Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and exit the body through the urinary tract. Home remedies are unlikely to cause a stone to pass more quickly or less painfully, but they can help prevent stones from developing.

Most kidney stones are treatable with pain medications, fluid therapy, or other medical intervention. There are also steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing kidney stones.

Not all of these remedies require a prescription or even medication. However, if kidney stones become too painful, it is best to seek medical attention.

Home remedies
Before trying any home remedies for kidney stones, it is essential to consult with a doctor, especially when someone has an underlying medical condition or takes medications regularly.

Although many of these remedies may help relieve the symptoms or reduce the risk of future recurrences, kidney stones can cause intense pain. Therefore, it might be best to use home remedies alongside more traditional treatments.

Some people may even need surgery to extract or break up the stones and intravenous pain medication.

The sections below discuss some home remedies for easing the symptoms of kidney stones.

Drink water

Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to treat and prevent kidney stones, as dehydration is one of the leading causes.

Most health authorities recommend drinking 6–8 glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration.

Drink lemon juice

Lemons contain citrate, which helps break down calcium deposits and slow the growth of kidney stones.

A 2019 cross-sectional study found that sugar-free lemon juice was an effective remedy for kidney stones. In addition, lemon juice contains citrate, which reduces the amount of calcium in the urine leading to a lower risk of kidney stones.

It is essential to read labels carefully when purchasing juice products. For example, many lemon juice products contain small amounts of pure lemon extract and high amounts of sweeteners, increasing the risk of kidney stones.

Buying pure extract or purchasing fresh lemons and squeezing them at home are the easiest ways to get undiluted lemon juice. Good alternatives include watermelon and orange juice, which contain high levels of citric acid.

Consume apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar also has citric acid content that may help dissolve calcium deposits.

A 2019 study of over 9,000 people found that those who consumed dietary vinegar had a significantly lower risk of kidney stones.

However, more research will be necessary to confirm the benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for kidney stones.

Manage weight

A 2019 study showed that out of 146 people with recurring kidney stones, 43.8% had obesity or overweight.

Although this does not suggest causality, the research indicates there may be a link between weight and kidney stones. In addition, the study authors believe that metabolic conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure may contribute to kidney stone formation.

Managing body weight and adopting a nutritious, balanced diet are essential steps for preventing and treating kidney stones.

Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks

Carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks can increase a person’s risk of developing kidney stones.

Research from 2020 suggests that drinking caffeine can increase the risk of stones. In addition, drinks and sodas that contain natural or artificial sugars can also lead to kidney stones.

Also, foods high in sugar, salt, and fat increase the risk of kidney deposits and intensify the symptoms.

Try wheatgrass juice

Wheatgrass is the younger grass of wheat used in juices or powders for humans and animals to eat. It contains nutrients and antioxidants that benefit health.

According to a 2017 study, wheatgrass extract inhibited crystal growth by 88% during the initial formation.

Their research results indicate that drinking wheatgrass juice can help prevent kidney stones.