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Possible Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Emily Cronkleton — Updated on December 20, 2024

Water
Lemon juice
Basil juice
Apple cider vinegar
Celery juice
Pomegranate juice
Kidney bean broth
Dandelion
Wheatgrass juice
Horsetail
Get help
FAQ
Takeaway

Staying hydrated can help pass kidney stones faster. Certain substances, including apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, may help prevent kidney stones, but they are not confirmed to be effective in dissolving them or helping them to pass.

Drinking plenty of fluids can help pass kidney stones and prevent new stones from forming. The extra liquid flush can help out toxins, moving stones and grit through your urinary tract.

Adding certain ingredients to your water might have additional benefits.

Using home remedies safely

If you have kidney stones, it’s best to talk with a doctor before trying any home remedies listed below. Some kidney stones may require medical treatment. Additionally, some herbal remedies may interact with certain medications or supplements. A doctor can determine whether these strategies are right for your type of kidney stone or if they could lead to additional unwanted effects.

If you have any chronic conditions, such as kidney or heart disease, talk with a doctor before using herbal remedies, as some can cause dangerous side effects.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using any remedies and speak with a doctor. They can determine which treatment is safest for you and your baby.

Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after drinking any flavored remedy. This can help move the ingredients through your system.

1. Water

When passing a kidney stone, upping your water intake can help speed up the process.

Research suggests you should drink enough water to have about 2 liters of urine output daily to prevent kidney stones. Dehydration is one of the main risk factors for kidney stones, and the last thing you want is for more to form.

You can also pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be a very light, pale yellow. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.

2. Lemon juice

You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. Lemons contain citrate, a chemical that prevents calcium stones from forming. Pharmacological doses of citrate can also break up small stones, allowing them to pass more easily.

A great deal of lemon juice would probably be needed to make a huge effect, but some may have a small impact.

A 2020 study found that potassium citrate supplements helped reduce risk factors associated with kidney stones in people who had previously had kidney stones. However, once again these were pharmacologic rather than dietary levels of potassium citrate intake.

Lemon has numerous other health benefits. For example, it helps inhibit bacteria growth and provides vitamin C.

3. Basil juice

Basil is full of nutrients. People have traditionally used basil juice for digestive and inflammatory disorders.

Basil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 study in rats determined it may help support kidney function.

But more research on this remedy in humans is needed.

To try it, use fresh or dried basil leaves to make tea and drink several cups daily. You may also juice fresh basil in a juicer or add it to a smoothie.

It’s not known whether basil juice is safe to consume in large quantities or over more extended periods. Without more research, the long-term effects remain unclear.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid is known to help prevent kidney stones, though there is a lack of evidence showing that it can reduce them once formed.

In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar may help ease pain caused by the stones.

Vinegar consumption may help reduce the formation of kidney stones, according to a review of studies. A clinical trial in humans is underway to compare the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar and a few other beverages in preventing kidney stone formation.

To try this remedy, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 6 to 8 ounces of drinking water.

Avoid consuming more than one 8-ounce glass of this mixture per day. You can also sprinkle apple cider vinegar onto salads or add it to your favorite salad dressing.

If ingested in larger amounts, apple cider vinegar can cause issues such as:

damage to tooth enamel
acid reflux
sore throat

If you have diabetes and want to try this mixture, consider talking with a doctor and monitoring your blood sugar levels carefully throughout the day.

This mixture may interact with certain medications, including insulin or diuretics such as spironolactone (Aldactone).

5. Celery juice

Celery is used in some traditional medicines as a kidney stone remedy.

One study found that, on average, female participants with kidney stones ate less celery than female participants without kidney stones. Keep in mind that this is only an association and does not prove that their lack of stones was a direct result of eating celery.

And a 2019 study in rats found that celery extract helped break down kidney stones. However, the results may not be the same in people. At this time, there are no human studies to confirm this effect.

Blend one or more celery stalks with water, and drink the juice.

Like other plant extracts, celery can interact with other medications or treatments, which may cause unwanted effects. It’s always best to check with a doctor before trying new remedies.

6. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants, which may help keep the kidneys healthy. Some people believe it may help prevent kidney stones.

However, the National Kidney Foundation notes that it does not affect kidney stone prevention.

If you’d like to try it, it’s not clear how much pomegranate juice you can safely drink throughout the day, but a serving or two each day is likely reasonable for most people.

The American Stroke Association notes that some medications to lower cholesterol may interact with pomegranate juice. If you’re taking any medications, talk with a doctor before use.

7. Kidney bean broth

The broth from cooked kidney beans is a traditional dish often consumed in India. Some people claim it can improve urinary and kidney health, but there’s little evidence to say whether this remedy is effective. To try it, simply strain the liquid from cooked beans and drink it several times daily.

Depending on your type of kidney stone, a doctor may recommend swapping some animal protein in your diet for plant-based protein, of which beans can be a good source.

Other natural remedies

The following home remedies may contain ingredients that may not already be in your kitchen. You may be able to buy them at your local health food store or online.

8. Dandelion

Parts of the dandelion plant may help eliminate waste, increase urine output, and improve digestion.

One study showed that dandelion is effective in preventing kidney stones. But these results are from lab samples, and researchers can’t say yet whether dandelion works the same way when consumed by people. Human studies are still needed to determine if it’s safe and effective.

If you’d like to try it, you can make dandelion juice from the plant’s leaves or buy the roots as a tea or extract.

While small amounts of dandelion are likely safe for most people, it’s unknown whether consuming large quantities is safe. Some people can be allergic to dandelion, especially those with an allergy to:

ragweed
marigolds
chrysanthemums
daisies

High doses may be unsafe for people with certain health conditions, such as:

heart conditions
high or low blood pressure
liver or kidney conditions
diabetes
swelling

Talk with a doctor before taking dandelion root extract or other herbal remedies, as they may interact with some medications. If you’re taking diuretics, dandelion is typically not recommended.

9. Wheatgrass juice

Wheatgrass contains many nutrients and has long been used to enhance health. Wheatgrass is believed to increase urine flow to help pass the stones, but this has not been confirmed by rigorous studies.

Wheatgrass also contains vital nutrients that help cleanse the kidneys. A 2017 study found that wheatgrass extract inhibited urinary crystallization by 88%. However, like many of these home remedies, it has not been seen to break down kidney stones that are already formed.

Start with the smallest amount possible and gradually work up to the recommended serving to prevent side effects.

If fresh wheatgrass juice isn’t available, you can try powdered wheatgrass supplements as directed.

Taking wheatgrass on an empty stomach can reduce your risk of nausea. In some cases, it may cause appetite loss and constipation.

10. Horsetail

Horsetail is used as a diuretic to increase urine flow. A 2021 review of research notes that it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that could aid in overall urinary health. It may also reduce inflammation and calcium oxalate crystals, which may help prevent kidney stones.

The National Kidney Foundation notes that horsetail and certain other herbs may be unsafe to use if you have kidney disease.

You can have digestive side effects when using horsetail; some people may have allergies to it.

Horsetail isn’t recommended for children or people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

When to get help

You may need urgent medical attention if you experience severe symptoms that include:

severe pain
blood in your urine
fever
chills
nausea
vomiting

A doctor will determine whether you need medication or other therapy to help you pass the stone. Sometimes, a kidney stone can become trapped and cause an infection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to dissolve a kidney stone?

Small kidney stones can be passed naturally with plenty of fluids, and certain natural remedies may help dissolve them. Treatment is needed for larger stones causing severe pain or complications.

An endoscope can be used to eliminate or extract them depending on their size and location.

How to ease kidney stone pain?

Drinking enough water can help your kidney stones pass with less pain, but there is usually some pain or discomfort until they pass. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help you manage it.

What drinks help with kidney stones?

Other than water, you can try things like wheatgrass juice, kidney bean broth, celery juice, or lemon juice.

The bottom line

Apart from drinking large quantities of water, the home remedies listed in this article can be very helpful for preventing kidney stones from forming, but they are less effective when it comes to dissolving or clearing out stones that are already formed.

Although it may be uncomfortable, passing a small kidney stone on your own is possible.

You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to lessen any pain you may be experiencing. These include:

acetaminophen (Tylenol)
ibuprofen (Advil)
naproxen (Aleve)

Be sure to follow a doctor’s instructions until the stone passes, and don’t drink alcohol.

Once you pass a kidney stone, you may want to save it to take to a doctor for testing. To save the stone, you need to strain your urine.

You can do this by using a urine screen, which you can get from the doctor’s office. A doctor can determine what kind of stone it is and develop a targeted prevention plan.

Talk with a doctor about lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent more stones from forming. Always check in with a doctor before trying home remedies, herbs, or supplements.

Herbs and supplements aren’t regulated for quality and purity by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so research your choices and sources for purchase.

A recent analysis of 27 different supplements for kidney health found that two-thirds of them included ingredients that have no research to support their use.

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How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Emily Cronkleton — Updated on December 20, 2024

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