What
is kidney Stone ?
Urinary
tract stones can be caused by any of the humors. The main factors
are Kapha (phlegm), which accumulates in the urinary tract, and Vata
(wind), which dries it out, creating the stone. They are related primarily
to wrong diet, but other factors can come into play as well.
Strong
diuretics and stone-dissolving (lithotriptic) herbs are specifically
indicated in acute conditions. These include pashana bheda and shilajit.
They can be taken as teas along with demulcents such as licorice to
deal with burning or pain. Large amounts of water, sweet or astringent
(not sour) fruit juices and herb teas should be taken to help flush
out the stones.
Purgation
is helpful, particularly when the pain is acute. Castor oil or rhubaib
root can be used. Constipating food like most beans and cabbage family
plants should be avoided. Guggul, myrrh and gotu kola are helpful
for pain relief.
What
is the differentiation ?
Kapha
(water) stones are mainly composed of calcium. They are soft, smooth
and white, and are passed without severe pain. Usually urine will
be pale or white and in large quantity.
Pitta
(fire) stones are yellow or red in color and composed mainly of oxalates.
They are sharp and painful. There will be dark yellow, red or burning
urine, often mixed with blood or pus.
Vata
(air) stones are brown or black in color and composed mainly of phosphates.
They are rough, dry, and irregular and cause severe pain throughout
the lower abdomen and thighs. Urination will be difficult, scanty
and irregular and may be associated with extreme pain.
Specific
Treatment
Pitta
types should avoid the nightshades, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and
potatoes, along with spinach, onions and other foods that increase
oxalic acid.
In
addition, strong cooling diuretics should be used such as tribulis
or pashanabheda.
Vata
should avoid food that is too light or dry, including dry grains like
corn. Tonic and demulcent diuretics-sarsaparilla, sandalwood is good
as well as the milder diuretics and tribulis.
Kapha
should avoid dairy, cheese, fats and oils. Strong bitter and pungent
diuretics can be use.
