Kidney stones are caused by a buildup of calcium and can inhibit the ability to urinate, and they are highly painful.  They could be caused by dehydration, infections, and disease. Stones take time to form, even though initially you will not even know they are there.  They form when your body is unable to clear urinary waste out totally.  This waste can form solid blockages which if left unchecked will cause kidney stones and severe pain.   Sometimes kidney stones appear in patients that aren’t considered at risk for them.  The good news is that there are herbs that relieve kidney stones.

If you’re experiencing pain in your groin, lower stomach or back accompanied by vomiting and dark orange or reddish urine,or if you experience pain while urinating, it is probable you have a kidney stone.  Once the kidney stone is formed it is really important to get rid of it as soon as possible, not just for pain relief but also because the stone can cause serious damage to your kidneys.

In order to help prevent the formation of the kidney stones to begin with one thing you are able to do is to make certain you drink plenty of water every single day.  Proper hydration will keep your kidneys flushed out which might help prevent the formation of stones.

There are some herbs that act as diuretics and help increase urine flow: dandelion, juniper berry, fennel, meadowsweet, cornsilk, horsetail, goldenrod, and sassafras.

If you have kidney stones already there are some herbal remedies that may be able to help relieve them:

1. Hydrangea
Helps to dissolve the stones and allow you to urinate more easily.  It could help relieve some of the pain in the stomach, back and groin associated with having kidney stones. 

A possible side effect may be loose stool or diarrhea, naturally everybody is different and your results could vary.

2. Catnip
Helps unblock the urine and allow it to flow more freely.
Could cause gas and/or cramping

3.  Cleavers

This is a good remedy for many types of bladder and kidney related health issues.  It can help relieve the problem of being unable to urinate due to blockage and can help the liver and remove stones in the bladder as well as the kidney.  This herb could be used in tea.  Just add three to four ounces of dried Cleavers to one quart of water.  Drink this tea daily to gain the maximum benefit. This will help prevent kidney stones or help dissolve existing stones.

The bad news is that kidney stones are painful and could make it difficult to urinate, not to mention the fact that kidney stones can cause serious damage to your kidneys.   The good news is that they can sometimes be prevented naturally by using various herbs. If you already have them  there are herbs that can relieve kidney stones.  Find out all you can to  take care of yourself and continue to educate yourself on all your health needs.