What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard lumps made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Some are as small as a grain of sand and pass on their own. Others grow bigger and cause strong pain when they move or block the flow of urine.

In Ayurveda, kidney stones are called Ashmari. The focus is not only on the stone. It is also on why the stone formed and how to stop new ones from forming.

Why Do Kidney Stones Form?

Ayurveda says stones can form when the doshas are out of balance, especially when extra heat (Pitta) dries up body fluids. In everyday terms, common causes include:

• Not drinking enough water
• Too much salt and animal protein
• Foods high in oxalate
• Family history of stones
• Being overweight or having a metabolic problem
• Some medicines

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

• Sharp pain in the lower back or sides
• Pain that moves toward the groin or lower belly
• Burning while passing urine
• Feeling the need to pass urine again and again
• Pink or red urine
• Nausea and vomiting in severe cases

Some stones stay quiet and show no signs until they start to move.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Doctors usually check for stones with urine tests, blood tests, an ultrasound, a CT scan or an X-ray. These tests show the size and position of the stone, which helps decide the right care. Bring your latest reports to your consultation.

What Can Happen If Stones Are Ignored?

Untreated stones can cause repeated urinary tract infections, pressure and damage in the kidney because of a blockage, and heavy dehydration from vomiting. Over time, this can lead to chronic kidney disease. A stone that blocks the urine can also cause acute kidney injury.

Our Ayurvedic Approach to Kidney Stones

Our doctors first listen to your history and look at your reports. Then they plan care that fits your body and your habits. Your plan may include:

• Herbs for the urinary tract: herbs such as Pashanbheda, Gokshura, Punarnava and Varun, traditionally used to support urine flow and urinary health.
• Cooling, light food: cucumber, melon, gourds, leafy greens and coconut water, with less salt, spice and oil.
• Balanced protein: less red meat and seafood, which can raise uric acid.
• Healthy daily habits: enough water, light walking, gentle yoga and good sleep.
• Prevention: a plan to help lower the chance of stones coming back.

Ayurvedic care is best for supporting comfort and prevention. Large stones or stones that block the urine may need a doctor's procedure.

Simple Tips to Help Prevent Kidney Stones

• Drink enough water through the day. Warm water is a good choice. Ask your doctor how much is right for you.
• Eat less salt and cut down on very spicy and oily food.
• If you often get stones, ask your doctor which high-oxalate foods to limit.
• Eat cooling foods such as cucumber, melon and gourds.
• Limit red meat and seafood.
• Stay active with light walking, stretching or yoga.
• Manage stress with deep breathing or meditation.

When Should You See a Doctor Right Away?

Get medical help quickly if you have very strong pain, fever with chills, vomiting that does not stop, blood in the urine, or very little or no urine. These can be signs of a blockage or infection, and they should not be delayed.

Talk to Karma Ayurveda About Kidney Stones

We offer online consultations for patients across the USA. Share your reports and tell us about your pain and your routine, and our team will guide you with a personal plan. If cysts are part of your kidney problem, you can also read about polycystic kidney disease. Or contact us to book a consultation.

Ayurvedic care supports, and does not replace, regular medical treatment. Please talk to your doctor before you start any herbal medicine.