Tulsi, also known as the Holy Basil, has been used in Indian culture for hundreds of years because of its medicinal properties. It helps deal with seasonal infections and eases throat ache. What most people don’t know is the Tulsi plant’s effectiveness in dissolving kidney stones.
If you didn’t know either but are curious to find out, this blog is for you. Here we’ll discuss the medicinal properties of tulsi in dissolving kidney stones. We’ll also discuss what kidney stones are and some natural home remedies to deal with the same.
What are Kidney Stones?
Also known as nephrolithiasis or renal stones, kidney stones are a common problem in Indians. They occur when minerals and salts in the body solidify or crystallize in your kidneys, creating a build-up.
One of the major causes of renal stones is dehydration. When your body doesn’t get enough water, the fluids moving through the kidneys experience a slow movement. This increases the risk of salts and mineral compounds sticking together, leading to complications such as nausea, bleeding, and severe pain.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Here are some signs and symptoms indicating kidney stones:
- Acute pain on either side of your lower back
- Blood in urine
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bad smelling urine or cloudy urine
- Pain in the stomach that doesn’t go away
How can Basil or Tulsi Leaves Help Dissolve Kidney Stones?
Tulsi or the holy basil is a detoxifier and has diuretic properties that is good for your kidneys. It helps reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood (high uric acid in the blood is a common cause of renal stones).
Tulsi, because of the presence of acetic acid, promotes the breakdown of kidney stones and also cleanses the kidney. Furthermore, you can expect a reduction of pain associated with stones after consuming tulsi.
How to Use Basil Leaves for Dissolving Kidney Stones?
One great way of using basil leaves for dissolving kidney stones is by boiling them in water along with milk, sugar, and tea. This will truly help if you’re a tea person as boiling tulsi leaves creates a tasty and healthy aromatic mixture.
Another thing that you can do is swallow tulsi leaves first thing in the morning. Not only will it help with kidney stones, but it will also help you improve your immunity and kill the bacteria on your teeth.
Yet another effective way of using tulsi leaves is by preparing tulsi juice. Mix a teaspoon of tulsi juice with one teaspoon of honey and consume it daily first thing in the morning. The added honey will reduce the bitterness and astringent taste of tulsi without affecting its medicinal value.
What are Some Other Remedies for Dissolving Kidney Stones?
1. Barley Water
Barely helps reduce calcium excretion in the urine that further helps prevent stones. Also, barley water helps maintain the pH balance of your body and flush out toxins. Furthermore, barely water puts pressure on your bladder, helping naturally pass out small kidney stones.
You can consume barley water by adding a teaspoon of barley seeds into boiling water. Let this mixture boil until the water reduces to half. Now strain it and drink it.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice acts as a powerful antioxidant because of Vitamin C., And these antioxidant properties help dissolve oxalate and calcium crystals through urine, preventing the growth of kidney stones.
Preparing lemon juice is a no-brainer. Squeeze a full/half lemon in a glass and fill it with water up to the brim. Add some honey according to your liking and stir well.
3. Water
This may sound obvious, but water does help in dealing with kidney stones. One of the main reasons behind kidney stones, as stated above, is dehydration. So, if you keep yourself hydrated, you can prevent or at least reduce the formation of kidney stones.
Also, consuming water can help you wash away small kidney stones naturally. So, make sure to consume 2-3 liters of water each day. You can even add some lemon if you want for a better taste.
4. Pomegranate Juice
Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice is not only fulfilling but beneficial too. It keeps your kidneys healthy and also lowers the risk of kidney stones in the people who are at risk. Furthermore, pomegranate juice also protects your body from cancer-causing free radicals.
To prepare pomegranate juice, take a medium-sized pomegranate and take its seeds out. Once done, put those seeds into a juicer and extract their juice. Use a strainer to get a clear liquid and sip it up.
Wrapping Up
Most people don’t know the impact of basil leaves or tulsi leaves in reducing stones. But now, as you are well aware of the same, you can always prepare basil tea whenever needed and follow the above remedies to get rid of those painful kidney stones. Also, make sure to ask for professional advice/medications along with following the above remedies in case you have severe stones.