Managing Kidney Stones with Ayurveda

Ayurveda believes that by balancing the doshas, detoxifying the body, and strengthening the kidneys, the problem can be managed effectively, particularly at the initial stages, without harsh medicines or surgeries. Read on to identify symptoms early and try natural healing. Remember, you can use Ayurvedic medicine along with allopathy; no contraindications are noted when done under proper supervision.

Urinary stones, also known as kidney stones or mútrá-ashmarí in Ayurveda, are hard deposits of varying sizes made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. The stones cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract. Common symptoms include a sharp pain in the back or sides, pain while urinating, blood in the urine, and nausea or vomiting. Kidney stones form when urine contains a high deposit of minerals such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. These minerals stick together and create crystals, which then grow into stones.

Chandanasava: Ayurvedic Support for Kidney & Urinary Health

Additional 2% Off on Prepaid Order

Buy Now

How Does Ayurveda View Kidney Stones?

In Ayurveda, kidney stones are often linked to an imbalance in the body’s three energies, called Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Kidney stone problems mostly happen due to an increase in Pitta Dosha, which controls heat and metabolism in the body. When Pitta is high, it can cause inflammation and dryness, leading to the formation of stones. Ayurveda believes that by balancing the Doshas, detoxifying the body, and strengthening the kidneys, kidney stones can be managed effectively without harsh medicines or surgeries.

There are major symptoms that you should be aware of if you’re confused about whether the pain you are feeling in your stomach is due to kidney stones. One of the main signs of kidney stones is severe pain in the abdomen, right below the ribs. There will also be a feeling of uncomfortable pain and a burning sensation while urinating. Additionally, the color of the urine can be slightly intense. In other conditions, nausea and vomiting can be other symptoms.

Causes: Váyu covers the mouth of the bladder, drying up the urine inside. The urine then mixes with Pitta, Kapha, or semen, causing stones. Three types of this disorder develop: Váyu, Pitta, and Kapha.

Premonitory signs include urinary bladder distention, severe pain in and around the stone, urine that smells like a goat, difficult elimination of urine, fever, or loss of appetite.

Symptoms in general include pain in the navel area and in the seam and head of the bladder. Urine flow is interrupted when stones obstruct the path, and flows easily when there is no obstruction. Urine may be clear and golden-yellow. There is pain when straining to pass urine, and blood in urine if stones cause internal wounds.

In Váyu-type stones, severe pain causes persons to grind their teeth, shiver, squeeze the penis, rub the navel, cry constantly, and pass feces with gas. There is frequent urination in drops, and the stones are black, rough, and thorny.

In Pitta-type stones, there is a burning sensation in the bladder, and the color of the stones is red, yellow, or black.

In Kapha-type stones, there is pricking pain in the bladder, a feeling of cold and heaviness, and the stones are big, smooth, golden, or white.

Ayurvedic Approach to Treating Kidney Stones

A serious disease, kidney stones may be fatal if not treated. In the early stages, herbal therapy can heal the condition. However, at later stages, surgery is required.

The best herb for all urinary disorders is Gokshura. A special medicated ghee prepared using herbal decoctions and pastes made of herbs such as Varuna, Pashanbheda, Guggulu, Maricha, and Chitraka, too, is known to reduce pain, clear blockage, and help soften, dissolve, and facilitate the passage of the stones out of the system. 

Individual herbs and their effects on kidney stones

Gokshura

• Boosts the body’s natural antioxidants

• Reduces substances that lead to stone formation

• Helps maintain healthy urine flow

• Supports blood sugar balance by aiding toxin removal

Pashanbheda

• Increases urine excretion

• Helps break down kidney stones

Varuna Bark

• Supports excretion of metabolites and waste

• Helps prevent stone formation

• Assists in dissolving renal calculi

Parnabeej

• May reduce symptoms and size of kidney stones

• Helps dissolve and expel kidney and ureteric stones

• Useful for low urine output

• Supports relief from inflammatory lesions

Herbs for specific dosha-type kidney stones

• For Vāyu-type conditions: Gokshura ghee is recommended, or Gokshura can be taken alone or mixed with lassi.

• For Pitta-type conditions: Medicated ghee prepared using a decoction of Gokshura, Kushá, Vidárí kand, and both red and white Punarnavá is used. Shilájit is also commonly included in the treatment.

• For Kapha-type conditions: Medicated ghee made with a decoction of Gokshura, Elá, Guggul, black pepper, Chitrak, Hing, Myrrh, and Rock salt is preferred. Shilájit is also considered beneficial for Kapha-type kidney stone conditions.

Other Ayurvedic & Siddha Herbs & Treatments

• Ayurvedic and Siddha (an ancient healing system from Tamil Nadu) formulations for renal concretions include Chandraprabha Vati and Varunadi Kashayam.

• Panchakarma (detox) procedures such as Uttar Basti, Virechana, and Basti with Tailvak Ghrit are effective in managing and expelling stones.

• A decoction of Brihatyadi Gana herbs with double the quantity of Gokshura is said to cure a range of urinary diseases.

• Yavagu, prepared with a decoction of Gokshura, is known to help expel stones.

• The following may be consumed in specific frequencies under guidance:

  • A paste of Triphala and Saindhav with warm water

  • Shilajit with a decoction of Virtarvadi Gana

  • Virtarvadi Gana boiled in water and taken as a gruel

• There are no known side effects of Ayurvedic medicines, provided they are taken under proper medical supervision.

  Gokshuradi Guggulu: Ayurvedic Support for Kidney & Urinary Wellness

  Additional 2% Off on Prepaid Order

  Buy Now

  

Recommended Lifestyle & Yoga for Kidney Health

Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing kidney stones through Ayurveda. Diet is an important pillar. Important steps to follow:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to promote the smooth passage of urine.

• Avoid foods high in oxalates such as spinach, beetroot, and nuts; fruits and vegetables with seeds like ladyfinger, brinjal, and guava; and avoid mixing greens with tomatoes.

• Limit salty, spicy, and sour foods that increase Pitta Dosha.

• Include cooling and soothing foods such as cucumber, coconut water, and watermelon in daily meals.

• Have herbal teas made from Coriander, Fennel, or Cumin to support digestion and kidney health.

• Avoid processed and junk foods.

• Engage in daily moderate physical activity to promote overall health and prevent stagnation that can contribute to stone formation.

• Opt for routine check-ups and regular consultations with an Ayurvedic practitioner to monitor existing conditions and prevent complications.

Yoga exercises that help pass stones and ease pain

• Pawanmuktasana (Wind-relieving Pose): Hug knees to the chest to relieve gas and pressure and stimulate the organs.

• Balasana (Child’s Pose): A gentle resting pose that calms the body and encourages relaxation.

• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): Lifting and holding the hips improves circulation to the kidneys and pelvic area.

• Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes): A twisting pose that compresses and releases abdominal organs, aiding detoxification.

Vaidya Consultation: Personalized Ayurvedic Guidance

Book a consultation with our Vaidya for holistic health advice tailored to your dosha.

Book Now

Embrace Natural Healing for Kidney Stones

The time taken to get results from Ayurvedic procedures depends on the size and location of the stone/s. Generally, stones below 10 mm can be removed with internal medicines, but for bigger stones, surgical intervention is required.

You can use Ayurvedic medicine along with allopathy; no contraindications are noted when done under proper supervision. Diet alone is not sufficient for flushing out stones, but it helps prevent further formation. Ayurvedic formulations and lifestyle recommendations, too, can help prevent kidney stones from recurring.