Image source: Pixabay.com
If you have ever had a kidney stone, then you know how painful it can be to pass them. Kidney stones are made up of hard, crystallized deposits of uric acid, calcium and amino acid cysteine.
If you are fortunate, then you can pass several kidney stones at one time and not even be aware of it when they are the size of a grain of sand. But often, they are larger.
Prevention is far better than any “cure” when it comes to kidney stones, at least in my book. If you have suffered from them in the past, then your chance of having another one is much more likely in the future.
Ever wonder what our ancestors did to get rid of kidney stones? They used natural diuretics that would help the stone pass as quickly as possible.
In this article, we will discuss five old-fashioned herbs that our ancestors used to both prevent and pass kidney stones.
1. Dandelion
Dandelion root has been used as a diuretic for thousands of years. Increased urination is one of the best ways to make a stone pass quickly. Dandelion root also has been shown to help clean out the urinary tract, and it has a mild analgesic effect. Dandelion root is best consumed as a tea, but you can also take 500 mgs twice each day if you have supplements.
2. Plantain
Plantain can be consumed on a regular basis to help prevent stones from forming. In fact, many people with a history of stones drink plantain juice each day to help prevent stones from forming. This plant is also a natural diuretic, which can be effective in removing stones.
3. Horsetail
Horsetail. Image source: Pixabay.com
You might think of horsetail as a pretty border plant for your garden, but did you know that it also can be used as a medicinal herb?
Make Powerful Herbal Medicines, Right in Your Kitchen!
Horsetail is a natural diuretic, which is great for helping stones to pass, but it also can reduce the amount of bleeding and pain while passing the stone. This herb is best consumed as a tea. Drink three cups or more each day until the stone passes.
4. Chanca piedra
This herb comes to us via Brazil. Its name means “stone breaker,” which probably gives you a clue as to what it has been used for traditionally. It was shown in one study to help normalize calcium levels in subjects who suffered from recurring stones, and in another, those consuming this herb for six months had a much lower rate of forming new stones than those who took a placebo. This herb is generally consumed as a supplement, but it can also be consumed in tea form. Take as directed.
5. Rosemary
This fragrant herb is not only good as a culinary spice, but it’s one of the most popular treatments for kidney stones. Rosemary, when consumed on a regular basis, helps to increase urination, which can prevent the formation of stones. Rosemary also prevents the enzyme urese from taking effect, which helps stop stones from forming. Consuming a cup of rosemary tea each day can help prevent kidney stones from forming in the future.
Do you know of other all-natural remedies for kidney stones? Share your tips in the section below: