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Ayurveda: The Alternative Medicine

The Alternative medicine has come to the rescue of people when they get disappointed by the largely accepted allopathic treatment strategies. One such alternative medicine system is Ayurveda that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Approximately 80% people in India have used Ayurvedic medication at least once in their life.

The treatment comprises of:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Specialized Diets
• Laxatives
• Enemas
• Herbal Medicines &
• Oils

The above components can be used individually or as various combinations.

The basic knowledge of this system comes from compendium by the sage Sushruta known as Sushruta Samhita. It is said that, the God of Ayurveda, Dhanvantri taught medicine to a group of sages including Sushruta who wrote it down.

Risk Factors Associated with Kidney Stone Formation in Ayurveda

• In terms of Ayurveda, kidney stones are known by the name Mutrashmari comprising three words- mutra, ashma, and ari, which mean urine, stone, and enemy respectively.
• It is also called vrukka ashmari comprising of words vrukka and ashmari, which mean kidney and calculi respectively.
• Ayurvedic text suggests that kidney stones form due to:
• Unhealthy Diet and Lifestyle
• Metabolic Instability
• Hormonal Influences
• Non-Adoption of Panchakarma
• Geographical Conditions &
• Infections of the Urinary Tract

These factors lead to either supersaturation of urine, or absence of material that can prevent crystal formation in the urine.

• Obesity, family history, digestive diseases, infections, and dehydration can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Types of Kidney Stones & their Ayurvedic Management/Treatment Approaches

Kidney Stone Types & their Recommended Ayurvedic Treatment

• In Ayurveda, calcium oxalate stones are called Vatika Ashmari, uric acid stones are called Paitika Ashmari, and calcium phosphate stones are called Shlaishmika Ashmari.
• Ayurveda describes various approaches for the management of the disease, including surgical intervention.
• Initially, it is recommended to use medications that can help in disintegrating the stones and minimizing the pain and have properties such as:
• Breaking/Cutting (Chedana)
• Splitting (Bhedana)
• Scarification (Lekhana) &
• Diuretic (Mutrala)
• • Three types of drugs are used for treatment, namely:
• Diuretics (Mutravirechaniya)
• Lithotriptics (Ashmarighna Dravya) &
• Alkali Therapy (Kshara Karma)

Nature of Herbs Used to Treat Kidney Stones

Herbs Used to Treat Kidney Stones: Types & Nature

• Herbs such as:
• Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)
• Varuna (Crataeva nurvala)
• Shigru (Moringa oleifera)
• Pashanabheda (Bergenia ligulata)
• Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris)
• Kulthi (Dolichos biflorus)
• Patharchatta (Bryophyllum pinnatum)
• Hajrul Yahood (Lapis judaicus) &
• Jawakshar (Potassium Carbonus) are used for Ayurvedic treatment of kidney stones.
• Gokhru is a natural diuretic that helps increase urine production and clear out infections.
• Pashanbheda is antimicrobial, diuretic, and litholytic in nature.
• Varuna is one of the best litholytic herbs that helps in removal of body toxins such as urea and creatinine.
• Punarnava is a diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory herb that can balance body fluids by removing waste from kidney cells and rejuvenating
them.

Suggested Diet and Lifestyle Changes

According to Ayurveda, for management of the disease, it is essential to take a healthy diet (ahar) and implement lifestyle changes (vihar).

For a better diet (ahar), it is recommended to eat:

• Carrot
• Karela
• Moong Dal
• Coconut Water
• Lemon Juice
• Buttermilk &
• Certain Fruits

But Avoid:

• Non-Vegetarian Foods
• Coffee
• Cashew Nuts
• Palak
• Ghee &
• Chocolates

Recommended changes in lifestyle (vihar) include:

• Exercising Regularly
• Avoiding Daytime Sleeping
• Addressing the Urge to Urinate &
• Avoiding Strenuous Activities

Ayurvedic treatment can break up and expel approximately 95% of the kidney stones naturally without surgical interventions.