Kidney Stones Bringing You Down? Here are Some Home Remedies

Kidney stones (Mutrashmari) are small deposits of salt and minerals which form in the kidneys or the urinary tract. These deposits form when the urine contains high amounts of crystal-forming substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid than the fluid in the urine. Kidney stones can affect anyone at any age. The stones formed differ in sizes that determine the levels of pain the person experiences. They can range from being as small as a grain of sand to as big as single chickpea. The smaller sized stones usually pass on their own, but the bigger stones may require more invasive methods, such as surgery, for the removal. Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain and interfere with your daily routine. Here we discuss a few causes, symptoms and some simple remedies to prevent kidney stones.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

• Sharp or sudden pain in the abdomen that can be severe
• Severe pain that comes in waves and fluctuates
• The pain can also manifest in the side or back of the body
• In men, the pain can travel down to the testicles
• Pain or a burning sensation during urination 
• Sweating, feeling nauseous or vomiting
• Urine that has a foul smell or is cloudy
• Blockage in the flow of urine; urinating only a little at a time
• Blood in the urine
• Fever and chills that are an indicator of infection in the kidneys or urinary tract

Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, an imbalance of the Vata Dosha leads to the drying of the Kapha Dosha.  Consequently, this leads to the formation of kidney stones. Ayurveda suggests that following preventative measures can remove kidney stones:      

Adequate Hydration

To prevent kidney stones, it is vital to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Water helps in flushing out the unwanted minerals and substances which lead to the formation of kidney stones. You should make it a point to drink at least 2 litres of water a day to flush out any crystals that are forming in your kidneys or urinary tract. 

Ayurvedic Concoction to Prevent Kidney Stones

• Lemon juice mixed with olive oil 
• Coconut water
• Sugarcane juice mixed with green cardamom
• Tulsi seeds mixed with sugarcane and milk
• Cumin seeds mixed wit sugarcane juice and honey
• Watermelon juice
• Amla powder mixed with water.

Yoga

The practise of yoga helps in stimulating and improving the function of the internal organs including the kidneys which helps in the passage of kidney stones from the body. Ayurveda recommends practising yoga daily to stretch and facilitate the passing of kidney stones. Yoga also helps in relieving the pain and stress accompanied by kidney stones. Here are some yoga asanas you can practice daily to prevent kidney stones and curb the pain: 

Balasana (Child’s Pose)

1. Sit on your yoga mat or the floor
2. Take a deep breath in and bring your arms above your head
3. Exhale and slowly and bend forward till your forehead touches the floor (If you aren’t very flexible you can bend up to your full capacity)
4. Ensure that your arms are outstretched and that your palms are resting on the floor
5. Hold this posture and breathe deeply for 15-30 seconds
6. Slowly bring your body up while inhaling and relax the pose
7. Repeat the entire asana once more

Uttanpadasana (Raised Leg Pose)

1. Lie down on your back
2. Keep your arms on either side of your body with your palms resting on the floor and inhale
3. Lift both your legs up straight and exhale slowly 
4. Ensure that your legs are straight and that your toes are pointing upwards
5. Breathe normally in this position for 15-30 seconds
6. Slowly exhale while bringing your legs down and relax
7. Repeat this asana twice

Pawanmukt Asana (Wind Releasing Pose)

1. Lie down flat on your back 
2. Bring both your knees to your chest while inhaling and hold them with both hands
3. Lift your head up and try to touch your nose to your knees (If you aren’t able to do this, do it to your full capacity)
4. Hold this pose and take several deep breaths
5. To release the tension in your back, hold this pose and move your body from side to side
6. Slowly release the pose and exhale deeply
7. Repeat this asana twice

Conclusion

These Ayurvedic and natural home remedies can be practised to prevent kidney stones. While they can also be effective in treating them, these are in no way substitutes for licensed medical care. It is best to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional especially if you are suffering from a serious case of kidney stones.

This article is reviewed by Dr. Neena Sharma