Kidney Stones

The formation of stones in the urinary system is a common disorder in many parts of the country. In fact, areas such as Rajasthan, Saurashtra etc., are called "stone-belts".

These stones are made up of the concentrate of substances usually found in urine. These are uric acid, phosphates, calcium, and oxalic acid. The size of the stones may vary from sand/gravel to the size of a bird's egg. These stones are made up of either calcium oxalate or phosphate. The phosphate varieties generally occur due to infections. Most of the stones, i.e., around 90% are composed of calcium as a principle ingredient.

Causes

In a majority of cases, there is no obvious reason why a kidney stone has developed, but there are a few cases in which the cause is clear. For instance, in patients affected with chronic gout, high levels of uric acid are found in the blood, so that the acid crystallises in the kidneys to form stones.

A kidney infection may cause cells to be shed from the kidney lining forming a focus around which a stone may develop.

People who live in hot climates and do not drink enough fluid/water may also end up with stones, because their urine becomes highly concentrated.

Sings & Symptoms

Some kidney stones produce no symptoms at all but are discovered during a routine check-up. These are known as 'silent' stones. If, however, a kidney stone gets into the urinary tract, and blocks off the flow of urine or starts some infection, it can cause intense pain, which demands emergency treatment.

The pain is first felt in the side and there after, in the groin and thighs. There will be a frequent desire to pass urine and painful and burning urination occurs. Nauseating sensation or vomitings and fever with chills also occur in some.

Herbal Medicines

Silent stones need little or no treatment. Bigger stones are surgically removed.

However, small stones can be dissolved and passed out through urine by the administration of certain home remedies coupled with some Ayurvedic remedies.

1. Coconut water is a good home remedy for burning urination and scanty urine. Regular intake also flushes out small particles of dissolved stones through urination.
2. Barley water can also be used for this purpose.
3. Water melon: This contains good amount of water, and is also rich in potassium salts. It is a nutritive as well as a safe diuretic to be used in this condition.
4. Onion decoction: Make the decoction by adding water to some bulbs of onion. Sugar should be added to it and taken.
5. The decoction prepared with Kulathi Dal is very useful.
6. Soda water is also very useful if taken thrice daily after meals.

Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Gokshura Kada is a good Ayurvedic remedy. It is an oral liquid, promoting easy urination and relieves burning sensation. It should be taken 3 to 4 times a day in doses of 15ml with equal quantity of water.
2. Patherina tablet is the specific Ayurvedic remedy for stones. 1 tab twice a day along with a glass of water ensures good relief.
3. Cystone tab. (Himalaya Drugs) 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for 6 to 8 weeks.
4. Calcury tab. (Charak) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily for 6 to 8 weeks.
5. Ber Patthar Bhasma is the drug of choice.
6. Chander Prabha Vati is also very useful in burning micturition. 1 tab. twice daily.

Do's & Don'ts

Liquids/fluids should be taken in good quantity. Food which may irritate the urinary system and kidneys like alcohol, pickles, fish, chicken etc., should be avoided.

Other food items to be restricted are peas, soyabeans, beetroot, cauliflower, carrots, almonds and eggs.

Diet

1. Hot water bath and hot fomentation over the back give relief.
2. Yoga: Certain asanas, which stimulate kidneys can be practised. These are Pavana Mukta Asana, Uttana Padasana. These are to be done guidance of a Yoga expert initially.