Kidney Stones

Why it works: Biochemical mechanisms (mainly for calcium-oxalate stones):. • Binds oxalate in the gut, lowering oxalate absorption.. • Competes with calcium for oxalate in urine, limiting calciu...

Instructions: 1) Who this is for. • Adults with recurrent calcium-oxalate stones after evaluation and lifestyle optimization (fluids, sodium restriction, adequate dietary calcium, etc.). Perform...

Warnings: 1) Kidney function. • Avoid oral magnesium in severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) due...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (cornerstone evidence):Ettinger...

Why it works: Citrate is a natural stone inhibitor. It binds urinary calcium to form soluble calcium-citrate and interferes with calcium-oxalate crystal growth; in many people it also nudges uri...

Instructions: These amounts mirror doses used in clinical trials and hospital diet sheets. Always pair with a high-fluid regimen.. Everyday prevention mix (simple, evidence-based):. • 60 mL fres...

Warnings: Teeth (acid erosion): Citric acid can erode enamel with frequent exposure. Always dilute, drink thro...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (PROBE design, 203 adults, Italy...

Why it works: Traditional/empirical rationale (TCM):. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jin Qian Cao is classed among herbs that “drain dampness,” promote urination, and “expel stones.” It’...

Instructions: 1) Form & dose (single-herb use, traditional ranges):. • Decoction (traditional water extract): commonly 15–60 g dried herb per day, simmered and drunk as tea; some sources note yo...

Warnings: Do not self-manage red-flag symptoms.. Seek urgent medical care if you have fever, chills, uncontrol...

Studies: Human evidence (status as of 29 Sep 2025):Registered (ongoin...

Why it works: Diuretic action (↑ urine flow): Ze Xie/Alismatis Rhizoma increases urine output, which can help flush small stones and reduce urinary concentration of stone-forming salts. Controll...

Instructions: Forms & typical amounts (from herbal monographs/products; not medical advice):. • Crude rhizome decoction: common daily dose ~6–9 g dried rhizome, simmered in water and taken warm....

Warnings: Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Avoid — safety data are inadequate. WebMD. Dosing matters: High doses of Al...

Studies: Human evidence: Systematic reviews of plant-based therapies...

Why it works: Diuretic / “drain damp-heat” actions (TCM rationale). In traditional Chinese medicine, Hai Jin Sha promotes urination and relieves “strangury” (painful, difficult urination), a pat...

Instructions: Form & dose (single herb):. • Decoction: 6–15 g of Hai Jin Sha, wrapped in gauze (“包煎”) so the fine spores don’t disperse; simmer 20–30 min. tcmwiki.com. • Some TCM sources list...

Warnings: General safety data are limited. Modern write-ups note no established toxicity at typical doses, but...

Studies: Animal study (preventive & therapeutic):Cho HJ et al., U...

Why it works: Promotes diuresis & “stone expulsion” in TCM: The herb is classically used to “clear damp-heat” and promote urination/relieve strangury, an indication that maps to urinary stone sy...

Instructions: You’ll see two common approaches: traditional decoction of the raw herb and standardized TFDS capsules approved in China.. A) Traditional decoction (whole herb). • Typical dose: 15...

Warnings: TFDS capsule (per label / official materials). • Adverse effects observed (generally infrequent): dr...

Studies: Regulatory approval with RCTs: The NMPA announcement states...

Why it works: Antiurolithic actions seen in animals/in-vitro. An aqueous extract reduced calcium-oxalate stone burden, improved renal histology, and showed antioxidant effects in rat models; pro...

Instructions: Standardized extract (general supplement dosing): 750–1,500 mg/day by mouth (short-term data up to 90 days). This isn’t kidney-stone–specific but reflects common clinical supplemen...

Warnings: Liver and kidney toxicity (rare case reports): Severe hepatocellular injury and renal injury have be...

Studies: Animal/preclinical: Multiple studies support antiurolithic e...

Why it works: Lower risk of needing stone procedures (population study): A large Taiwan National Health Insurance cohort found that people with kidney stones who were prescribed Danshen had a 66...

Instructions: Common traditional forms & typical doses (not stone-specific):. • Decoction of crude root: common TCM monographs list ~9–15 g/day (sometimes up to 20–30 g in select cases) of Radix...

Warnings: Serious interaction with warfarin (and likely with other anticoagulants/antiplatelets): Case reports...

Studies: Human observational evidenceNationwide cohort (Taiwan NHIRD,...