by those with stomach ulcer or gastritis due to possible overproduction of stomach acid.
Those with water or fluid retention should consult a physician before using and have potassium levels monitored.
Do not use if the gallbladder is inflamed or if bile ducts or intestines are obstructed.
Should not be used by those with severe liver or kidney disease or gallstones.
Individuals taking lithium should use Dandelion Leaf only under the supervision of a physician, as being dehydrated can be dangerous when using this medication.
May be some risk when combined with pharmaceutical diuretics or drugs that reduce blood-sugar levels.

Evergreen Oak, aka Urajirogashi, Urocalun (Quercus salicina Blume, Quercus stenophylla Makino)

Effects: Anti-inflammatory; antilithic.

Parts used: Leaf.

Directions:

Available in commercial form under name “Urocalun” and non-English equivalents. Use as directed.

Safety:

Can occasionally cause gastrointestinal disorder (stomach discomfort, diarrhea, etc.)

Goldenrod, aka Golden Rod, European Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)

Effects: Diuretic; antibacterial; anti-inflammatory.

Parts used: Dried aerial parts.

Directions:

Measure 2-3 teaspoons of dried herb into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10-15 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.

Safety:

Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Should not be used by those suffering from severe heart or kidney disease.

Gravel Root, aka Gravelweed, Joe-Pye Weed, Kidney Root, Purple Boneset, Queen of the Meadow (Eupatorium purpureum)

Effects: Diuretic and antilithic.

Parts used: Rhizome and root.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon into cup of water.
Bring contents of cup to a boil.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.
Often used in combination with Hydrangea or Marshmallow Root.

Safety:

Not for long-term use.
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Should not be used by those with a history of liver disease.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Effects: Diuretic; urinary antibacterial.

Parts used: Fresh or green dried sterile shoots. The fertile shoots are not applied medicinally.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 5 minutes.
Strain out solid particles.
Drink up to 3 times per day.

Safety:

Do not consume more than 6 grams orally per day.
Do not use for more than 5 days in a row without consulting a physician.
Powdered form not for long-term use due to inorganic silica. Teas and extracts contain mainly organic silica in colloidal form and are less problematic in this regard.
Some species of horsetail may contain a substance that destroys Vitamin B1. May lead to thiamine deficiency.
Do not use during pregnancy or nursing, as effects on pregnant and nursing women are unknown.
Do not use internally on small children due to silica content.
Avoid during cardiac or renal dysfunction.
Do not use if suffering from edema (accumulation of fluid under the skin) due to cardiac ailments.
Do not use concurrently with other diuretics, as potassium loss may result.
Do not drink horsetail teas if using cardiac stimulants (glycosides) such as Digitalis, as horsetail may increase their effects.
Contains nicotine; do not combine with products containing caffeine or theobromine.

Hydrangea aka Bigleaf, French Hydrangea, Seven Bark, Seven Barks (Hydrangea aborescens)

Effects: Diuretic; antilithic.

Parts used: Roots.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried root into cup of water.
Bring contents of cup to a boil.
Simmer 10-20 minutes.
Drink up to 3 times per day.
Often used in combination with Gravel Root.

Safety:

Excessive dosage can cause gastrointestinal distress, dizziness and chest congestion.
Not for long-term use.
May cause contact dermatitis in some.

Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia erythnia/Piscidia piscipula)

Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic.

Parts used: Bark

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried bark into cup of water.
Bring contents of cup to a boil.
Simmer 10-15 minutes.
Drink as needed up to 3 times per day.

Safety:

May be toxic when used in excess. Should only be used under a physician’s supervision.
May have sedative effect. Consult physician before using with other medications with sedative effects, such as anti-anxiety drugs.
Should not be used by children.

Khella (Ammi visnaga)

Effects: Diuretic; antispasmodic.

Parts used: Seeds.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 25 minutes.
Strain out solid parts.
Drink 1-4 times per day.

Safety:

Can cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Can cause jaundice in some users.
Overdosage or long-term use can bring on queasiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, headache, and sleep disorders.
Overdosage can cause liver problems.

Madder, aka Dyer’s Madder, Dyer’s Weed, Krapp, Robbia (Rubia tinctorum)

Effects: Diuretic.

Parts used: Root.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried root into 3 cups of water.
Bring contents to a slow boil over 30 minutes.
Cool slowly.
Drink 1 tablespoon at a time.
Drink 1-2 times per day.

Safety:

Gives red dye to urine and milk.
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Marshmallow Root, aka Althea, Hock Herb, Mallards, Schloss Tea, Sweet Weed, Wymote (Althaea officinalis)

Effects: Diuretic; anti-inflammatory; demulcent.

Parts Used: Root.

Directions:

Pour 1/2 cup of cold water over 1 tablespoon of finely chopped marshmallow roots.
Let infuse for 30 minutes, with frequent stirring.
Strain.
May be warmed gently before drinking.
Drink 2-3 times per day.
Often used in combination with Gravel Root.

Safety:

May absorb and reduce the effect of drugs taken at the same time, so other drugs should be taken separately at a different time.

Mugwort, aka Cingulum Sancti Johannis, Common Wormwood, Felon Herb, Moxa, St. John’s Plant, Wild Wormwood, etc. (Artemisia vulgaris)

Effects: Diuretic.

Parts used: Roots.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried roots into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 20 minutes.
Drink up to 2 times per day.

Safety:

Do not drink more than 2 cups per day. Drinking more than 2 cups per day can lead to symptoms of poisoning.
Emmenagogue (induces menstruation).
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Pipsissewa, aka Bitter Wintergreen, Butter Winter, Ground Holly, Ground Ivy, Live-in-Winter, Love-in-Winter, Noble Pine, Pine Tulip, Prince’s Pine, Rheumatism Weed, Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata)

Effects: Diuretic; urinary antibacterial; anti-inflammatory.

Parts used: Leaves.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of chopped leaves into cup of water.
Bring contents of cup to boil.
Simmer 20 minutes.
Drink 2-3 times per day.

Safety:

Not for long-term use.
Also affects skin conditions; in short- or long-term skin eruptions, 2-3 cups a day will temporarily aggravate but considerably shorten the duration of the symptoms.

Stone Root, aka Baume de Cheval, Guérit-tout, Hardback, Hardhack, Heal-all, Horsebalm, Horseweed, Knob-Root, Knobweed, Knot-Root, Oxbalm, Richleaf, Richweed (Collinsonia canadensis)

Effects: Diuretic; antilithic.

Parts used: Root and rhizome.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried root/rhizome into cup.
Bring contents of cup to a boil.
Simmer 10-15 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.

Safety:

No known safety issues.

Strawberry Leaf (Fragaria vesca)

Effects: Diuretic; astringent.

Parts used: Leaves.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried leaves into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 5-10 minutes.
Drink up to 3 times per day.

Safety:

Strawberry leaves can be toxic if not completely dried. If you dry the leaves yourself, make sure they are completely dry.
May elicit allergic reactions in people hypersensitive to strawberries.

Sweet Flag, aka Bacha, Bitterroot, Calamus, Flagroot, Myrtle Flag, Sedge, Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Sedge, Vacha, etc. (Acorus americanus, Acorus calamus)

Effects: Diuretic; antispasmodic.

Parts used: Rhizome.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried rhizome into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10-15 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.

Safety:

Banned as food additive by the FDA in 1968 after carcinogenic effects exhibited in lab rats over long periods of time.
Hallucinogenic/psychoactive in high doses (4-5 teaspoons or more).
Do not combine calamus with MAO inhibitors.
Should not be used by those suffering from liver or kidney disease.
Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Should not be used by children.

Wild Carrot aka Bird’s Nest Weed, Devil’s Plague, Queen Anne’s Lace, etc. (Daucus carota)

Effects: Diuretic; urinary antibacterial; antispasmodic.

Parts used: Aerial parts and seeds.

Directions:

Measure 1 teaspoon of dried carrot into cup.
Pour 1 pint of boiling water into cup.
Infuse for 30 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.
Used with Hydrangea or Gravel Root.

Safety:

If you harvest Wild Carrot yourself, do not confuse it with hemlock, a similar-looking plant which is poisonous.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Effects: Diuretic; anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic; demulcent.

Parts used: Root.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb into cup of water.
Bring contents of cup to a boil.
Simmer 10-15 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.
Used in combination with herbs such as Cramp Bark or Jamaica Dogwood.

Safety:

Excessive dosage can induce vomiting.

Wood Betony, aka Betony, Bishopswort, Lousewort (Betonica officinalis, Stachys officinalis)

Effects: Urinary anti-inflammatory.

Parts used: Leaves and flowers.

Directions:

Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves and flowers into cup.
Pour boiling water into cup.
Infuse 10-15 minutes.
Drink 3 times per day.

Safety:

Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.