Formation of stones in the kidney or the urinary tract is a frequent problem, affecting 5-10% of Americans in their lifetimes (Pak, 1993).  They develop when substances like calcium oxalate or phosphate, uric acid, magnesium phosphate etc.  are too concentrated in the urine.  Eventually they precipitate out, forming crystals that eventually become stones.  This can be very painful, as the stones move down the urinary tract or out of the kidney via the ureters, and is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Prevention of Stones

Treatment with varuna bark makes the urine less likely to form stones (Varalakshmi et al., 1990), because it reduces calcium excretion and increases magnesium and sodium excretion (Malini et al., 1995).  It can be used as a tincture, or made as a decoction.  Bruise and boil four ounces of the bark in 1.5 pints of water until it boils down to one pint.  Strain and cool.  Use two ounces two to three times per day (Nadkarni, 1954).

Beggar-lice (jin qian cao or Desmodium styracifolium) gets its name from the small, loose fruits, which cling to clothing.  Japanese researchers have discovered a compound in the plant that decreases the amount of calcium excreted in the urine and increases the amount of citrate excreted, substantially decreasing the likelihood of kidney stone formation (Duke, 1999).

Lemon juice is a very inexpensive form of citrate, and four ounces per day provide sufficient concentration to increase urinary citrate levels and lower urinary calcium excretion.

Also important if you have a tendency to form stones:

• Drink more water
• Cut back on caffeine
• Go easy on sugar
• Avoid phosphoric acid in sodas
• Avoid high oxalate foods like chard, rhubarb, beets, parsley, coffee, spinach, cocoa and black tea
• Take extra magnesium (200-400 mg) and vitamin B6 (100 mg) every day
• Increase fiber in the diet

Treatment of Stones with TCM

Treatment of existing kidney stones is only possible if the stones are small enough. For larger stones I refer the patient to a qualified urologist.  However, using TCM herbs in the case of larger stones can soften sharp edges and make passage les problematic.

A formula is made based on signs and symptoms with some of the major herbs being Lysimachia herb (jin qian cao / L. christinae) to soften the stones, Capillaris herb (yin chen hao / Artemisia capillaris) to remove heat and dampness , Akebia stem (mu tong / A.trifoliata - note: aristolochia species can be subsituted for this herb, and should not be used) to drain heat and stimulate urination, and Plantago seed (che qian zi / P. ovata) to help the kidney expel heat toxins.