Kidney stones (also called renal calculus, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salt that form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystalize and stick together.
Renal stones/kidney stones are one of the most common urinary disorders and the major reason for abdominal pain at present time. Ayurveda describes renal stones as asmari.
CAUSES
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Diet with high levels of protein, salt, or glucose
- Hyper parathyroid condition
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Inflammatory bowel disease that increases calcium absorption
SYMPTOMS
- Blood in the urine – urine colour may red, pink, or brown.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Discolored or foul-smelling urine
- Chills, Fever
- Frequently need to urinate
- Urinating a small amount of urine
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT
Ayurvedic treatment of renal/kidney stone include a range of therapies that includes
- Plant-based medicine
- Panchakarma
- Diet and lifestyle changes
Plant-based medicine
A number of diuretic herbs help to break the stones. So they are easily expelled in urine. These medicines can consume as paanajala(medicated drinking water), Kashaya, tablets, and ghee.
Panchakarma
A series of panchakarma procedures are mentioned in asmaricikitsa by ayurvedic scholars. We need a personalized package of panchakarma therapies such as
- Massages
- Steam therapy
- Purgation
- Enema for bladder and bowel
Diet and lifestyle
- Drink plenty of fluids – which helps to produce less concentrated urine and ensure a good urine volume
- Reduce the intake of food with high oxalate content- spinach, berries, chocolates, wheat bran, nuts, beef, tea, and cool drinks should avoid from the diet.
- Eat enough dietary calcium- include dairy products in your daily diet which helps to lower the risk of calcium stone formation
- Eat a moderate amount of protein- High protein intake will cause the kidney to excrete more calcium which may lead to the formation of stones in the kidney.
- Avoid high salt intake- High sodium intake increases calcium in the urine which increases the chances of developing stones.
- Avoiding high vitamin c may produce more oxalate in the body.