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Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally: The Power of Chinese Medicine

  • Writer: Dr. Scott Martin
    Dr. Scott Martin
  • 2 days ago
  • 12 min read

kidneys with kidney stones

Kidney stones are more than just a painful inconvenience—they’re a warning sign. For many, the first sign of a kidney stone is excruciating back or abdominal pain, nausea, or difficulty urinating. If you've experienced this before, you're not alone. Kidney stones (also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis) affect up to 12% of the global population, with recurrence rates reaching 50% within 5 years1.

You've probably never heard of the time-honored Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) way to dissolve kidney stones naturally, prevent their return, and heal the urinary tract - all without surgery or long-term medication use. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers just that through the formula Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang, meaning “Dissolve Kidney Stone Formula”. This herbal blend has been used for centuries to dissolve kidney stones up to 2.5 cm or 1 inch naturally, safely and holistically.




kidney stones with ruler
Kidney stones don't have smooth edges. Passing stones will usually cause bleeding that can be seen as fresh red blood in the urine. This is one reason why passing stones is so painful.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can form silently and only make themselves known when they start to move. Watch for these signs:

  • Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin, especially around the kidney and bladder region.

  • Painful urination (dysuria), often a sensation of something being stuck and an inability to pass urine normally as a stone is blocking your normal flow.

  • Fresh red blood in the urine (hematuria). Dark purple or brown blood in the urine is a severe condition and you should go to hospital immediately.

  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. This often indicates an exisiting or infection.

  • Nausea or vomiting. Typically associated with the pain of passing kidney stones.

  • Frequent or urgent urination, as the body is unable to expel the urine as it normally would.

  • Fever or chills (if infection is present).

Symptoms may vary depending on the stone’s size, type, and location in the urinary tract.



man in pain with urinary stones
All stones must pass through the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, then down the urethra from the bladder to the outside. Passing stones is often slow and painful and can last for days.

Types of Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)

Different stones require different strategies. Knowing what type of stone you have is key to treatment.

  1. Calcium Oxalate Stones

    • Most common (about 70–80%)

    • Formed when calcium combines with oxalate in urine

    • Often linked to dehydration or high oxalate foods (e.g. spinach, nuts)

    • 2

  2. Uric Acid Stones

    • Result from high levels of uric acid (often due to high purine diets)

    • Common in people with gout or metabolic syndrome

    • Not visible on standard X-rays

    • 3

  3. Struvite Stones

    • Caused by chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)

    • Grow quickly and may form large staghorn calculi

    • More common in women

    • 4

  4. Cystine Stones

    • Rare, genetic condition (cystinuria)

    • Hard to treat, tend to recur

    • 5



different types of kidney stones
As you can see there are many variations of stones, that often involve a mixture of different type of stones. Stones A-F are variations of Calcium Oxolate stones. G-K are variations Uric Acid stones. L is a Struvite stone. M-N have Brushite: a mineral that can crystalize over other kidney stones. O is a compsition of Calcium Oxolate and Uric Acid stone. See the original article this picture was taken from here. Learn more about the types of Renal and Urinary Stones here.


What Increases Your Risk of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones don’t just happen overnight. A combination of lifestyle habits, health conditions, and even your family history can raise your risk. Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to prevent them.


1. Family or Personal History

If someone in your family has had kidney stones, your chances of developing them go up. Likewise, if you’ve had kidney stones before, there’s a much higher risk they’ll return—often within five years.


2. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water is one of the leading causes of kidney stones. When your urine becomes too concentrated, minerals can clump together and form stones. People who live in hot or dry climates or sweat heavily (due to work or exercise) are especially at risk.


3. Unbalanced Diet

A diet high in the following can increase your risk:

  • Oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, beets)

  • Animal protein (especially red meat and organ meats)

  • Sodium (salt) – too much salt increases calcium in urine

  • Refined sugar and fructose – linked to uric acid stones

👉 Eating large amounts of processed or packaged food can be a hidden trigger due to excess salt and preservatives.


4. Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Carrying excess weight changes the acidity of your urine and increases the likelihood of both calcium and uric acid stones. Obesity is also associated with insulin resistance and high blood pressure—both of which may indirectly raise stone risk.


5. Digestive Disorders and Surgery

Certain digestive issues can alter how your body absorbs water and minerals:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)

  • Chronic diarrhea

  • Gastric bypass surgery

These conditions can increase calcium and oxalate in the urine, making stone formation more likely.


6. Medical Conditions

Several health problems are directly linked to kidney stone formation:

  • Renal tubular acidosis – affects acid-base balance in the kidneys

  • Cystinuria – a rare genetic condition that causes cystine stones

  • Hyperparathyroidism – raises calcium levels in blood and urine

  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) – increase the risk of struvite stones

  • Gout – raises uric acid levels, promoting uric acid stones


7. Medications and Supplements

Certain over-the-counter and prescription products can increase your risk, especially when used long term:

  • Vitamin C supplements (in high doses)

  • Calcium-based antacids

  • Overuse of laxatives

  • Some migraine and depression medications

  • Loop diuretics and topiramate (used for seizures or weight loss)

👉 Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or stopping supplements if you’re prone to kidney stones.


8. Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to obesity, poor circulation, and dehydration—all factors that can increase stone risk. Movement also helps maintain bone density, which affects calcium balance in the body.


9. Low Calcium Intake (Surprisingly!)

Too little dietary calcium can actually increase oxalate absorption in the gut, leading to more calcium oxalate stones. It’s better to get calcium from food rather than supplements unless otherwise advised by your doctor.



woman with lower back pain due to kidney stones
If you haven't strained your back but you have strong pain one one side of your lower back and your urine is darker yellow with reduced flow you are likely trying to pass kidney stones.


Health Complications from Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know

Kidney stones (renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis) are more than just painful—they can cause serious damage if left untreated. Stones can block the flow of urine, lead to infections, and gradually impair kidney function. In severe cases, this can result in permanent kidney damage or even kidney failure.


Below are key complications linked to untreated or recurring kidney stones:

1. Hydronephrosis (Kidney Swelling)

Cause:A kidney stone can obstruct the flow of urine, causing it to back up into the kidney. This buildup leads to swelling, known as hydronephrosis.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the side, lower back, or abdomen

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Reduced urine output

Risks and Consequences: Prolonged hydronephrosis can damage kidney tissues and impair function1.

Treatment:

  • Removal of the obstruction via lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or in severe cases, surgery

  • Supportive care to relieve swelling and preserve kidney function


2. Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)

Cause: Obstructed urine flow creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to a kidney infection called pyelonephritis.

Symptoms:

  • Fever and chills

  • Flank or back pain

  • Frequent, painful urination

  • Nausea or vomiting

Risks and Consequences: Severe infections can spread to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis if not treated promptly2.

Treatment:

  • Antibiotics (oral or IV depending on severity)

  • Stone removal to eliminate the source of obstruction and bacteria buildup


3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Cause: Recurrent kidney stones, especially those that cause infections or blockages, can gradually wear down kidney tissue over time, leading to CKD.

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue

  • Swelling in the ankles, feet, or face

  • Poor appetite and difficulty concentrating

  • Changes in urination

Risks and Consequences: Studies have shown that a history of kidney stones is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing CKD3.

Treatment:

  • Managing underlying causes (e.g., stone prevention, blood pressure, blood sugar)

  • Dietary and lifestyle changes

  • In advanced cases, dialysis or kidney transplant


4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Cause: Kidney stones can make it harder for the bladder and kidneys to fully empty. This stagnant urine promotes bacterial growth and increases UTI risk.

Symptoms:

  • Burning sensation during urination

  • Frequent urge to urinate

  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

  • Possible blood in the urine

Treatment:

  • Antibiotics to treat the infection

  • Stone removal to prevent recurrence

UTIs caused by stones are more common in women but can affect anyone with obstructive uropathy4.


5. Renal (Kidney) Failure

Cause: If kidney stones block urine for too long or are left untreated, they can cause permanent kidney damage or failure.

Symptoms:Similar to CKD but more advanced:

  • Severe fatigue

  • Swelling in hands, legs, or face

  • Decreased mental sharpness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Brown, dark or purple blood in the urine.

Treatment:

  • Emergency dialysis to remove waste from the blood

  • Long-term kidney transplant may be necessary in end-stage cases

Research highlights that individuals with frequent or large stones are at significantly higher risk of renal complications5.


6. Hematuria and Hemorrhage

Cause:As a stone moves through the urinary tract, it can scrape and irritate the lining of the ureter or bladder, causing internal bleeding.

Symptoms:

  • Pink, red, or brown-colored urine (hematuria)

  • Occasionally visible clots or ongoing blood loss

Risks and Consequences:Severe hemorrhage is rare but can occur during spontaneous passage or surgical removal6.

Treatment:

  • Monitoring and fluid intake

  • In cases of active bleeding, medical intervention may be required


Conventional and Alternative Treatments for Kidney Stones

When kidney stones are diagnosed, treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as the presence of symptoms or complications. Here's how mainstream and alternative medicine approach it:


Conventional Western Medicine

  • Pain Relief

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids are commonly used.

    • Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin may help relax the ureters to allow stones to pass more easily[^1^].

  • Hydration Therapy

    • Patients are encouraged to drink 2–3 liters of water daily to flush out small stones.

  • Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

    • Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces. Effective for stones under 2 cm[^2^].

  • Ureteroscopy

    • A scope is inserted into the urethra to break up or remove stones.

  • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

    • A surgical procedure used for large or stubborn stones.


While effective, these interventions can have drawbacks—pain, bleeding, infection risk, and high recurrence rates without lifestyle changes.



ureteroscopy
There is nothing fun about this operation for anyone involved! How about a natural alternative that can do the same job without any surgery?

Other Natural and Alternative Therapies

  • Ayurvedic Medicine

    • Uses herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varun for stone breakdown and urinary tract support.

  • Homeopathy

    • Remedies like Berberis vulgaris or Lycopodium are chosen based on symptom matching, though scientific evidence is limited.

  • Naturopathy

    • Emphasizes hydration, herbal support (like Chanca Piedra), and nutritional changes.

  • Acupuncture

    • May reduce urinary pain, improve kidney function, and regulate fluid metabolism.


While these approaches can support healing, they often work best in prevention or mild cases—and should be supervised by qualified professionals.



herbal tea in tea cup on chopping board
Can cups of tea do the same job as a ureteroscopy? With the right ingredients you can dissolve kidney stones naturally and without the need for surgery depending on the size of the stones.

Chinese Medicine for Kidney Stones: A Holistic View

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), kidney stones are classified as “Shí Lín” (石淋), meaning "stone strangury". TCM views this condition as a result of:

  • Heat and dampness in the bladder

  • Qi and blood stagnation

  • Kidney yin deficiency leading to dryness and stone formation

Treatment focuses on clearing heat, resolving dampness, promoting urination, breaking the stones, and repairing tissue damage.




Introducing Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang: Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally

Shen Pai Shi Tang is a traditional Chinese herbal formula specifically designed to:

  • Dissolve and expel kidney stones

  • Clear urinary tract infections

  • Reduce inflammation and pain

  • Protect kidney and bladder tissues

  • Prevent recurrence



Lysimachia christinae
Meet Lysimachia Christinae, the number one herb for dissolving stones in the kidneys, gallbladder and bladder. Please note this herb is never prescribed on its own to dissolve stones and is always incorporated with other ingredients for full effect and a rounded treeatment. This is what Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang offers.

Key Ingredients and Their Functions

  1. Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia)

    • Breaks down stones, promotes urination

    • Shown to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization7

  2. Hai Jin Sha (Lygodium Spore)

    • Cools heat, clears dampness, promotes urination

    • Used in both bladder and gallstones8

  3. Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix)

    • Invigorates blood, guides downward, relieves pain

    • Helps flush out fragmented stones and ease inflammation

  4. Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Suberectus)

    • Promotes circulation, nourishes blood

    • Aids tissue healing post-stone trauma

  5. Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera)

    • Clears heat, resolves toxicity

    • Antibacterial properties to treat and prevent infection9

  6. Bai Mao Gen (Imperata Root)

    • Stops bleeding, cools blood, promotes urination

    • Excellent for hematuria and burning urination


These herbs work synergistically to dissolve kidney stones naturally, reduce swelling and pain, and support complete urinary recovery.



Spora Japonici Lygodii
Meet Lygodium Japonicus. The spores of the climbing fern and always combined with Lysimachia Christinae to dissolve stones and calculi throughout the body.

Treatment Approach with Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang

The treatment strategy of Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang is to dissolve kidney and bladder stones up to 2.5 cm or 1 inch, pass these dissolved stones by promoting urination and alleviating pain. Next is to clear heat by killing infections that may arise in the kidneys and bladder, which is very important to manage symptoms. Then we have to stop bleeding from any cuts that are caused by passing sharp edged stones.


Treatment generally follows these phases:

  1. Stone Dissolution and Expulsion (Week 1 - 2)

    • Higher dosages may be necessary for strong symptoms and larger stones.

    • Dissolves stones and promotes urination for smooth passage of stones.

    • Alleviate and resolve symptoms of pain by dissolving and passing stones.

    • The ingredients dissolve the stones into much smaller pieces that what the body otherwise would and the urine may appear cloudy as a result instead of obvious stones passing out.

  2. Urinary Tract Recovery (Weeks 1-2)

    • Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial support.

    • Repairs irritated bladder or ureter linings.

    • Stops bleeding that may occur from passing stones prior to taking the formula.

    • Kills infection and returns the urine to its normal color. You will need to assist this function by ensuring you drink plenty of water during the treatment time.

  3. Prevention of Recurrence (Every 3 - 6 months)

    • For sufferers of recurrent kidney stones using Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang for a few days every 3 - 6 months will dissolve the build-up and return of kidney stones so you do not have to experience the symptoms of an acute attack.

    • Adjusted dosage and paired with dietary/lifestyle changes

Herbal treatment is often paired with lifestyle advice such as drinking warm water, avoiding cold/raw foods, reducing high-oxalate foods, and maintaining regular urination.



Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang bottle and label
This formula is only available in AAA graded raw powdered herbal form. With the highest quality ingredients available you can boil up one tablespoon at a time per day to dissolve your kidney stones naturally until your symptoms pass.

Scientific Support for Chinese Herbal Medicine

While many Western treatments focus on pain management and surgical stone removal, a growing body of research supports herbal interventions:

  • A 2020 review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that Jin Qian Cao significantly reduced calcium oxalate stone formation and aided excretion10.

  • Lonicera (Jin Yin Hua) has documented broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly useful for preventing UTIs that can lead to struvite stones11.

  • Bai Mao Gen and Ji Xue Teng were shown in Pharmacognosy Reviews to enhance microcirculation, helping resolve blood stasis and reduce inflammation12.



extracorporeal shockwave therapy on patient
Extracorporeal shockwave Lithotripsy can break up but not dissolve kidney stones 2 cm or 1 inch and under. They still need to passed that traditional way. Pharmaceutical medication and painkillers will also be prescribed to promote the passing of the broken up stones.

When to See a Doctor

Although many stones can pass naturally, always seek medical help if:

  • Pain is severe and unrelenting even with treatment.

  • There’s fever, chills, or signs of infection, you may also need antibiotics.

  • You’re unable to urinate. This means a stone has blocked your ureter or urethra and urine will continue to build up until the stone is removed. This is a serious condition to have.

  • There’s ongoing blood in the urine even after symptoms have passed.

  • For brown, dark or purple blood in the urine go to the hospital immediately, your kidneys may be failing and this condition is fatal.

Natural medicine is best used early, for prevention, and/or as a complementary therapy under professional guidance.



Takeaway Points: Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally

✅ Kidney stones are painful, recurring, and often preventable.

✅ Types of stones include calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.

✅ TCM views stones as damp-heat and qi stagnation problems in the bladder.

Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang dissolves stones, clears infection, stops bleeding, and prevents recurrence.

✅ Key herbs like Jin Qian Cao, Hai Jin Sha, and Jin Yin Hua are scientifically supported.

✅ Chinese medicine for kidney stones is a proven alternative or complement to surgery.



Ready to Take the Natural Route?

If you’ve suffered from renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis and want to dissolve kidney stones naturally—Shen Pai Shi Tang may be the solution you've been searching for.

Explore the gentle yet powerful support of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Speak to a qualified TCM practitioner today and learn how Shen Guang Pai Shi Tang can help you regain comfort, prevent future stones, and heal naturally from within.




Footnotes

  1. Scales CD Jr, et al. Prevalence of Kidney Stones in the United States. Eur Urol. 2012.

  2. Curhan GC, et al. Diet and the risk of kidney stones in men. N Engl J Med. 1993.

  3. Sakhaee K. Uric acid nephrolithiasis: current concepts and controversies. J Nephrol. 2003.

  4. Griffith DP. Struvite stones. Kidney Int. 1978.

  5. Worcester EM, et al. Cystinuria: Hereditary disorder with stone formation. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2008.

  6. National Kidney Foundation. Causes of Kidney Stones. [www.kidney.org]

  7. Chen Y, et al. Herbal medicine Jin Qian Cao inhibits calcium oxalate stone formation. Am J Chin Med. 2018.

  8. Wu CY, et al. Review of Hai Jin Sha in Traditional Medicine. J Tradit Chin Med. 2017.

  9. Xiong Y, et al. Antimicrobial effects of Jin Yin Hua. Phytother Res. 2004.

  10. Xie T, et al. Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nephrolithiasis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020.

  11. Zuo GY, et al. Antibacterial activity of Lonicera japonica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007.

  12. Zhou W, et al. Review of Ji Xue Teng and Huai Niu Xi. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016.


    1. Türk C, et al. EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis. Eur Urol. 2016.

    2. Tambo M, et al. Pyelonephritis as a complication of nephrolithiasis. Urol Case Rep. 2019.

    3. Rule AD, et al. Association of kidney stones and CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009.

    4. Siener R, et al. The Role of Infection in Urolithiasis. Curr Opin Urol. 2020.

    5. Alexander RT, et al. Kidney stones and risk for ESRD. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012.

    6. Kumar S, et al. Hematuria and urologic emergencies. Ann Emerg Med. 2011.

 
 
 

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