Hi David- I have a client who has a kidney stone, I believe it's an oxalate kidney stone as she is sensitive to oxalates but haven't confirmed that yet. In looking at the MM sheets, I notice some herbs help prevent stones, some help with passing or dissolving stones. For someone who has a confirmed kidney stone, what do you take into consideration before using herbs? For example, does the size of the stone matter ? She has a 10 mm stone and it isn't causing pain but she has the option to have the stone broken up via ultrasound. If you thought an herbal approach might be appropriate based on the above information, would you use a combination of herbs which dissolve stones? how long would you expect it to take to dissolve? Thank you!

Oxalate Kidney stones do not dissolve only uric acid stones (which are relatively rare) can be dissolved. Some people claim to have dissolved oxalate kidney stones with Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niriri), but I have yet to see that happen. A 10 mm stone is unlikely to pass unless someone is very lucky, and if so usually with intense pain. Herbs used to help pass smaller stones include Hops (or Beer), Lobelia, Chanca Piedra, Hydrangea, Gravel Root, Kava, Yucca root. Lithotripsy has its benefits and drawbacks. If your patient does get lithotripsy, some herbs like Astragalus have been shown to help prevent lithotripsy-induced kidney damage.