Kidney Stones – Oh MY! | The DayOne Gear Blog | Carter Rogers' Review On The Best Treatment Options For Diseases

Joe Pye Weed

About the best that can be said of kidney stones is that once you go through the experience, you may find yourself willing to go out of your way to make sure they do not come back again! One bout is enough to make most people re-think their diets and make some changes!

About half the people who get kidney stones will suffer them again, along with the symptoms of sudden, sharp waves of pain, nausea, and profuse sweating that accompany this problem. Severe cases are also accompanied by bleeding and, if there is an infection, even fever. As with any kidney condition, please see your physician or naturopath to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and the severity of your condition.

Kidney stones are mineral deposits made up of calcium, uric acid or the amino acid cysteine. There are numerous theories as to how these stones form, but no ones knows for absolute sure. Contributing factors may include:

Diet

Obesity

Lack of exercise

Repeated kidney infections

History of kidney issues in your family

In some herbal books it is said that lemon juice reduces the size of kidney stones, but most herbal remedies including those based on lemon juice and hydrangea do not actually dissolve stones. Instead they help eliminate the stones and reduce or relieve the pain that occurs as they are eliminated. The larger the stone, the more uncomfortable this can be. Good herbs that help reduce infection, pain and spasms are cramp bark, goldenrod and joe pye weed, aptly nicknamed “gravel root” for its ability to get rid of stones.

At least 75% of kidney stones are composed of calcium combined with phosphate or oxalic acid. Medical experts believe that these stones result from an accumulation of unused calcium and lack of general exercise.

Since calcium phosphate stones are most common in alkaline urine, cranberries and other herbs that acidify urine also help prevent stones. Levels of the enzyme urease, which contributes to kidney stones, are increased by bacteria and the alkaline urine they produce. If you are prone to kidney stones, play it safe and avoid the following oxalic acid rich foods:

Rhubarb

Spinach

Beet Greens

Sorrel

Green Tea

Chocolate

Uric acid stones are found in urine that is too acidic. If you get this type of stone eat the following foods:

Strawberries

Cherries

Apple Juice

Asparagus

Nettles

These foods will help make your urine more alkaline. Also consider changing or modifying your diet. One thing that can cause your urine to be overly acidic is an overabundance of PROTEIN. The herbs Meadowsweet, Sarsaparilla, Joe Pye Weed and Plantain help rid the kidneys of excess uric acid.

Kidney Stone Tea

2 tsp Hydrangea Root

1 tsp Wild Yam Root

1 tsp Cramp Bark

1 ½ Qt Water

1 tsp Joe Pye Weed

½ tsp EACH Corn Silk, Plantain Leaf, Yarrow Leaf

*Add hydrangea, wild yam and cramp bark to water in a saucepan.

*Bring to boil, turn down heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

*Remove from heat, add rest of herbs, cover pan and steep for at least 20 minutes.

*Strain and keep refrigerated.

*Drink 3-4 Cups daily.

*If bleeding occurs with your Kidney Stones, add 30 drops of Shepherd’s Purse tincture to each cup of tea.

A tea is most especially appropriate when treating a kidney infection because you should be drinking plenty of water to keep the kidneys flushed and help kidney stones from forming. You can also take this formula as a tincture; 2-3 droppers-full per day.

Blessings to you and yours,