How to Ease the Pain of Kidney Stones

If you suffer from kidney stones, you know all too well how painful it can be to pass the hard crystal formations from your body. While it is often unknown why kidney stones form, they can be a result of excess Vitamin D in the diet, metabolic disorders, or simple genetic. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can ease the pain while you pass the stones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Marshmallow root tea
• Aloe vera juice
• vibrating back massager
• Watermelon
• Muscle relaxers (only if necessary)

1. Drink marshmallow root tea three to four times a day to help soothe the inflammation of the urinary tract and reduce pain as your body is passing kidney stones. While marshmallow root is a great home treatment, you should avoid other herbal teas, as they contain tannins which can actually constrict the lining of the intestine and urinary tract temporarily, aggravating the problem.
2. Make sure that you drink at least 2 quarts of water each day to help your body move the stones through your urinary tract. In addition to water, you can drink up to 1 quart of aloe vera juice daily as the stones are passing to help reduce the size and in turn, ease the pain.
3. Place a vibrating back massager over your kidneys for 10 minutes five to six times a day to help loosen and break up stones. Always hold the massager gently against the skin, as heavy pressure on the kidneys can cause pain and aggravate the delicate urinary system.
4. Take a long, brisk walk to help ease the pain and pass the kidney stones more quickly. Walking stimulates the urinary tract and helps gravity to do it's job, moving the stones further and further down your body until they can be passed.
5. Eat as much watermelon as you can possible handle, as it offers a sweet source of water, helps to cleanse the urinary system and contains potassium salts which stimulate urination.
6. Speak to your doctor about soft tissue muscle relaxants if your home remedies are not working. While prescription medication should always be a last resort, taking muscle relaxers for a few days may be just what you need to ease the pain and continue with your daily routine.