If you’ve ever passed a kidney stone you know how painful it can be. People who have had one stone are more likely to have them again and again and that is not something to look forward to. Kidney stones can be present in the kidneys without any symptoms. When they start to move is when you feel it. If they pass through the ureters they can get stuck there and reduce the flow or completely block the flow of urine. This can lead to inflammation, blood in the urine, sharp pains in the back or spasms in the ureters. 

Luckily there are herbs that dissolve such things as stones, bone spurs, calcium deposits and calculi in the kidneys, bladder, joints, gall bladder and arteries. 

Gravel Root Eupatorium purpureum: This is one of the great diuretics and a solvent of stones throughout the body. Stones can occur throughout the body’s glandular system - in the pituitary, the pineal, the spleen, or many other parts of the body. Gravel Root effectively dissolves these stones and allows them to be passed out of the body. 

Hydrangea Root Hydrangea arborescens: Dr. Christopher called hydrangea root the solvent of solvents. He said it would get rid of stones throughout the body like no other herb can. His recipe for kidney stones was to soak 2 ounces of powdered hydrangea root in a quart of apple juice for 3 days. Keep this in the fridge for the 3 days.  Strain it and bring to a simmer and heat for one minute. Cool and keep in a cool place. Take 2 ounces every half hour or every hour until the quart is finished. By the time you finish the quart, he said, you will see the stones coming out. 

Uva Ursi Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi: This is a solvent and has a soothing as well as an astringent effect on the urinary tract. Uva-Ursi helps with gravel or ulceration of the kidneys or bladder. This herb is also used for bedwetting of children by regulating the urinary system.

Marshmallow Root Althaea officinalis: This herb is specific for any urinary tract issues. It will relieve the attack of kidney stones and gravel and aid in their smooth expulsion. It gives prompt relief in gravel and inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. 

These herbs can be used individually or in combination. Mix two ounces of an individual herb or combination of all or some of them in a quart of distilled water. Let sit an hour and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool and strain the liquid. Drink 2 ounces of the decoction every half hour or hour. These can also be made into a tincture to have on hand when needed. Mix 2 ounces of combined  herbs and cover with 8 ounces of vodka or more so the herbs are well covered. Let sit for 2 weeks and strain. Fill a dropper bottle with the tincture and use a dropper full every half hour to hour. We also recommend drinking lemon water throughout the day and make sure to drink plenty of distilled water when dissolving stones. 

Jo Francks is a Master Herbalist working at the School of Natural Healing