Kidney stones have become a significant health concern as they occur more frequently. These masses, composed of acid salts and minerals, form highly-concentrated crystals that cause severe pain in the abdomen, back, and groin. Additional symptoms include chills, fever, and painful urination. Kidney stones result from various factors, with the most common type forming when certain chemicals remain in the kidneys instead of being excreted through urine, leading to crystal formation.
Finding an effective treatment for kidney stones is crucial, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) is highly recommended. Made from fermented apples, ACV has been used for a long time to prevent and treat various skin conditions and ailments. It is also beneficial in treating kidney stones and relieving their associated pains.
AllRemedies.com offers seven practical ways to use apple cider vinegar for kidney stone treatment. These methods have been studied and applied to many patients, along with a suitable diet and lifestyle. If you suffer from kidney stones and are looking for natural remedies, read on for valuable insights.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar With Water
Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which can soften and dissolve kidney stones, helping to remove them from the body. It is naturally acidic, which helps dissolve the crystals forming the stones and balances the body’s pH levels. Additionally, the acetic and phosphoric acids in ACV can reduce the size of stones or dissolve them completely, easing their passage. ACV also has an alkalizing effect on urine and blood, aiding digestion and preventing new stones from forming.
Recipe:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV in 6 to 8 ounces of water.
- Drink this solution before each meal to clear and dissolve kidney stones.
- After the stones are removed, continue drinking the solution at least once a week to prevent new stones from forming.
Note: Always use raw, organic, unfiltered, extra virgin, and unpasteurized ACV, such as Bragg.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar With Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, known for its health benefits, can be combined with ACV to treat kidney stones. Coconut oil helps cleanse and heal urinary and kidney infections. Its medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) can break down bacteria and act as a natural antibiotic. Combining coconut oil with ACV enhances its effectiveness in preventing and treating kidney stones.
Recipe:
- Mix 2 tablespoons each of ACV and coconut oil in 16 ounces of warm water.
- Drink this solution daily to prevent new kidney stones.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey
Honey, known for its health and beauty benefits, can be combined with ACV to treat kidney stones.
Recipe:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of ACV with 2 teaspoons of raw honey.
- Consume this mixture frequently throughout the day until you experience relief.
- Alternatively, stir 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of ACV in lukewarm water and drink once or twice daily.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar With Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can alkalize the body, reducing the acidic environment that promotes kidney stone formation. It can prevent and dissolve uric acid kidney stones when combined with ACV.
Recipe:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 1 ounce of ACV in a large glass of water.
- Allow the solution to stop fizzing, then drink it slowly over 30 minutes.
- Repeat three times daily until you experience relief.
Note: You can add a few drops of honey for better results.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar With Water, Lemon Juice, And Olive Oil
Lemon juice, with its high citric acid content, can break down kidney stones. When combined with olive oil, it provides lubrication, easing the passage of stones.
Recipe:
- Mix 2 ounces of organic lemon juice and 2 ounces of olive oil.
- Drink the mixture, followed by 12 ounces of fresh water.
- After 30 minutes, mix the juice of ½ lemon and 1 tablespoon of ACV in 12 ounces of water and drink.
- Repeat hourly until you experience relief.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar Poultice
Applying a poultice with ACV can help relieve the pain caused by kidney stones.
Recipe:
- Heat equal parts ACV and water until warm.
- Soak a washcloth in the solution, wring out the excess water, and place it on the painful area.
- Repeat twice daily until you experience relief.
7. Tips And Warnings
- Besides using ACV remedies, consider taking ACV in tablet or capsule form.
- Avoid ACV if you have gout, as it can reduce uric acid crystals but cause pain and inflammation.
- Consult a physician if you have any underlying medical conditions before using ACV.
- Do not drink undiluted ACV directly, as it can harm your throat and stomach.
- Drink plenty of water after consuming ACV to stay hydrated and protect your tooth enamel.
- ACV can help dissolve small kidney stones and prevent new ones from forming.
- Seek medical attention if you do not experience relief after trying these remedies.
For more information on using apple cider vinegar for kidney stones, visit our main How To page. Feel free to leave any questions below and share any other methods you have tried.