Kidney stone though not a life threatening disease,is of growing concern due to the severity of its associated symptoms.It’s also called ‘renal calculus’ and is a solid concretion or crystal aggregation formed in the kidneys from dietary minerals in the urine.Based on their location they may be of three types-nephrolithiasis(within kidney), ureterolithiasis(within ureter), and cystolithiasis(within urinary bladder).Similarly base d on composition they may be struvite stones,calcium stones,uric acid stones etc.
They are generally 3-5mm in diameter which might seem complicated,but in practice the smaller stones are the ones to be looked upon with attention. Smaller stones are more likely to pass into the ureter and thereby cause its obstruction, postrenal azotemia and hydronephrosis (distension and dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces), as well as spasm of the ureter leading to renal colic(an excruciating, intermittent pain that radiates from the flank to the groin or to the genital area and inner thigh) .This is commonly accompanied by urinary urgency, restlessness, hematuria, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. It typically comes in waves lasting 20 to 60 minutes as and when it attempts to expel the stone.But certain stones don’t necessarily show any of these symptoms.
The major causes or triggering factors are associated with diet and it includes low fluid intake, high dietary intake of animal protein, sodium, refined sugars, fructose and high fructose corn syrup, oxalate, grapefruit juice, apple juice etc.
For painful stones there are many first line measures like NSAIDS, and complicated procedures like lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy etc. However ,the patient compliance to such invasive procedures have been found to suffer a massive drop.So why not try something natural and less invasive or even non invasive?That’s how a herb has recently been on the hot topics for its prevention as well as cure. (Link)
CHANCA PIEDRA(= stone breaker)
It’s a medicinal herb indigenous to Amazon rain forests but also frequently found in other tropics, also known by the scientific name Phyllanthus niruri. Its use in kidney stone treatment has been proved long back and is presently the most efficient remedy in many cultures for renal calculi,diseases of genitourinary system etc. The plant’s leaves, stems and roots feature biologically active substances that work to dissolve kidney stones.It forms an important part of Western medicine along with its close link with the renowned Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine too.
It grows to a height of 50 to 70 centimeters and bears ascending herbaceous branches. The bark is smooth and light green with numerous pale green flowers which are often flushed red. The fruits are tiny,smooth capsules containing seeds.
A clinical study among 150 patients over a period of 6 months indicated remarkable reduction in the formation of renal stones.In a research conducted by a German physician Wolfram Weimann it was found that 94 percent of them eliminated their stones within two weeks. Other than cramping during the passage of the stones, chanca piedra caused no side effects. A more recent study among rats has brought out evidences that Phyllanthus niruri interferes with many stages of stone formation,reducing crystal aggregation and altering their compositon and structure.
Despite its values in dissolving the calculi, don’t disregard consulting a doctor since it could have many contraindications in heart ailments and diabetes. Due to its ability to help rid the body of excess water, long-term use of chanca piedra may interfere with medical conditions in which taking diuretic substances isn’t advised.(Link)
(Source)
They are generally 3-5mm in diameter which might seem complicated,but in practice the smaller stones are the ones to be looked upon with attention. Smaller stones are more likely to pass into the ureter and thereby cause its obstruction, postrenal azotemia and hydronephrosis (distension and dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces), as well as spasm of the ureter leading to renal colic(an excruciating, intermittent pain that radiates from the flank to the groin or to the genital area and inner thigh) .This is commonly accompanied by urinary urgency, restlessness, hematuria, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. It typically comes in waves lasting 20 to 60 minutes as and when it attempts to expel the stone.But certain stones don’t necessarily show any of these symptoms.
The major causes or triggering factors are associated with diet and it includes low fluid intake, high dietary intake of animal protein, sodium, refined sugars, fructose and high fructose corn syrup, oxalate, grapefruit juice, apple juice etc.
For painful stones there are many first line measures like NSAIDS, and complicated procedures like lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy etc. However ,the patient compliance to such invasive procedures have been found to suffer a massive drop.So why not try something natural and less invasive or even non invasive?That’s how a herb has recently been on the hot topics for its prevention as well as cure. (Link)
CHANCA PIEDRA(= stone breaker)
It’s a medicinal herb indigenous to Amazon rain forests but also frequently found in other tropics, also known by the scientific name Phyllanthus niruri. Its use in kidney stone treatment has been proved long back and is presently the most efficient remedy in many cultures for renal calculi,diseases of genitourinary system etc. The plant’s leaves, stems and roots feature biologically active substances that work to dissolve kidney stones.It forms an important part of Western medicine along with its close link with the renowned Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine too.
It grows to a height of 50 to 70 centimeters and bears ascending herbaceous branches. The bark is smooth and light green with numerous pale green flowers which are often flushed red. The fruits are tiny,smooth capsules containing seeds.
A clinical study among 150 patients over a period of 6 months indicated remarkable reduction in the formation of renal stones.In a research conducted by a German physician Wolfram Weimann it was found that 94 percent of them eliminated their stones within two weeks. Other than cramping during the passage of the stones, chanca piedra caused no side effects. A more recent study among rats has brought out evidences that Phyllanthus niruri interferes with many stages of stone formation,reducing crystal aggregation and altering their compositon and structure.
Despite its values in dissolving the calculi, don’t disregard consulting a doctor since it could have many contraindications in heart ailments and diabetes. Due to its ability to help rid the body of excess water, long-term use of chanca piedra may interfere with medical conditions in which taking diuretic substances isn’t advised.(Link)
(Source)