Presented by: Conner Brown MD
Hadassah Medical Center

Introduction

Nephrolithiasis is a common medical condition worldwide. While medical and/or surgical interventions are often necessary, some people turn to home remedies to alleviate symptoms and promote the passage of stones. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various home remedies for the treatment of nephrolithiasis.

Materials

A PubMed database and Google Scholar search was performed for articles published between 2010 to 2022, using the following terms: "kidney stones," “nephrolithiasis,” "home remedies," "alternative treatments," and "herbal remedies." Studies reporting the effectiveness of home remedies for the treatment of kidney stones were included in this review.

Results

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The literature search resulted in 12 articles reporting the effectiveness of home remedies for kidney stones. Various remedies were studied, including herbal preparations, dietary modifications, and alternative treatments like acupuncture. The most commonly studied remedies included lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and herbal teas. Some studies reported positive results with the use of these remedies in aiding the passage of kidney stones and reducing pain, while others showed no significant effects. Some remedies, such as consuming large amounts of cranberry juice, may have adverse effects on the urinary system and overall health.

Conclusion

While some home remedies may provide symptomatic pain relief or aid in the passage of renal stones, evidence to support their effectiveness is limited. Also, some remedies may even have adverse health effects so caution should be exercised while using them. Patients suffering from nephrolithiasis should seek medical advice from a Urologist who can develop a safe and effective treatment plan.

Funding

None

Co-Authors

Mordechai Duvdevani, MD
Hadassah Medical Center