If you’ve ever experienced the excruciating pain of a kidney stone, you know just how important it is to find fast, effective relief. These small, crystallized deposits can cause agonizing discomfort as they move through your urinary tract.
While prescription medications and surgical procedures are sometimes necessary for severe cases, many people find that natural home remedies can be just as powerful for managing kidney stones. In this article, we’ve rounded up 16 of the most effective all-natural treatments you can try right from the comfort of your own home.
What are Kidney Stones？
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. When these stones move through your urinary tract, they can cause intense pain, nausea, and sometimes fever.
The four main types of kidney stones include:
- Calcium stones (most common)
- Struvite stones
- Uric acid stones
- Cystine stones
Each type has different causes and may respond differently to various remedies. If you know your stone type, you can target your approach more effectively.
Kidney stones develop when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances—such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—than the fluid in your urine can dilute. At the same time, your urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, creating an ideal environment for kidney stones to form.
The stone-forming process often begins with tiny crystals that gradually grow larger over months or even years. Some stones remain in the kidneys without causing issues, while others travel through the urinary tract, potentially causing blockages and severe pain.
16 Natural Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
1. Hydration: Your First Line of Defense
Water is perhaps the most effective natural remedy for kidney stones. When you’re well-hydrated, you produce more urine, which helps flush out stone-forming minerals before they can crystallize.
How to implement this remedy:
- Aim for 2-3 liters (about 8-12 cups) of water daily
- Check your urine color—pale yellow indicates proper hydration
- Increase intake during hot weather or physical activity
- Consider setting reminders on your phone to drink regularly throughout the day
- Keep a water bottle with you at all times
- Track your water intake using a journal or app
One study found that people who drank more than 2.5 liters of fluid daily decreased their risk of kidney stones by about 40% compared to those who drank less.
Dr. Thomas Chi, a urologist at the University of California, San Francisco, explains, “The single most important thing you can do to prevent kidney stones is to drink enough fluids, mainly water. This dilutes your urine and reduces the chance that minerals will crystallize.”
2. Lemon Juice: Citrate Power
Lemons contain citrate, a chemical that prevents calcium from binding with other compounds that form stones. Citrate also breaks up small stones, allowing them to pass more easily.
How to implement this remedy:
- Squeeze fresh lemon into a glass of water
- Drink 4-5 cups throughout the day
- For maximum benefit, use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice
- Consider starting your day with warm lemon water on an empty stomach
- Add lemon slices to your water bottle for continuous infusion
- Combine with a small amount of honey if the taste is too sour
A study in the Journal of Urology found that lemonade therapy—drinking four ounces of reconstituted lemon juice in two liters of water daily—decreased stone formation from 1.00 to 0.13 stones per patient.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidity Adjustment
Apple cider vinegar helps to alkalize your blood and urine, creating an environment that’s less favorable for kidney stone formation. It also contains acetic acid, which may help dissolve kidney stones.
How to implement this remedy:
- Mix 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water
- Drink this mixture 2-3 times daily, preferably before meals
- Continue for several weeks, even after symptoms improve
- Look for organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “the mother” (the cloudy substance at the bottom)
- Gradually increase the amount if needed, but never consume it undiluted
- Consider taking a week off after every month of regular use
While scientific evidence specifically for kidney stones is limited, many people report significant improvement with this remedy.
“The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may help dissolve small kidney stones and has an alkalizing effect on blood and urine,” notes nutritionist Jessica Cording, MS, RD. “However, it’s important to always dilute it properly to protect your tooth enamel and digestive tract.”
4. Pomegranate Juice: Antioxidant Protection
Pomegranate is packed with antioxidants that may help reduce kidney stone formation and flush out the system.
How to implement this remedy:
- Drink one cup of fresh pomegranate juice daily
- Alternatively, eat the whole fruit, seeds and all
- Opt for unsweetened juice to avoid excess sugar
- Consider making your own juice at home to ensure purity
- Combine with a small amount of water if the taste is too strong
- Include pomegranate seeds in salads and other dishes for regular consumption
Research suggests that pomegranate extract can reduce calcium oxalate crystal deposits, which are common in kidney stones.
A 2014 study also found that pomegranate extract significantly reduced crystal deposition in the kidneys of rats with ethylene glycol-induced kidney stones, suggesting its potential in preventing stone formation.
5. Basil: Traditional Healing Herb
Basil has been used traditionally to strengthen kidney health and reduce kidney stones. It contains acetic acid, which helps break down kidney stones and reduces pain.
How to implement this remedy:
- Chew 5-6 fresh basil leaves daily
- Make basil tea by steeping basil leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes
- Drink basil tea 1-2 times daily
- Add fresh basil to your meals regularly
- Consider creating a basil tincture for long-term use
- Grow your own basil plant for a fresh supply
While more research is needed, traditional medicine has relied on basil for centuries to treat various kidney and urinary problems.
Basil is considered a ‘sattvic’ herb in Ayurveda, meaning it creates clarity and has purifying properties. Its traditional use for kidney stones is based on its ability to balance the Kapha dosha, which governs structure and fluid balance in the body.”
6. Dandelion Root: Natural Diuretic
Dandelion root acts as a natural diuretic, increasing urine production and helping to flush out kidney stones. It also contains compounds that may help prevent mineral crystallization.
How to implement this remedy:
- Prepare dandelion root tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried root in hot water
- Drink 2-3 cups daily
- Look for dandelion root supplements if the tea is too bitter
- Consider dandelion root tincture as an alternative form
- Add dandelion greens to salads for additional benefits
- Ensure you’re harvesting from pesticide-free areas if collecting wild dandelions
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine confirmed dandelion’s diuretic effect, which can help clear the urinary tract.
“Dandelion increases bile production and flow, which can help detoxify the liver and improve digestion,” says herbalist David Winston. “This indirectly supports kidney function by reducing the body’s toxic load.”
7. Kidney Bean Broth: Traditional Remedy
The pod of kidney beans has been used as a healing remedy for kidney and bladder problems for centuries.
How to implement this remedy:
- Remove beans from inside the pods
- Place the pods in water and simmer for hours
- Strain the liquid and let it cool
- Drink throughout the day
- Store any remaining broth in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat before drinking if preferred
- Consider adding a small amount of honey to improve the taste
While scientific studies on kidney bean pods specifically for kidney stones are limited, this remedy has deep roots in traditional medicine.
Folk medicine practitioner Susan Weed notes, “The pod contains compounds that may help dissolve stones and strengthen the urinary system. This traditional remedy has been passed down through generations in various cultures, particularly in Eastern European and Mediterranean communities.”
8. Celery Seed Extract: Anti-Inflammatory Support
Celery seed has anti-inflammatory properties and helps clear toxins that contribute to kidney stone formation. It also acts as a diuretic.
How to implement this remedy:
- Take celery seed extract supplements as directed
- Alternatively, make celery seed tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds in hot water
- Drink several cups throughout the day
- Add celery seeds to cooking for regular consumption
- Consider making a celery seed tincture for convenient use
- Combine with hydration practices for enhanced effects
People with certain medical conditions should avoid celery seed, so consult with a healthcare provider before using this remedy.
“Celery seed contains over 20 anti-inflammatory compounds,” explains botanist Dr. James Duke. “These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the kidneys and urinary tract, potentially easing the passage of stones.”
9. Wheatgrass Juice: Cleansing Properties
Wheatgrass is rich in nutrients and increases urine flow, potentially helping to flush out small stones.
How to implement this remedy:
- Drink 2-8 ounces of wheatgrass juice daily, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing
- Dilute with water if the taste is too strong
- Consider adding lemon for flavor and additional benefits
- Grow your own wheatgrass at home for the freshest juice
- Use a dedicated wheatgrass juicer for best results
- Drink immediately after juicing to preserve nutrients
Wheatgrass contains compounds that may help alkalize the body and prevent stone formation.
Nutritionist Ann Wigmore, a pioneer in wheatgrass therapy, believed in its powerful detoxifying effects: “Wheatgrass juice contains chlorophyll, which has a molecular structure similar to hemoglobin, allowing it to carry oxygen to all cells. This oxygenation helps neutralize toxins and reduce the formation of stones.”
10. Olive Oil: Passage Facilitator
Olive oil may help lubricate the urinary tract, making it easier for small stones to pass.
How to implement this remedy:
- Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil with the juice of one lemon
- Drink in the morning on an empty stomach
- Follow with plenty of water throughout the day
- Repeat for several days if needed
- Use extra virgin olive oil for maximum benefit
- Consider taking a tablespoon of olive oil before bed as an alternative approach
This remedy works best for small stones that are already moving through the urinary tract.
“The theory behind olive oil is that it can coat the urinary tract and help stones slide out more easily,” explains Dr. Eric Friedlander, a holistic physician. “While there’s limited scientific evidence for this specific use, olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract.”
11. Dietary Changes: Prevention Is Key
Certain dietary modifications can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.
How to implement this remedy:
- Reduce sodium intake, as high salt consumption increases calcium in the urine
- Limit animal protein, especially if you have uric acid stones
- Avoid foods high in oxalate if you have calcium oxalate stones (spinach, rhubarb, chocolate, nuts)
- Increase calcium-rich foods (while it might seem counterintuitive, dietary calcium can help prevent calcium stones)
- Limit processed foods, which often contain hidden sodium and phosphate additives
- Reduce consumption of foods high in purines (like organ meats and certain seafood) if you have uric acid stones
- Consider working with a dietitian who specializes in kidney health
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet low in animal protein and sodium but normal in calcium reduced the risk of recurrent kidney stones by about 50%.
“Diet plays a crucial role in kidney stone prevention,” emphasizes Dr. Fredric Coe, Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago. “The most important dietary changes depend on your stone type, which is why proper testing and analysis of passed stones is so valuable.”
12. Nettle Leaf: Mineral Support
Nettle leaf has been used for centuries to maintain kidney health. It’s rich in minerals that support kidney function.
How to implement this remedy:
- Prepare nettle leaf tea by steeping dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes
- Drink 2-3 cups daily
- Continue for several weeks
- Consider nettle leaf capsules or tinctures as alternatives
- Use gloves when handling fresh nettle to avoid stings
- Look for nettle leaf products from reputable herbal suppliers
Nettle leaf contains compounds that may help maintain proper kidney function and prevent stone formation.
Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar notes, “Nettle is a nutrient-dense plant that supports overall urinary health. It’s rich in minerals like silica, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help maintain proper kidney function and may prevent mineral imbalances that contribute to stone formation.”
13. Magnesium: Essential Mineral
Magnesium can help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, the most common component of kidney stones.
How to implement this remedy:
- Consider magnesium supplements (consult with a healthcare provider for dosage)
- Increase magnesium-rich foods in your diet (leafy greens, nuts, whole grains)
- Combine with vitamin B6 for enhanced effects
- Try magnesium citrate, which is well-absorbed and has additional citrate benefits
- Consider magnesium glycinate if you have sensitive digestion
- Start with a lower dose and gradually increase to avoid digestive discomfort
Research suggests that magnesium can bind with oxalate in the gut, reducing the amount that reaches the kidneys.
A study found that magnesium supplementation helped reduce the recurrence of calcium oxalate kidney stones by 90% in patients.
Dr. Sidney Baker, a functional medicine pioneer, explains, “Magnesium deficiency is common in our modern diet, and this mineral is crucial for proper calcium metabolism. Without sufficient magnesium, calcium is more likely to form stones rather than being properly utilized in the body.”
14. Horsetail: Traditional Herbal Support
Horsetail has been used traditionally as a diuretic and may help with the elimination of kidney stones.
How to implement this remedy:
- Prepare horsetail tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried herb in hot water
- Drink up to 3 cups daily
- Do not use for more than a week at a time
- Take breaks between courses of treatment
- Avoid if you have heart or kidney disease
- Consider combining with nettle leaf tea for complementary benefits
Horsetail contains silica, which may help strengthen tissues in the urinary tract.
“Horsetail is one of the oldest plants on Earth, with a history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Roman and Greek times,” says herbalist Matthew Wood. “Its high silica content helps maintain the integrity of connective tissue throughout the body, including in the urinary system.”
15. Reduce Sugar and Soda Consumption
High sugar intake, especially from sodas and other sweetened beverages, has been linked to increased kidney stone risk.
How to implement this remedy:
- Cut back on sodas, especially dark colas
- Reduce processed sugar in your diet
- Replace sweetened beverages with water or herbal teas
- Read labels to identify hidden sugars in processed foods
- Gradually reduce sugar to minimize cravings
- Consider natural sweeteners like stevia in moderation if needed
A study found that people who consumed the most sugar-sweetened beverages had a 23% higher risk of developing kidney stones.
“Phosphoric acid, present in many sodas, particularly colas, has been associated with increased kidney stone formation,” explains registered dietitian Joy Bauer. “The acid can create an imbalance in the urinary tract that makes stone formation more likely.”
16. Vitamin D and Calcium Balance
Maintaining the right balance of vitamin D and calcium is crucial for preventing kidney stones.
How to implement this remedy:
- Get adequate but not excessive vitamin D (through sunlight or supplements)
- Consume calcium-rich foods rather than supplements when possible
- Consult with a healthcare provider to determine optimal levels for your situation
- Consider having your vitamin D levels tested
- Take calcium with meals rather than on an empty stomach
- Avoid calcium supplements at night
Too much vitamin D can increase calcium absorption, potentially leading to stones, while calcium from food sources helps prevent stones by binding to oxalate in the gut.
Dr. Charles Pak, a leading kidney stone researcher, explains, “The relationship between calcium and kidney stones is complex. While we once thought limiting calcium was beneficial, we now know that dietary calcium helps prevent stones by binding to oxalate in the intestines, preventing its absorption.”
When to Seek Medical Help？
While home remedies can be effective, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Severe pain that makes it impossible to sit still or find a comfortable position
- Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills, which may indicate an infection
- Blood in your urine
- Difficulty passing urine
- Pain that doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter medications
- A history of kidney problems along with any of these symptoms
Remember, even with natural remedies, staying in communication with your healthcare provider is essential, especially if you have a history of kidney issues or other medical conditions.
