10 Home Remedies For Kidney Stones22

11/30/23, 6:20 PM 10 Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What

Works?
Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Emily Cronkleton — Updated on August 14,
2023
Water Lemon juice Basil juice Apple cider vinegar Celery juice Pomegranate juice
Kidney bean broth Dandelion Wheatgrass juice Horsetail Get help Takeaway
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Staying hydrated can help pass kidney stones faster. Certain

substances, including apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, may help
dissolve kidney stones, making them easier to pass.
WATCH VIDEO
Kidney Stones: Home Remedies for Kidney

 Stones
Are you suffering from kidney stones? This video shares some known home remedies.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help pass kidney stones and prevent new stones from forming. The extra liquid
flush can help out toxins, moving stones and grit through your urinary tract.
Adding certain ingredients to your water might have additional benefits.
Using home remedies safely

If you have kidney stones, it’s best to talk with a doctor before trying any home remedies listed below.
Some kidney stones may require medical treatment. Additionally, some herbal remedies may interact
with certain medications or supplements. A doctor can determine whether these strategies are right for
your type of kidney stone or if they could lead to additional unwanted effects.
If you have any chronic conditions, such as kidney or heart disease, talk with a doctor before using
herbal remedies, as some can cause dangerous side effects.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using any remedies and speak with a doctor. They can
determine which treatment is safest for you and your baby.
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Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after drinking any flavored remedy. This can help
move the ingredients through your system.
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1. Water
When passing a kidney stone, upping your water intake can help speed up the process.
Research suggests you should drink enough water to have about 2 liters  of urine output daily to prevent
kidney stones. Dehydration is one of the main risk factors for kidney stones, and the last thing you want is for
more to form.
You can also pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be a very light, pale yellow. Dark yellow urine is
a sign of dehydration.
2. Lemon juice
You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. Lemons contain citrate, a chemical

that prevents calcium stones from forming. Citrate can also break up small stones, allowing them to pass
more easily.
A great deal of lemon juice would probably be needed to make a huge effect, but some may have a small

impact. A 2020 study found that potassium citrate supplements helped reduce risk factors associated with
kidney stones in people who had previously had kidney stones.
Lemon has numerous other health benefits. For example, it helps inhibit bacteria growth and provides vitamin
C.
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3. Basil juice
Basil is full of nutrients. People have traditionally used basil juice for digestive and inflammatory disorders.

Basil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 study in rats determined it may help
support kidney function.
But more research on this remedy in humans is needed.
To try it, use fresh or dried basil leaves to make tea and drink several cups daily. You may also juice fresh basil
in a juicer or add it to a smoothie.
It’s not known whether basil juice is safe to consume in large quantities or over more extended periods.
Without more research, the long-term effects remain unclear.
4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid helps dissolve kidney stones.
In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar may help ease pain caused by the stones.
Vinegar consumption may help reduce  the formation of kidney stones, according to a review of studies. A
clinical trial in humans is underway to compare the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar and a few other
beverages in preventing kidney stone formation.
To try this remedy, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 6 to 8 ounces of drinking water.
Avoid consuming more than one 8-ounce glass of this mixture per day. You can also sprinkle apple cider
vinegar onto salads or add it to your favorite salad dressing.
If ingested in larger amounts, apple cider vinegar can cause issues such as:
damage to tooth enamel

acid reflux
sore throat
If you have diabetes and want to try this mixture, consider talking with a doctor and monitoring your blood
sugar levels carefully throughout the day.
This mixture may interact with certain medications, including insulin or diuretics such as spironolactone
(Aldactone).
5. Celery juice
Celery is used in some traditional medicines as a kidney stone remedy.
One study found that, on average, female participants with kidney stones ate less celery than female
participants without kidney stones.

And a 2019 study in rats found that celery extract helped break down kidney stones.
Blend one or more celery stalks with water, and drink the juice.
Like other plant extracts, celery can interact with other medications or treatments, which may cause unwanted
effects. It’s always best to check with a doctor before trying new remedies.
6. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants, which may help keep the kidneys healthy. Some people believe it
may help prevent kidney stones.
However, the National Kidney Foundation notes that it does not affect kidney stone prevention.
If you’d like to try it, it’s not clear how much pomegranate juice you can safely drink throughout the day, but a
serving or two each day is likely reasonable for most people.

The American Stroke Association notes that some medications to lower cholesterol may interact with
pomegranate juice. If you’re taking any medications, talk with a doctor before use.
7. Kidney bean broth

The broth from cooked kidney beans is a traditional dish often consumed in India. Some people claim it can
improve urinary and kidney health, but there’s little evidence to say whether this remedy is effective. To try it,
simply strain the liquid from cooked beans and drink it several times daily.
Depending on your type of kidney stone, a doctor may recommend  swapping some animal protein in your
diet for plant-based protein, of which beans can be a good source.
Other natural remedies

The following home remedies may contain ingredients that may not already be in your kitchen. You may be
able to buy them at your local health food store or online.
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8. Dandelion
Parts of the dandelion plant may help eliminate waste, increase urine output, and improve digestion.
One study  showed that dandelion is effective in preventing kidney stones. But these results are from lab
samples, and researchers can’t say yet whether dandelion works the same way when consumed by people.
Human studies are still needed to determine if it’s safe and effective.
If you’d like to try it, you can make dandelion juice from the plant’s leaves or buy the roots as a tea or extract.
While small amounts of dandelion are likely safe for most people, it’s unknown whether consuming large
quantities is safe. Some people can be allergic to dandelion, especially those with an allergy to:
ragweed
marigolds
chrysanthemums
daisies
High doses may be unsafe for people with certain health conditions, such as:
heart conditions
high or low blood pressure
liver or kidney conditions
diabetes
swelling
Talk with a doctor before taking dandelion root extract or other herbal remedies, as they may interact with
some medications. If you’re taking diuretics, dandelion is typically not recommended.
9. Wheatgrass juice
Wheatgrass contains many nutrients and has long been used to enhance health. Wheatgrass may increase
urine flow to help pass the stones. It also contains vital nutrients that help cleanse the kidneys.
Start with the smallest amount possible and gradually work up to the recommended serving to prevent side
effects.
If fresh wheatgrass juice isn’t available, you can try powdered wheatgrass supplements as directed.
Taking wheatgrass on an empty stomach can reduce your risk of nausea. In some cases, it may cause appetite
loss and constipation.
10. Horsetail
Horsetail is used as a diuretic to increase urine flow. A 2021 review  of research notes that it has antibacterial
and antioxidant properties that could aid in overall urinary health. It may also reduce inflammation and calcium
oxalate crystals, which may help prevent kidney stones.
The National Kidney Foundation notes that horsetail and certain other herbs may be unsafe to use if you have
kidney disease.
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You can have digestive side effects when using horsetail; some people may have allergies to it.
Horsetail isn’t recommended for children or people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding.
When to get help

You may need urgent medical attention if you experience severe symptoms that include:
severe pain
blood in your urine
fever
chills
nausea
vomiting
A doctor will determine whether you need medication or other therapy to help you pass the stone. Sometimes,
a kidney stone can become trapped and cause an infection.
The bottom line

Although it may be uncomfortable, passing a small kidney stone on your own is possible.
You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to lessen any pain you may be experiencing. These
include:
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
ibuprofen (Advil)
naproxen (Aleve)
Be sure to follow a doctor’s instructions until the stone passes, and don’t drink alcohol.
Once you pass a kidney stone, you may want to save it to take to a doctor for testing. To save the stone, you
need to strain your urine.
You can do this by using a urine screen, which you can get from the doctor’s office. A doctor can determine
what kind of stone it is and develop a targeted prevention plan.
Talk with a doctor about lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent more stones from forming. Always
check in with a doctor before trying home remedies, herbs, or supplements.
Herbs and supplements aren’t regulated for quality and purity by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so
research your choices and sources for purchase.
A recent analysis of 27 different supplements for kidney health found that two-thirds of them included
ingredients that have no research to support their use.
Read this article in Spanish.
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Last medically reviewed on August 14, 2023
How we reviewed this article:

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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new
information becomes available.
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Written By
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Edited By
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Medically Reviewed By
Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP
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NUTRITION u Evidence Based
8 Natural Remedies to Fight Kidney Stones

at Home
By Hrefna Palsdottir, MS — Updated on October 26, 2023
If you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re very likely to develop another one
within 5 to 10 years. Fortunately, taking certain dietary measures may
help reduce this risk.
Kidney stones are a common health problem.

Passing these stones can be incredibly painful, and unfortunately, people who have experienced kidney
stones are more likely to get them again (1 ).
However, there are a few things you can do to reduce this risk.
This article explains what kidney stones are and outlines 8 dietary ways to fight them.
ADVERTISEMENT
What are kidney stones?

Also known as renal stones or nephrolithiasis, kidney stones are composed of hard, solid waste materials that
build up in the kidneys and form crystals.
Four main types exist, but about 80% of all stones are calcium oxalate stones. Less common forms include
struvite, uric acid, and cysteine (2 , 3 ).
While smaller stones are usually not a problem, larger stones may cause a blockage in part of your urinary
system as they leave your body.
This can lead to severe pain, vomiting, and bleeding.
Kidney stones are a common health problem. In fact, about 12% of men and 5% of women in the United States
will develop a kidney stone during their lifetime (3 ).
What’s more, if you get a kidney stone once, studies suggest you are up to 50% more likely to form another
stone within 5 to 10 years (4 , 5 , 6 ).
Below are 8 natural ways you can reduce the risk of forming another kidney stone.
Summary Kidney stones are firm lumps formed from crystallized waste products
in the kidneys. They are a common health problem and passing large stones can
be very painful.
1. Stay hydrated
When it comes to kidney stone prevention, drinking plenty of fluids is generally recommended.
Fluids dilute and increase the volume of the stone-forming substances in urine, which makes them less likely
to crystallize (3 ).
However, not all fluids exert this effect equally. For example, a high intake of water is linked to a lower risk of
kidney stone formation (7 , 8 ).
Beverages like coffee, tea, beer, wine, and orange juice have also been associated with a lower risk (9 , 10 ,
11 ).
On the other hand, consuming a lot of soda may contribute to kidney stone formation. This is true for both
sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened sodas (9 ).
Sugar-sweetened soft drinks contain fructose, which is known to increase the excretion of calcium, oxalate,
and uric acid. These are important factors for kidney stone risk (12 , 13 ).
Some studies have also linked a high intake of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened colas to an
increased risk of kidney stones, due to their phosphoric acid contents (14 , 15 ).
Summary Staying hydrated is important for preventing kidney stones. Yet, while
some beverages may decrease the risk, others may increase it.
ADVERTISEMENT
2. Increase your citric acid intake

Citric acid is an organic acid found in many fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits. Lemons and limes
are especially rich in this plant compound (16 ).

Citric acid may help prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones in two ways (17 ):
1. Preventing stone
formation:
It can bind with calcium in urine, reducing the risk of new stone
 
formation (18 , 19 ).
2. Preventing stone
enlargement:
It binds with existing calcium oxalate crystals, preventing them from
getting larger. It can help you pass these crystals before they turn into
 
larger stones (16 , 19 ).
An easy way to consume more citric acid is to eat more citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons, or
limes.
You can also try adding some lime or lemon juice to your water.
Summary Citric acid is a plant compound that may help prevent kidney stones
from forming. Citrus fruits are great dietary sources.
3. Limit foods high in oxalates

Oxalate (oxalic acid) is an antinutrient found in many plant foods, including leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and
cocoa (20 ).
Also, your body produces considerable amounts of it.
A high oxalate intake may increase oxalate excretion in urine, which can be problematic for people who tend
to form calcium oxalate crystals (21 ).
Oxalate can bind calcium and other minerals, forming crystals that can lead to stone formation (21 ).
However, foods high in oxalate also tend to be very healthy, so a strict low-oxalate diet is no longer
recommended for all stone-forming individuals.
A low-oxalate diet is only suggested for people who have hyperoxaluria, a condition characterized by high

levels of oxalate in the urine (17 ).
Before changing your diet, consult your healthcare provider or dietitian to find out whether you may benefit
from limiting your intake of oxalate-rich foods.
Summary Foods high in oxalate can be problematic for some people. However,
seek advice from a health professional before limiting these foods, as doing so
is not necessary for all stone-forming people.
4. Don’t take high doses of vitamin C

Studies indicate that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements are associated with a higher risk of getting kidney
stones (22 , 23 , 24 ).
A high intake of supplemental vitamin C may increase the excretion of oxalate in the urine, as some vitamin C
can be converted into oxalate within the body (25 , 26 ).
One Swedish study among middle-aged and older men estimated that those who supplement with vitamin C

may be twice as likely to develop kidney stones as those who don’t supplement with this vitamin (23 ).
However, note that vitamin C from food sources, such as lemons, is not associated with an increased stone risk

(27 ).
Summary There is some evidence that taking high doses of vitamin C supplements
may increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones in men.
5. Get enough calcium

It’s a common misunderstanding that you need to decrease your calcium intake to reduce your risk of forming
calcium-containing stones.
However, this is not the case. In fact, a diet high in calcium has been associated with a decreased risk of
forming kidney stones (28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ).
One study placed men who had previously formed calcium-containing kidney stones on a diet containing
1,200 mg of calcium per day. The diet was also low in animal protein and salt (29 ).
The men had about a 50% lower risk of developing another kidney stone within 5 years than the control group,
which followed a low-calcium diet of 400 mg per day.
Dietary calcium tends to bind with oxalate in the diet, which prevents it from being absorbed. The kidneys then
don’t have to pass it through the urinary system.
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are good dietary sources of calcium.
For most adults, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium is 1,000 mg per day. However, the RDA is
1,200 mg per day for women over the age of 50 and everyone over the age of 70.
Summary Getting enough calcium may help prevent kidney stone formation in some
people. Calcium may bind to oxalate and prevent it from being absorbed.
6. Cut back on salt


A diet high in salt is linked to an increased risk of kidney stones in some people (30 , 32).
A high intake of sodium, a component of table salt, may increase calcium excretion through urine, which is one

of the main risk factors for kidney stones (33 ).
That said, some studies in younger adults have failed to find an association (31 , 34 , 35 ).
Most dietary guidelines recommend that people limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day. However, most
people consume a lot more than that amount (36 , 37 ).
One of the best ways to decrease your sodium intake is to cut back on packaged, processed foods (38 ).
Summary If you’re prone to forming kidney stones, restricting sodium may help.
Sodium may increase the amount of calcium you excrete in urine.
7. Increase your magnesium intake


Magnesium is an important mineral that many people don’t consume in sufficient amounts (39 ).
It’s involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions within your body, including energy production and muscle

movements (40 ).
There is also some evidence that magnesium may help prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation (35 ,
41 , 42 ).
Exactly how this works is not fully understood, but it has been suggested that magnesium may reduce oxalate
absorption in the gut (43 , 44 , 45 ).
Nevertheless, not all studies agree on the matter (30 , 34 ).
The reference daily intake (RDI) for magnesium is 420 mg per day. If you want to increase your dietary
magnesium intake, avocados, legumes, and tofu are all good dietary sources.
To reap maximum benefits, consume magnesium along with foods that are high in oxalate. If that’s not an

option, try to consume this mineral within 12 hours of eating oxalate-rich foods (45 ).
Summary Some studies show that increasing your magnesium intake may help
decrease oxalate absorption and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
ADVERTISEMENT
8. Eat less animal protein

A diet high in animal protein sources, such as meat, fish, and dairy, is associated with a higher risk of kidney
stones.
A high intake of animal protein may increase calcium excretion and decrease levels of citrate (46 , 47 ).
In addition, animal protein sources are rich in purines. These compounds are broken down into uric acid and
may increase the risk of forming uric acid stones (48 , 49 ).
All foods contain purines in varying amounts.
Kidney, liver, and other organ meats are very high in purines. On the other hand, plant foods are low in these
substances.
Summary A high intake of animal protein may increase your risk of developing
kidney stones.
The bottom line

If you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re very likely to develop another one within 5 to 10 years. Fortunately, taking
certain dietary measures may help reduce this risk.
For example, you can try increasing your fluid intake, consuming foods rich in certain nutrients, eating less
animal protein, and avoiding sodium.
Just a few simple measures may go a long way in preventing painful kidney stones.
How we reviewed this article:

HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new
information becomes available.
Current Version
Oct 26, 2023
Written By
Hrefna Pálsdóttir
Edited By
Elizabeth Donovan
Share this article
 v 
READ THIS NEXT
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Kidney

Stones?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Some people claim taking apple cider vinegar for kidney stones can help
dissolve current stones and prevent future ones. We’ll tell you what the…
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Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN
There's no one sure way to prevent kidney stones, especially if you have a family
history of the condition. Here's how diet and medications may help.
READ MORE 
Doing a Natural Kidney Cleanse at Home

Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC
Your kidneys act as your body’s filtration system. While most people don’t need
to do a kidney cleanse, there are healthy choices you can make to keep…
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Everything You Need to Know About

Kidney Stones
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are masses made of crystals. Learn more about
causes and symptoms here.
READ MORE 
Does Drinking Coffee Increase or Decrease

Your Risk of Kidney Stones?
Medically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS
Though more research still needs to be done, current studies show that coffee
can help to prevent kidney stone development. Learn more.
READ MORE 
The Connection Between Kidney Stones

and Gastrointestinal Problems
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Kidney stones are associated with severe pain in your abdomen, lower back, and
sides — but they can cause other issues as well.
READ MORE 
Can Stress Cause Kidney Stones?

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O.
Research reveals that stress can contribute to kidney stones. Here's how.
READ MORE 
Gallstones vs. Kidney Stones:

Understanding the Difference
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
Gallstones and kidney stones have similarities and differences. Both types of
stones can be very painful and may need surgery. Both can pass…
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11/30/23, 6:20 PM 10 Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What

How we vet brands and products

Staying hydrated can help pass kidney stones faster. Certain

Kidney Stones: Home Remedies for Kidney

Adding certain ingredients to your water might have additional benefits.

Using home remedies safely

Was this helpful? s r

But more research on this remedy in humans is needed.

4. Apple cider vinegar

damage to tooth enamel

7. Kidney bean broth

Other natural remedies

When to get help

The bottom line

Read this article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on August 14, 2023

How we reviewed this article:

Aug 14, 2023

Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP

Jan 12, 2023

VIEW ALL HISTORY 

Share this article

NUTRITION u Evidence Based

8 Natural Remedies to Fight Kidney Stones

By Hrefna Palsdottir, MS — Updated on October 26, 2023

Kidney stones are a common health problem.

What are kidney stones?

This can lead to severe pain, vomiting, and bleeding.

2. Increase your citric acid intake

3. Limit foods high in oxalates

Also, your body produces considerable amounts of it.

4. Don’t take high doses of vitamin C

may increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones in men.

5. Get enough calcium

6. Cut back on salt

7. Increase your magnesium intake

Nevertheless, not all studies agree on the matter (30 , 34 ).

8. Eat less animal protein

All foods contain purines in varying amounts.

The bottom line

How we reviewed this article:

Oct 26, 2023

Share this article

READ THIS NEXT

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Kidney

9 Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

Doing a Natural Kidney Cleanse at Home

Everything You Need to Know About

Does Drinking Coffee Increase or Decrease

The Connection Between Kidney Stones

Can Stress Cause Kidney Stones?

Gallstones vs. Kidney Stones:

Get our wellness newsletter

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About Us Medical Affairs

Contact Us Content Integrity

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© 2023 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our

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