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Home Remedies to Help Dissolve Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small deposits of minerals and waste products that accumulate when the urine is very concentrated, such as when a person doesn't drink enough water. Made up mostly of calcium, stones are created when wastes normally diluted and flushed from the body in the form of urine crystallize and stick together in the kidneys, the body's waste filters. Home remedies to help dissolve kidney stones offer relief from excruciating pain.

  1. Hydrate

    • The most common home method of helping to dissolve and pass a kidney stone is to drink plenty of water. A daily recommended amount for dissolving or passing a stone is approximately 2 to 3 quarts a day. Staying active will also help dissolve the stone and may help take your mind off the discomfort of the stone. For stones that don't pass in a day or two, seek medical advice, especially if the stone causes any blood in the urine or if you are prone to chronic urinary tract infections.

    Foods and Herbs

    • Home remedies to treat various medical conditions have been passed down from one generation to another for hundreds of years. A common herbal remedy for dissolving or helping to pass a kidney stone is to drink 1 tsp. basil juice and 1 tsp. honey diluted in a half-glass of water on a daily basis until the stone has passed. This is also used as a preventive remedy. Another home remedy is to drink a one to three glasses of natural, unsweetened apple juice. A supplement of vitamin B6 may also help. Take 100 to 150 mg of vitamin B6 (with other B vitamins) every day to help dissolve the kidney stone and also as a preventive measure.

    Exercise

    • Exercise has long been known to help reduce the chances of developing a kidney stone, as it helps move calcium from the bloodstream into the bones, where it's needed. Strong bones mean reduced chances of calcium stone formation caused by excess calcium in the blood. Walking is good, but so are other forms of exercise, including bicycling, swimming and other sports. Try to walk at least every day.

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