If you are a person who enjoys a sedentary lifestyle, loves spicy, salty mineral rich food, cannot be bothered to drink plenty of water and puts off going to the bathroom till the last minute, then you may be inviting trouble in the form of kidney stones. Kidney stones, known as Vrukka Ashmari in Ayurveda are becoming an increasingly common health problem, especially among men. According to Ayurveda, the world’s oldest system of holistic healing, improper diet and lifestyle lead to aggravation of all three doshas – or life forces- and impairment of the digestive fire. This causes the formation of toxins called ama in the body. These toxins travel down the urinary tract, where aggravated doshas cause crystallization and the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are of different types- uric acid crystals, calcium oxalate crystals, Cystine stones and many others. They come in different sizes and shapes too. Some are as small as a grain of sand, some as large as a marble. Some stones are smooth, others are rough and have cutting edges. Small stones generally do not cause much of a problem. They are passed out easily during urination, and require no medication. But larger stones and those with an irregular surface can cause excruciating pain when they move through the urinary tract. Pain in the lumber region of the kidneys, at the back of the body, is the first symptom that is experienced. The pain radiates towards the genital organs. There might be fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleeplessness and painful urination. At times blood may appear in the urine too.

The Ayurvedic Approach

Modern Western Medicine treats kidney stones with pain killers. In the case of larger stones, shattering them with laser treatment or surgical removal of the stones are the options offered. However, the problem can reappear, when stones form once again. Ayurvedic treatment of kidney stones involves the use of diuretic and stone-dissolving herbs in acute cases. The system is then cleaned and strengthened using toning and rejuvenating preparations. Panchakarma therapy is a very effective means of cleansing the body internally in order to help it regain its strength.

Ayurveda offers many simple tips and home remedies for kidney stones. First, it is important to drink lots of water- at least 2 to 3 litres per day, and also to pass urine whenever there is the urge, instead of putting it off. The reason is that if one retains urine in the bladder for a long time, in due course it will result in the formation of calculi or stones. Cut down on salt and the intake of green leafy vegetables rich in calcium. Ayurveda also recommends avoidance of red chilli pepper, spices and milk products for patients suffering from kidney stones. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, cold drinks, pickles, fish, poultry, meat and chocolate, as well as sour, heavy and dry food. You should also avoid sitting for a long time immediately after eating- take a short walk instead.

The juice extracted from the stem of banana plant is an excellent remedy for it is rich in fibre and medicinal properties. Barley, horse gram -a type of bean- ginger, and brown rice or parboiled rice are also beneficial. Boil 1-2 figs in 1 cup of water for 15-20 minutes. Drink this twice a day for relief. Or you can boil 10-12 basil leaves in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey in it and take this mixture twice a day. A decoction made from the bark of henna plant also known as Mehendi, is an effective remedy for removing urinary stones. Alternately, take the decoction made from leaves and seeds of radish to expel the stones. Horse-gram soup is an excellent food supplement for those troubled by kidney stones, and an onion decoction prepared by adding water to the onion bulbs with sugar is also useful. Drink coconut water and barley water regularly. These are helpful in relieving the burning sensation while urinating. Some food items which help prevent kidney stones are red kidney pulse or rajma dal, and celery as well as fruits such as fresh ripe apples, water melon, pomegranates and grapes.

The advantages of Ayurvedic treatment for kidney stones are that no surgery is required and the root cause of the disease is treated to minimize the possibility of reoccurrence and give long lasting relief. Kerala, a beautiful state in South India, is especially famed for its many renowned Ayurvedic physicians, who are experts in treating kidney stones the natural, holistic, Ayurvedic way. Patients come from far and wide to this tropical paradise to benefit from the expertise and their knowledge, which is the sum total of the experiences and wisdom of their forefathers, who have practiced this science of life for thousands of years. If you suffer from kidney stones, you can benefit from this wisdom too.