Safely Passing Kidney Stones at Home: Natural Remedies

Originally Authored by Dr. Mersad Alimoradi - December 05, 2022 

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sony Sherpa, (MBBS) - July 18, 2024

Fact Checked and Updated by Dr. Rae Osborn, Ph.D. - July 16, 2026

Introduction

More than 10% of people worldwide are affected by kidney stones at least once in their lives.

If you have ever had to pass a kidney stone, you know it can be a long and excruciating experience.

Several home remedies may help support pain management and hydration while waiting for a kidney stone to pass, although evidence is limited regarding their efficacy.

Read on to learn more about kidney stones and natural ways to deal with them.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are solid deposits made of crystals, minerals, and other organic materials. They usually form inside the kidneys, but these stones can develop anywhere along your urinary tract, including:

• Kidneys
• Renal pelvis
• Ureters
• Bladder
• Urethra

Typically, urine forms in the kidneys and passes outside the body through the ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Small kidney stones may sometimes pass without noticeable symptoms. However, many people experience some degree of pain or discomfort, particularly when the stone moves through the ureter.

Kidney stones can be painful if they are large, move around inside the kidney, or get stuck in one of the ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder).

This condition can become extremely painful in some cases, requiring medical attention. 

Kidney Stones Symptoms

You may not experience any signs or symptoms of a kidney stone until it passes through into one of your ureters.

Kidney stones may cause severe pain. If a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter, it can block the urine flow, causing the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm. At this point, you may experience sudden, severe pain known as renal colic.

Renal colic may feel like:

• Sharp pain on one side of your back or abdomen (below the ribs)
• Intense pain in the side and back that comes and goes in waves
• Severe pain that radiates down to the lower abdomen and groin area
• A burning sensation while urinating

As the kidney stone moves along the urinary tract, the pain can shift to a different location and change in intensity.

Other symptoms of kidney stones may include:

• Bloody urine (the urine appears pink, red, or brown)
• Cloudy urine that smells bad
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling the need to urinate often
• Urinating in small amounts
• Fever and chills, if there is an infection

People with painful kidney stones may feel restless, continuously shifting their posture.

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe pain that does not go away, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, fever, chills, and nausea or vomiting, as these can be the symptoms of kidney stones.

How to Pass Kidney Stones Naturally?

Kidney stones can only leave the body through the urinary tract via urine. That is why passing a kidney stone can be painful and uncomfortable.

Smaller stones can usually pass with minimal discomfort and pain. However, larger ones can cause severe pain and bleeding and require medical intervention.

Some natural and supportive home care measures may help manage symptoms and facilitate the passage of a kidney stone.

Infographic Added - February 20, 2023

Stay Hydrated

When it comes to passing a kidney stone, hydration is vital. Your body needs to flush out the kidney stones along with the urine. Drinking lots of fluids helps the stones move along the urinary tract and prevents new ones from forming.

To pass a kidney stone at home, drink a lot of the following fluids:

• Water: Drinking plenty of water can speed up the urine flow and help pass the kidney stones faster.
• Lemon/Lime/melon/orange juice: Lemons and limes are rich in citric acid. Citric acid increases urine volume, breaks up small kidney stones, and prevents new stones from forming. 
• Pomegranate juice: In addition to flushing out kidney stones from your system, some studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent kidney stones from forming.
• Celery juice: Scientists have found evidence that celery can help break down kidney stones, albeit in a rodent model.

Other beverages, including tea, coffee, beer, wine, and other fruit juices, can decrease the chances of developing a kidney stone.

However, it is advisable to limit drinking fluids containing cranberry, grapefruit, or tomato, as well as to avoid phosphoric acid-containing sodas (colas).

Tomato juice is rich in sodium. Sodium increases the amount of calcium you excrete into your urine, which increases the risk of kidney stone formation. Additionally, cranberry and grapefruit juices are known to raise urinary oxalate levels, oxalate being a component of kidney stones. For grapefruit juice, the rise in oxalate has not been shown to increase actual stone-forming risk, since it also raises citrate (a stone inhibitor), enough to balance it. But large epidemiological studies still link it to an increased risk of stone formation; therefore, limiting its intake is still recommended. However, although cranberry juice increases urinary oxalates, its urine-acidifying effects may help reduce the risk of struvite and brushite stones.

Consider Naturally Diuretic Foods

Diuretics help your body flush away fluids from the body via urine. That said, while diuretic foods can increase urination and support hydration, they are not proven to speed kidney stone passage and may worsen pain if a urinary blockage is present. Consult your doctor for advice on whether diuretics are advisable for your particular case.

Diuretic foods include:

• Asparagus
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Brussel sprouts
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Garlic
• Onions
• Parsley
• Watermelon

Some herbal teas, such as green tea, may also act as diuretics and help your body get rid of excess fluid and help reduce kidney stone formation.

Increase Your Calcium Intake

Eating calcium-rich foods such as cheese, milk, and yogurt can help you fight kidney stones at home.

There is a common misconception that a low calcium intake can decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.

On the contrary, studies show that incorporating enough calcium in your diet can actually reduce your risk of developing another kidney stone.

Eat Food Rich in Fish Oil

Fish oil contains an active ingredient called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that decreases the concentrations of calcium and oxalate (components of kidney stones) in the urine. Hence, it can prevent kidney stones from forming.

Moreover, fish oil also increases citrate levels in the urine, which helps prevent stones from forming. Cold-water fish (mackerel, tuna, sardines, and salmon), walnuts (flax seeds), and canola oil are all rich in EPA-containing Omega-3s. 

Cut Back on Food Rich in Animal Protein

Animal proteins increase urinary calcium and decrease urinary citrate, which can make the body form more kidney stones and also make it difficult to pass the ones you already have.

Moreover, some foods rich in animal protein, such as fish and organ meats, also have high levels of purines. These chemical compounds increase the formation of a specific type of kidney stone known as a uric acid stone.

Consuming less animal protein, such as meat, eggs, and certain kinds of fish like anchovies and shellfish, helps prevent future kidney stones.

Avoid High Doses of Vitamin C

Vitamin C gets converted to oxalate in the body, one of the components of calcium-oxalate kidney stones. Therefore, high doses of vitamin C, such as the ones found in supplements, can increase your risk of forming kidney stones.

Alternatively, vitamin C from food sources such as oranges and lemons does not increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

If you have kidney stones, avoid taking vitamin C supplements to reduce your chances of getting painful kidney stones in the future.

Limit Foods High in Oxalates

Spinach, beets, and nuts are high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones. Limiting these foods may help prevent stones from forming.

Vinegar

The acetic acid content of vinegar may reduce the chances of developing kidney stones, and apple cider vinegar may help by reducing the size of some crystals found in kidney stones.

Cut Back on Salt

High sodium intake can lead to more calcium in your urine. This excess calcium can then bind with other substances and form crystals that eventually become stones. Reducing salt intake can help prevent stones.

Increase Your Magnesium Intake

Magnesium lowers the risk of kidney stone development by decreasing the absorption of oxalate in the intestines by binding with it. Sources of magnesium-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Supplement With Supportive Nutrients

Certain supplements, like citrate, can inhibit the formation of kidney stones. Vitamin B6 and Omega-3 fatty acids show promise in potentially reducing the formation of kidney stones. Potassium citrate helps to alkalize the urine and dissolve uric acid stones.

Manage Weight, Avoid Sugary Drinks

Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding sugary drinks (which can dehydrate you) can reduce the risk of kidney stones. Dehydration can increase your risk of developing kidney stones.

Dandelion Root Juice, Kidney Bean Broth, Wheatgrass Juice

An animal study showed that dandelion root juice can help cleanse the kidneys and improve their function. Kidney bean broth is rich in magnesium and may help to break down and pass stones. Wheatgrass juice increases urine flow and may help pass stones.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones develop due to a decrease in urine volume or supersaturation of urine with crystal-forming elements. This imbalance can arise from various factors, such as dehydration, dietary choices, genetic predisposition, and underlying medical conditions. Here are the primary causes:

• Dehydration: This leads to less urine production, allowing minerals and salts to concentrate and crystallize in the kidneys.
• High-protein diet: This may increase calcium levels in your urine, which might contribute to kidney stones.
• High salt intake: Causes the kidneys to excrete more calcium, increasing the risk of kidney stones.
• Genetic conditions: Inherited metabolic disorders can predispose individuals to kidney stones. A family history of kidney stones is a significant risk factor.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, and recurrent urinary tract infections can alter the body's chemical balance, leading to higher levels of stone-forming substances like oxalate, calcium, and uric acid in the urine.
• Oxalate-rich foods: Consuming excessive amounts of foods like spinach, beets, and nuts can increase oxalate levels in the urine, which can combine with calcium to form stones.
• Low calcium diet: A low calcium diet can lead to kidney stone formation. Adequate calcium intake helps bind oxalate in your digestive system, preventing its absorption and reducing the risk of kidney stones.

Maintaining a balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and managing underlying health conditions are crucial for preventing kidney stones.

Kidney Stone Pain Management

Patients often ask how to stop kidney stone pain immediately. Although there is no magic trick to stop the pain instantly, here are some effective methods to manage and alleviate the pain associated with kidney stones:

• Over-the-Counter Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, but can cause damage to the kidneys if used too often. NSAIDs are the first choice, though, in dealing with spasms related to a kidney stone. Acetaminophen can also provide some pain relief and is a safer choice if a person has kidney disease. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider if the pain persists.

• Hot Compress

For fast relief, consider applying a warm compress to the sore area. Heat helps relax the muscles and alleviate spasms in the ureter, reducing pain and discomfort. A heating pad or warm towel applied to the lower back or abdomen can be very soothing during a kidney stone episode.

• Rest and Hydration

Resting and drinking enough fluids is essential and helps pass existing stones and can be a great way to prevent new ones from developing.

• Natural Remedies

Certain herbal teas, like dandelion root and chamomile, might help ease urinary tract discomfort and pain by relaxing the muscles. Skip caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you, potentially making the pain worse.

• Support System and Professional Guidance

Ensuring that you have a support system can help manage the pain effectively. Healthcare professionals can advise on the best way to proceed with passing the stone.

How to Pass Kidney Stones at Home

While no specific body position has been shown to speed up the passage of a kidney stone naturally, staying well hydrated and following your healthcare provider's guidance can help you manage the process. Ensuring that you are comfortable and not in severe pain is important while waiting for the stone to pass.

Walking and other light exercise may help move the stone along the urinary tract. Movement encourages the stone to travel through the ureter and into the bladder, where it can then be excreted through urine. While it may be uncomfortable, staying active and not remaining sedentary can be beneficial. However, it's important to avoid strenuous activities that can exacerbate the pain.

If a stone is stuck in the ureter, certain techniques may help dislodge it, depending on the stone size and location. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help, as increased fluid intake can promote urine flow and prevent recurrence. Some people find that jumping up and down or performing gentle exercises that jostle the body can help move the stone, although no clinical trials have shown exercise alone helps to pass the stone. While these methods may help, they may be inadvisable depending on your specific situation, so always consult a healthcare professional first before trying any natural method to avoid complications and rule out any risks.

How Long Does Passing a Kidney Stone Take?

The time taken to pass a kidney stone can vary greatly depending on the stone's size and location.

Based on Size

Tiny stones, usually under 5 millimeters, can often pass on their own within a few days. These smaller stones usually cause minimal discomfort and can be excreted through the urine without much difficulty. Adequate hydration and being active can help expedite the process.

Larger stones, however, can take much longer to pass. Stones between 5 and 10 millimeters may take weeks to months to pass naturally. They can cause intense pain and discomfort while passing through the urinary tract. In some cases, medical intervention may be required to assist in passing the stone. This can include medications to relax the ureter muscles or procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy to break the stone into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Based on Location

The location of the stone also impacts the time it takes to pass. Stones that are closer to the bladder may pass more quickly than those higher up in the kidney or ureter. If you experience severe pain or difficulty passing a stone, it's important to consult a doctor. require immediate medical attention to prevent complications and get the right treatment.

What Helps Pass Kidney Stones While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, it's important to use safe methods to manage and pass kidney stones to avoid harming the developing fetus. Here are some effective and safe strategies:

• Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to flush out the stones through the urine. Consume fluids such as lemon juice, which helps prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones, or apple cider vinegar, which can help dissolve struvite crystals.

• Use a Heating Pad

Apply heat to the lower back or abdomen to relax muscles and reduce discomfort. Avoid taking over-the-counter pain medications without consulting a healthcare provider, as some may not be safe during pregnancy.

• Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activities

Resting can help manage pain and prevent further complications. Avoid strenuous activities that might exacerbate pain or cause additional stress.

When to See a Doctor

It's crucial to know when to seek medical attention for kidney stones to prevent serious complications. Here are the key situations that warrant a visit to the doctor:

• Persistent severe pain: Severe pain that does not go away can indicate that the kidney stone is causing a blockage or other complications.
• Blood in urine: If you notice blood in your urine, seek medical attention promptly as it can be a sign of significant irritation or damage to the urinary tract caused by the stone.
• Difficulty urinating: Difficulty urinating or passing only small amounts of urine despite feeling the urge can indicate that the stone is obstructing urine flow. This obstruction can lead to severe complications such as infection or kidney damage if not addressed promptly.
• Other concerning symptoms: Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting can be symptoms of an infection or other serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Depending on their size and number, kidney stones may take weeks, even months, to pass.

Over-the-counter pain meds, such as Tylenol, Advil, and Naproxen, can reduce the pain and discomfort as the kidney stones pass through your urinary tract.

Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an alpha blocker to relax your ureter muscles and help the stones pass more quickly and with less pain.

Supportive home measures, such as hydration and dietary changes, may help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future stones, although evidence for natural remedies in actively speeding stone passage remains limited. 

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