Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
Discover natural home remedies for kidney stones, including lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and herbal teas. Learn how to ease symptoms, prevent new stones, and support kidney health through simple lifestyle changes.
Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 11th Aug, 2025
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when they move through your urinary tract. While medical treatment is sometimes necessary, certain home remedies can help ease symptoms, prevent new stones from forming, and even aid in passing small stones naturally.
In this article, we’ll explore simple and effective home remedies for kidney stones, along with lifestyle tips to keep your kidneys healthy.
Understanding Kidney Stones
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when certain minerals (like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid) accumulate in your urine and crystallise. These stones can vary in size; some are as small as a grain of sand, while others can grow as large as a pea or even bigger.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
- Painful urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in the urine
Causes & Risk Factors
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water increases stone risk.
- Diet: High intake of salt, sugar, or oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate).
- Medical conditions: Gout, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or digestive diseases.
- Family history: A genetic tendency for stone formation.
Effective Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is the best way to prevent and flush out kidney stones. Water dilutes urine, preventing minerals from forming crystals.
How to do it:
- Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily.
- Check urine colour, it should be pale yellow (dark urine means you need more water).
2. Lemon Juice & Olive Oil
Lemon juice contains citrate, which helps break down calcium-based stones. Olive oil acts as a lubricant, easing stone passage.
How to do it:
- Mix 2 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp olive oil in a glass of water.
- Drink this 2–3 times a day until the stone passes.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV contains acetic acid, which may help dissolve kidney stones and reduce pain.
How to do it:
- Mix 2 tbsp ACV in a glass of water.
- Drink twice daily (avoid if you have stomach ulcers).
4. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate has antioxidants that help flush out toxins and prevent stone formation.
How to do it:
- Drink 1 glass of fresh pomegranate juice daily.
Consult Top Specialists
5. Celery or Parsley Juice
These herbs act as natural diuretics, helping flush out kidney stones.
How to do it:
- Blend celery or parsley with water and drink once daily.
6. Basil (Tulsi) Tea
Basil has acetic acid and essential oils that may help dissolve stones.
How to do it:
- Boil 5–6 basil leaves in water, strain, and drink twice daily.
7. Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion helps cleanse the kidneys and increases urine production.
How to do it:
- Steep dandelion root tea in hot water and drink 1–2 cups daily.
8. Coconut Water
Coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps break down kidney stones.
How to do it:
- Drink 1–2 glasses of fresh coconut water daily.
Diet & Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Kidney Stones
Foods to Eat
- Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges): Increase citrate levels.
- Magnesium-rich foods (bananas, avocados): Prevent stone formation.
- High-water foods (cucumber, watermelon): Keep you hydrated.
Foods to Avoid
- High-sodium foods (processed snacks, canned soups): Increase calcium in urine.
- Oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate): Can form calcium oxalate stones.
- Sugary drinks & alcohol: Dehydrate the body.
Other Helpful Tips
- Exercise regularly: Helps prevent stone formation.
- Limit animal protein: Reduces uric acid stones.
- Get enough calcium (from food, not supplements): Binds oxalates in the gut.
When to See a Doctor?
While home remedies can help with small stones, seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve.
- Fever or chills (sign of infection).
- Blood in urine that persists.
- Difficulty urinating.
- If you suspect kidney stones, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Need expert advice?
Book a consultation with Apollo24|7’s urologists or schedule a kidney function test for a thorough check-up.
Conclusion
Kidney stones can be painful, but with the right home remedies and lifestyle changes, you can manage symptoms and prevent recurrence. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and try natural remedies to support kidney health.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr Anupam Bahl
Nephrologist
15 Years • MBBS DNB(General Medicine) DNB(Nephrology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr Vinay Kumar A V
Nephrologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
Dr. Manju Kamal
Nephrologist
12 Years • MBBS,MD(General Medicine), DNB,DM(Nephrology)
Angamaly
Apollo Hospitals Karukutty, Angamaly
Dr. Vamsee Priya Marina
Nephrologist
13 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), MD (Nephrology), Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine
Hyderguda
Apollo Hospitals Hyderguda, Hyderguda
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Chaitanya Subhash Kulkarni
Nephrologist
8 Years • MD,DNB
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
Consult Top Specialists
Dr Anupam Bahl
Nephrologist
15 Years • MBBS DNB(General Medicine) DNB(Nephrology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr Vinay Kumar A V
Nephrologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
Dr. Manju Kamal
Nephrologist
12 Years • MBBS,MD(General Medicine), DNB,DM(Nephrology)
Angamaly
Apollo Hospitals Karukutty, Angamaly
Dr. Vamsee Priya Marina
Nephrologist
13 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), MD (Nephrology), Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine
Hyderguda
Apollo Hospitals Hyderguda, Hyderguda
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Chaitanya Subhash Kulkarni
Nephrologist
8 Years • MD,DNB
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
