Ayurvedic Medicine for Kidney Stone

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In recent years, the prevalence of kidney stones has seen a sharp rise in India. They are among the most common and painful urinary disorders today. Unfortunately, several modern-day factors - such as sedentary lifestyles, poor hydration, and unhealthy dietary habits - contribute significantly to this increase.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that develop in the kidneys, and they are medically termed as renal calculi. They can vary widely in size and number - ranging from tiny, symptomless particles to larger, multiple stones that can cause considerable discomfort and urinary issues. Leaving kidney stones untreated can be quite risky as they can cause sharp pain, urinary infections or even damage your kidneys.

When it comes to treating kidney stones, opting for a holistic and time-tested approach like Ayurveda is often the most effective choice. Rooted in centuries of healing wisdom, Ayurveda is also renowned for offering long-term solutions.

Ayurveda’s holistic approach focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of kidney stones, restoring the body's natural balance through powerful herbs and therapies, and making sustainable lifestyle changes. Whereas, if we were to talk about modern medicine, it offers temporary solutions and does not treat the problem from the root, which often increases the chances of recurrence.

The Ayurvedic View on Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are called Ashmari in Ayurveda, it means "stone" (Ashma) formation in the urinary tract. Distinguished as the most painful disorders of the urinary tract, it is classified under Mutravaha Srotas (urinary channels) diseases.

From the Ayurvedic lens, kidney stones are formed when the three primary doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) of the body are not in balance, especially Vata. An aggravated Vata can result in dryness and crystallisation of minerals in the urinary tract. An imbalanced Kapha on the other hand can contribute to the mucus-like binding nature that helps in the accumulation of minerals. Too much Pitta can cause burning sensation and inflammation in the body. Furthermore, the presence of Ama (toxins) and Mandagni (low digestive fire) can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Therefore, Ayurveda does not believe in treating kidney stones as a standalone condition, it instead focuses on correcting deeper imbalances.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

If you have been experiencing that sharp, stabbing pain, especially in the lower back, abdomen, or sides, there is a strong possibility that you have kidney stones. The pain may fluctuate in intensity. Some of the commonly noticed symptoms are:

• Pain during urination
• Blood in urine
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Fever and chills (in case of infection)

Ayurveda classifies symptoms based on dosha dominance

• Vata-type stones: Dry, hard stones with stabbing pain and constipation
• Pitta-type stones: Yellowish urine, burning sensation, and fever
• Kapha-type stones: Mucus in urine, dull pain, heaviness, and lethargy

Causes and Aggravating Factors

Here’s a list of modern and Ayurvedic causes that can cause kidney stones -

Modern Causes

• Low fluid intake
• Excessive consumption of sodium, sugar, and oxalate-rich foods
• High intake of animal protein
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Genetics or family history
• Certain medications or supplements

Ayurvedic Causes

Aggravated doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha

• Low digestive fire
• Toxin accumulation in the urinary tract
• Suppressing natural urges like urination
• Poor food combinations like milk with salty or sour items
• Lack of regular cleansing and detox practices

Ayurvedic Medicines for Kidney Stone

Ayurvedic medicines aim at breaking down, dissolving, and flushing out kidney stones while improving urinary health and digestion, naturally. Some commonly recommended herbs and formulations include:

• Varunadi Kwath: Made using Varun (Crataeva nurvala) it helps in breaking down stones and lowering inflammation
• Punarnava: A potent diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb that reduces swelling and supports overall kidney health
• Gokshura: Commonly used for its diuretic action, it flushes out small stones and helps calm down the urinary tract
• Pashanabheda: The word itself means stone-breaker, it dissolves stones and prevents them from forming again
• Chandraprabha Vati: It balances all three doshas and improves urinary health
• Hajrul Yahood Bhasma: It is used for breaking renal calculi and easing the pain

It’s important to be mindful of the correct dosage and which formulation is best suited to your individual needs. A safer and more effective approach is to consult a Jiva Ayurveda doctor, who can assess your body’s constitution before recommending the most appropriate medicine.

Ayurvedic Therapies for Kidney Stone

Do you know using oral medication along with topical Ayurvedic therapies can help in accelerating the results? These below listed therapies are designed for improving your digestion, balancing the doshas and soothing the urinary tract:

Basti: Works by pacifying the Vata and helps reduce pain, inflammation, and dryness in the urinary tract
Abhyanga and Swedana: Promote blood circulation, reduce stiffness, and enable urinary channels to relax
Panchakarma Detox: A comprehensive body cleansing therapy that helps get rid of deep-seated toxins along with correcting the metabolic function
Uttarbasti: A soothing therapy where medicated oils are introduced into the bladder with an aim to dissolve or expel stones

Easy Diet and Lifestyle Tips

There is no denying that what you eat and the daily routine that you follow plays a major role in ensuring the success of your treatment and preventing the recurrence of kidney stones. Here are general dietary and lifestyle tips to keep in mind:

Foods to Add

• Start your day with a glass of warm water
• Choose healthy hydration options like herbal teas, barley water, coconut water
• Eat vegetables like bottle gourd, ridge gourd, cucumber
• Eat fruits like watermelon, pomegranate, and papaya
• Add herbs like coriander, cumin, and fennel in your daily meals

Foods to Avoid

• Salty, spicy, and oily foods
• Heavy-to-digest items like red meat, paneer, and fried foods
• Oxalate-rich foods like spinach, tomatoes, brinjal, nuts
• Processed and packaged foods
• Cold and carbonated drinks

Lifestyle Tips

• Do not suppress your urge to urinate
• Avoid sitting for long durations
• Engage in daily moderate exercise
• Maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle
• Practice yoga or meditation daily

When to See an Ayurvedic Doctor

If you have been dedicatedly following a healthy lifestyle and using Ayurvedic remedies in moderation but are still facing the following issues, then expert guidance is essential -

• Persistent or severe back and abdominal pain
• Blood in urine
• Difficulty or burning sensation during urination
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• High fever, chills, or vomiting
• History of recurring stones

An expert Ayurvedic doctor will perform Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), assess your prakriti (body type), and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are known to cause excruciating pain, often disrupting your daily life and routine. Ayurveda offers a gentle, natural, and holistic path to healing. It not only helps dissolve and eliminate existing stones but also works to prevent recurrence by restoring internal balance, promoting deep detoxification, and strengthening digestive function. However, expert supervision is essential, as every individual’s body is different, and self-medication can lead to complications or delayed recovery. Therefore, seek support and let Ayurveda ensure complete safety and long-term results.

FAQs

1. Are Ayurvedic medicines safe for the kidneys?
When prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor, these medicines are safe and gentle on the kidneys. They not only address the stone but also improve overall kidney and urinary tract health.
2. How long does it take for Ayurvedic treatment to work on kidney stones?
The duration varies depending on the size and type of stone, dosha imbalance, and your overall health. Small stones may dissolve within a few weeks, while larger or multiple stones may take longer. Consistency in following the treatment plan and lifestyle advice is key.

3. What foods should I avoid during Ayurvedic treatment for kidney stones?
Avoid salty, spicy, oily, and heavy-to-digest foods such as red meat, fried items, and processed snacks. Also, reduce oxalate-rich foods like spinach, tomatoes, nuts, and chocolates. Cold drinks and carbonated beverages should be strictly avoided.

4. Can I take Ayurvedic medicines along with allopathic treatment?
In many cases, Ayurvedic and allopathic treatments can be used together under medical guidance. However, it’s crucial to inform both your Ayurveda and modern medicine doctors to avoid potential interactions.

5. Are there any side effects of Ayurvedic medicines for kidney stones?
When used under professional supervision and in the correct dosage, Ayurvedic medicines are generally free from side effects. Self-medication or overdosing, however, may lead to complications.