Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys when certain substances in urine become concentrated and crystallise. They can range from tiny particles to larger stones that may obstruct the urinary tract, cause severe pain and affect kidney function.

Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms and seeking timely medical care are important for the effective management and prevention of kidney stones.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can develop due to several dietary, lifestyle, genetic and medical factors. Common risk factors include:

·   Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can produce concentrated urine, increasing the likelihood of stone formation.

·   Dietary habits: Excessive salt intake, high consumption of animal protein and certain oxalate-rich foods may contribute to stone formation in susceptible individuals.

·   Urinary tract infections: Certain infections can increase the risk of infection-related stones.

·   Obesity and metabolic disorders: Some metabolic conditions may increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

·   Family history: Individuals with a family history of kidney stones may have a higher risk.

·   Certain medications and medical conditions: Some medicines and underlying health conditions can affect urine composition and increase stone risk.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Some small stones may cause no symptoms, while others can produce significant discomfort.

·   Severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen or groin

·   Pain that comes and goes in waves

·   Burning sensation or discomfort during urination

·   Blood in the urine (haematuria)

·   Frequent or urgent need to urinate

·   Nausea and vomiting

·   Fever and chills when an infection is present

When to seek urgent medical care. Severe or persistent pain, fever, chills, repeated vomiting or difficulty passing urine requires prompt medical evaluation. A kidney stone associated with urinary obstruction and infection can become a medical emergency.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis usually involves an assessment of symptoms, medical history, urine tests, blood tests and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans when clinically indicated.

Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, composition, symptoms and whether it is causing an obstruction or infection.

Some smaller stones may pass naturally with appropriate medical supervision. Larger stones or those causing complications may require medication, specialised procedures or urgent urological treatment.

Identifying the type of stone can also help guide preventive dietary and lifestyle changes.

Kidney Stones in Ayurveda: Understanding Ashmari

In Ayurveda, urinary stone disorders are traditionally discussed under Ashmari, in relation to disturbances of the Mutravaha Srotas (urinary channels).

Classical Ayurvedic explanations describe the involvement of the three doshas:

·   Kapha: Traditionally associated with the accumulation and consolidation of stone-forming material.

·   Pitta: Considered in relation to metabolic processes and associated disturbances.

·   Vata: Traditionally associated with pain and disturbances in urinary flow.

These descriptions reflect the classical Ayurvedic understanding of the condition and should not be interpreted as scientifically established mechanisms of kidney stone formation.

Ayurvedic Approach to Kidney Stone Management

Ayurvedic practice traditionally focuses on individualised assessment, dietary habits, lifestyle modification and selected therapeutic approaches.

An Ayurvedic physician may consider factors such as the patient’s Prakriti (constitution), symptoms, general health and associated medical conditions.

However, suspected kidney stones must first be evaluated appropriately to identify their size, location and any complications. Ayurvedic therapies should not replace necessary medical investigations, emergency treatment or urological procedures.

Classical Ayurvedic Formulations

Traditional formulations discussed in Ayurvedic practice for urinary complaints include:

·   Chandraprabha Vati

·   Gokshuradi Guggulu

·   Varunadi Kashayam

·   Punarnavadi preparations

·   Pashanabheda-based formulations

·   Yavakshara and other classical preparations

These are examples from traditional practice, not general treatment recommendations. Their suitability and safety require individual professional assessment. Reliable clinical evidence is insufficient to establish that these formulations consistently dissolve kidney stones or prevent their recurrence.

Panchakarma and Supportive Therapies

Ayurvedic practice may also consider selected procedures as part of an individualised care plan, including:

·   Snehana: Oleation therapy

·   Swedana: Sudation or therapeutic sweating

·   Virechana: Therapeutic purgation

·   Basti: Medicated enema therapy

These procedures belong to traditional Ayurvedic treatment approaches. They have not been established as effective methods for removing kidney stones or treating urinary obstruction and must not delay medically necessary care. Any procedure involving sweating or fluid loss also needs an individual hydration and safety assessment.

Traditional Ayurvedic Herbs Associated with Urinary Health

Several plants have traditionally been discussed in Ayurveda in connection with urinary health and Ashmari management. The following names are included for educational context only; none should be presented as a proven way to dissolve kidney stones.

Pashanabheda (Bergenia ligulata). Pashanabheda is traditionally associated with urinary stone disorders. Preliminary laboratory and experimental research has explored its properties, but reliable clinical evidence establishing its ability to dissolve kidney stones in humans is insufficient.

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Gokshura is used in traditional Ayurvedic practice for urinary complaints. Its potential effects on urinary function and stone formation require further well-designed human studies.

Varuna (Crataeva nurvala). Varuna is traditionally described in relation to urinary tract health. Research into its potential role in kidney stone management remains limited.

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). Punarnava has a history of traditional use for urinary complaints and fluid-related conditions. Its clinical effectiveness and safety for treating kidney stones have not been conclusively established.

Kulattha (Macrotyloma uniflorum / horse gram). Kulattha, commonly known as horse gram, is a food ingredient mentioned in traditional Ayurvedic dietary practices. Evidence is insufficient to conclude that consuming horse gram can dissolve existing kidney stones.

Shigru (Moringa oleifera). Shigru is valued in traditional medicine and has been investigated in experimental research. Its effectiveness in preventing or treating kidney stones in humans remains unproven.

Important: Herbal products should not be self-prescribed for kidney stones. Their suitability depends on kidney function, existing medical conditions, other medications and the quality of the preparation. Natural products are not automatically safe or effective.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent Kidney Stones

Healthy daily habits can reduce the risk of certain types of kidney stones.

1. Stay adequately hydrated. Drink sufficient water throughout the day, unless your healthcare professional has advised fluid restriction.

2. Reduce excess salt. Limit highly salted foods and frequently consumed processed foods.

3. Maintain a balanced diet. Include suitable portions of vegetables, fruits and other nutritious foods.

4. Consume adequate dietary calcium. Do not unnecessarily avoid calcium-rich foods, as insufficient dietary calcium can increase the risk of some stone types.

5. Moderate animal protein intake. Excessive consumption may increase stone risk in susceptible individuals.

6. Maintain a healthy body weight. Regular physical activity and healthy eating support overall metabolic health.

7. Avoid prolonged dehydration. Pay particular attention to fluid intake during hot weather and physical activity.

8. Follow individual dietary advice. Restrictions involving oxalate, calcium or other nutrients should depend on stone type and clinical assessment.

People who have experienced kidney stones may benefit from stone analysis, appropriate investigations and follow-up care to identify factors associated with recurrence.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are a common urinary tract condition that can cause significant pain and, in some cases, serious complications.

Timely diagnosis, appropriate medical treatment, adequate hydration and individualised dietary changes are essential components of management and prevention.

Ayurveda offers a traditional perspective that emphasises individual assessment and lifestyle practices. However, the effectiveness of specific Ayurvedic medicines, herbs and procedures for dissolving or preventing kidney stones remains uncertain.

A responsible approach combines appropriate medical evaluation, evidence-based preventive measures and professionally supervised supportive care when suitable.

Article submitted by: Dr. Adhil P. T., Resident Medical Officer, Dr. P. Alikutty’s Ayurveda and Modern Hospital, Kottakkal.

Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general health awareness and does not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.