A kidney stone is a solid mass composed of the mineral and salt deposits inside the kidney, specifically in the ureter and bladder. It obstructs the outflow of toxins, leading to more serious complications if not removed timely. Smaller stones do not obstruct the urinary pathways and leave the body through urine. However, as the deposits build up and take the form of large, hardened stones, the patient experiences severe pain, bleeding and the frequent urge to urinate. Smaller kidney stones can be flushed out of the body with the help of a certain diet, exercise, hydration and herbal remedies. Large stones may require invasive surgeries or extensive flush therapies. The common factors that may result in kidney stone are low water intake, sedentary lifestyle, too much protein and sodium in the diet.

According to Ayurveda, when there’s an imbalance in the Vata dosha levels, the body’s kapha composition may dry out, this can lead to kidney stones. In Ayurveda, kidney stones are referred to as “Ashmari”. Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to managing and treating stones. Drink more water as water is a critical part of our lives and its significance grows when a person is dealing with kidney stones. To keep your organs and internal functions in order, drinking 4 litres of water a day is important. Drinking more and more water ensures that your body is hydrated and also helps flush out wastes and toxins from the body. When such toxins and wastes are not eliminated regularly, they may combine to form kidney stones. Lack of exercise is the root cause of many diseases. People who work out and eat healthy have healthier urinary pathways that people who won’t. Protein and sodium can lead to stones if you are not drinking enough water to dilute them. If you have had kidney stones before, it is advised to reduce protein and sodium in your diet. Obesity affects organ function and causes various health complications. Daily alcohol and caffeine intake keep you chronically dehydrated, which leads to the formation of kidney stones. Visit: Ayurvedic Medicine for Kidney Stone.

Concerning the diet, increase consumption of carrot, karela, potatoes, pumpkin, banana, apple, lemon, plum, almonds and amla. Ayurveda suggests several ayurvedic herbs that may help treat and manage kidney stones. Some of them are Punarnava, Varuna, Shigru, Kantkari, Kushmanda seeds, Coriander, Jasmine, Bakul and Pashanabheda. Apart from these herbs, Karela Ayurveda’s herbal formulation, Punarnavasava, can be a helpful recipe for managing kidney stones. It is a powerful diuretic that may drain excess sodium salts from the body, helping prevent kidney stones.