The kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body. The kidneys help to detox and filter impurities from the blood, as well as waste products from your urine. Kidney stones form when the kidneys are not able to process toxins efficiently. Specifically, a crystallization of unprocessed minerals builds up. Kidney stones cause pain and possible blockage of urine flow.

The following are some simple natural remedies that may help soothe the discomfort of kidney stones and speed up the body’s natural healing process.

1. Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
This is one of my favorites and easily one of the most effective remedies for kidney stones and the pain they cause. At the first symptom of stone pain, mix 2 oz of organic olive oil with 2 oz of organic lemon juice.

Drink it straight and follow with a 12 ounce glass of purified water. Wait 30 minutes. Then, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into 12 ounces of purified water, add 1 tablespoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar and drink. Repeat the lemon juice, water and apple cider vinegar recipe every hour until symptoms improve.

2. Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi is a common folk remedy for kidney stones. Not only will it help fight off infection in the kidneys, but it may also help reduce pain and cleanse the urinary tract. 500mg three times a day is recommended for kidney stones.

3. Dandelion Root
Organic dandelion root is a great kidney tonic and cleanser. Taking up to 500 mg twice a day may be beneficial.

4. Kidney Beans
The shape of this bean may be indicative of its healing potential. An effective urinary home remedy for kidney stones, traditionally the pods were used as a medicinal tonic.

Try removing the beans from inside the pods, and then boil the pods in purified hot water for six hours. This liquid can be strained through cheese cloth, cooled and taken throughout the day for one day to ease kidney stone pain.

5. Horsetail
Horsetail tea is an effective natural remedy for kidney stones. Drink up to 3-4 cups of horsetail tea daily or 2 grams of the herb in capsule form daily.

6. Pomegranate Juice
We’ve all heard that pomegranates have many health benefits. But, more specifically, the seeds and juice of pomegranates can be considered another natural remedy for kidney stones. This may be related to their sourness and astringent properties. I prefer eating organic pomegranates and drinking freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice.

7. Magnesium
Studies show that people with recurrent kidney stones who took magnesium supplements had a 92.3 percent improvement rate in reduction of kidney stones. 300 mg of magnesium orotate is recommended daily for prevention and reduction of stones.

8. Organic Celery
Celery in vegetable form and celery seed are great urine-promoters and kidney tonics. Regular use of celery seed, as a spice or as a tea, may prevent kidney stone formation.

9. Basil
A kidney tonifier, basil tea can be taken throughout the day for overall kidney health. If you have kidney stones, try taking one teaspoon each of basil juice with raw honey daily for up to six months. It’s believed that folk remedies with pure basil juice can help induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.

10. Change in Diet
Unhealthy food intake is a primary cause of kidney stones. Cut down on the amount of soda and energy drinks you consume. Avoid processed foods and alcoholic beverages. Add more fruits and veggies to your diet, especially those listed above.

11. Bonus! Inversion Table
It sounds odd, but some research suggests using an inversion table can help pass stone fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, in short, is when a targeted shock wave is sent through the body to break up stones. It seems that inversion therapy helps the body push out the stones.

I also recommend reading the book “The Green Body Cleanse” to learn how to avoid kidney stone forming foods and beverages.

Remember that the remedies listed above are not intended to replace medical care. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain from kidney stones, see your doctor immediately. For optimal health, I recommend performing a colon cleanse, liver and gallbladder cleanse, chemical and heavy metal cleanse and even a harmful organism cleanse at least 1-2 times a year.

Written by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM for Global Healing Center, January 28, 2011.

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