The best homeopathic remedies for kidney stones include Berberis vulgaris, Atropa belladonna, or Smilax officinalis. Extracts containing a combination of these remedies are sometimes available too. Although there is anecdotal evidence to support homeopathic treatment, little or no scientific research has been done to validate the claims. Most homeopathic remedies are generally regarded as safe and are not known have side effects. They may be purchased at health food stores, markets, or online.
Kidney stones develop when salts in the urine crystallize and build up in the kidneys. The stones can be as small as a grain of sand, golf-ball size, or even larger. Some very small stones can pass through the urinary tract without any pain. A stone larger than 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) will most likely block urine flow or get lodged in the urinary tract. The result can be sudden and excruciating flank pain, blood in the urine, nausea, or vomiting. Homeopathic remedies for kidney stones may help dissolve the stone and allow it to pass painlessly out of the body; how long this will take differs from person to person.
Homeopaths may prescribe Berberis vulgaris, also known as barberry, to patients complaining of left-sided, radiating pain, and dark urine. Atropa belladonna, commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade, may be recommended for sudden, severe pain near the right kidney. The common dose for either remedy is three to six pellets taken three times a day at a 30C or 6x potency.
Smilax officinalis or sarsaparilla may be an effective remedy for kidney stones for those suffering almost unbearable pain. Their urine may be white with sandy or gritty particles. Homeopathic doctors may prescribe sarsaparilla to patients who, in addition to having the physical symptoms, are depressed about having stones at all. Four pellets of 6x to 30x potency taken several times a day is the usual dose. An extract is also available.
There are several combination remedies for kidney stones available. One extract contains barberry, calcium carbonate, cantharsis, lycopoedium, and belladonna, all at the 6C potency. Each of these is thought to help dissolve kidney stones in patients who present with somewhat different kidney stone symptoms.
Despite anecdotal evidence, there is little scientific research to validate these approaches. Many medical experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for kidney stones. Although there are no known side effects associated with most homeopathic medicine, those with a chronic health condition, or women who are pregnant or nursing, should consult with with a medical professional prior to beginning such treatment.