A Traditional Way to Tackle Kidney Stones

CHENNAI: Calculi or stone is a solid/ crystal sedimentation formed in the urinary system. It is known as Urolithiasis which is formed from the dietary minerals and waste materials found in the urine. This is a result of accumulation of dissolved minerals on the inner surface of urinary system like kidneys etc. It may have different sizes. Some of them have enough size to obstruct urinary passage and can cause symptoms like pain.

Signs of Kidney Stones

• Intermittent pain that radiates from the flanks to the groins or to the genital area or inner thigh (known as renal colic). It is accompanied by urinary urgency, restlessness, hematuria, nausea and sweating. The site of the pain depends upon the site of the obstruction.
• There may be burning sensation or urgency while urinating.
• Bleeding in urinary tract.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Poor fluid intake and hot climate will lead to dehydration and further concentration of the urine and allowing the formation of calculi.
• Liquor will increase the cause of stone formation.
• Use of excess diuretics, calcium containing antacids, excess Vitamins D and A.
• High intake of dietary animal proteins, sodium, refined sugars, fructose, and high fructose corn syrup, grape fruit juice.
• Fluoridation of drinking water.
• The majority of the kidney stones are made up of calcium. So, the high level of calcium in the urine is also a risk factor.

In Siddha

The Siddha text Yugi Vaithiya Chintamani explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis for kalladaippu noi (urinary calculi). It is a mukkutra noi (kapha predominant). Four types of kalladaippu noi is described in the ancient text based on three thodam (three humours in body). Many herbal and mineral formulations were described in the text.

Home Remedy

•   Decoction of onion with sugar.
•   Drink coconut water, barley water.
•   Take orange juice daily.
•   Take plantain pith either in the form of juice or as a food.
•   Lemon juice mixed with honey or sugar.
•   Practice yoga along with medicines to relieve the symptoms of calculi.

 — Dr B Thamizhkkani

(Government Siddha Physician, Ariyalur)