Corn silk is believed to
help reduce stone formation and relieve symptoms of existing
stones.
In tincture form, 3 ml,
3x/day
Children, pregnant or
nursing women, and those with liver or kidney disease should avoid
corn silk.
Horsetail (Equisetum
ravense)
Reportedly first used for
kidney troubles by the ancient Romans, horsetail is believed to
have diuretic effects and soothe bladder and kidney
irritation.
Up to 6
grams/day
Make sure you know which
kind of horsetail to use; the species Equisetum palustre
contains toxic alkaloids and should be avoided.
Juniper (Juniperus
communis)
Juniper’s oils may
increase urinary volume, which can help detoxify the urinary tract
and break down stones.
1–2 grams,
3x/day
Excessive use may cause
kidney irritation; monitor dosage closely.
Uva-ursi
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Uva-ursi contains
antibacterial agents that act as a urinary tract antiseptic,
helping to remove stone-forming substances.
700–1,000 mg,
3x/day
Due to high tannin
content, uva-ursi may lead to cramping, nausea, and vomiting; do
not take for longer than seven to ten days.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is known to
help lower urinary oxalate, a main ingredient in some kidney
stones.
10–25 mg/day; 100
mg/day or more might be recommended under certain
conditions.
Taken at levels higher
than 200 mg/day, vitamin B6 may cause neurological side effects
such as numbness in the extremities and difficulty
walking.
Source: Ginger Nash, ND. Note: Consult with your health care provider before taking
any herbs or supplements.
