Most of us rarely think about our kidneys—even though these two small, bean-shaped organs play a massive role in keeping the body balanced, clean, and functioning properly. When kidney stones develop, however, they can quickly demand your full attention. These mineral deposits form when urine contains excess calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or when the urine becomes too concentrated to dilute these substances effectively (2). Your urine may also lack certain natural compounds that prevent crystals from sticking together—making it easier for stones to form and grow.

Kidney stones vary dramatically in size, from something as tiny as a grain of sugar to something surprisingly large. Regardless of size, the pain they cause is often described as one of the worst sensations a person can experience. If you're here, you may be wondering how to get rid of kidney stones naturally, or how to prevent them from forming in the first place.

Below is a complete guide to kidney-stone symptoms and 21 natural home remedies that people commonly use for comfort and support.

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Warning Signs of Kidney Stones

According to NHS UK, symptoms of kidney stones may include (3):

• Severe pain in the back or side

• Chills or shivering

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Pain or burning during urination

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

• Blood in the urine

• Difficulty sitting still due to pain

• Nausea or vomiting

If you experience these symptoms—especially severe flank or back pain—consult a doctor for evaluation. Conventional treatments may involve medications or, in some cases, procedures to remove large stones. Many people also look for natural home remedies to support hydration, reduce discomfort, and help stones pass more easily.

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21 Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

These natural approaches may help support urinary health and make passing a stone more manageable. Always stay properly hydrated and talk to a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

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1. Lemon Juice & Olive Oil

This classic home remedy is widely used for kidney-stone support.

• Lemon juice contains citric acid, which may help prevent crystal buildup.

• Olive oil may help lubricate the urinary tract, making passage more comfortable.

How to use:
Mix 4 tbsp olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice, drink, then follow with water. Repeat daily as needed.

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2. Ride a Rollercoaster

It may sound strange, but research suggests that the shaking and motion of a rollercoaster—specifically Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—helped dislodge small stones in a 3-D kidney model (4).
People seated toward the back of the ride experienced the greatest success.

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3. Increase Sexual Activity

A study from the University of Ankara found that participants who had frequent sexual activity were able to pass stones more successfully than those who took tamsulosin, a prescription medication (5).

Aim for several sessions per week to maximize potential benefits.

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4. Boost Magnesium Intake

Magnesium supports kidney function and helps balance nutrients in the body. Low magnesium levels may be linked to kidney-stone formation (6).

Foods rich in magnesium include:

• Pumpkin seeds

• Almonds & cashews

• Leafy greens

• Kelp

• Brazil nuts

• Tofu & soy products

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5. Gravel Root Tea

Gravel root has a long traditional history—particularly in Native American herbal medicine—for kidney support (7,8).

How to prepare:
Simmer 1 tsp gravel root in water for 10 minutes, cool slightly, sweeten if desired, and drink 3× daily.

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6. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera gel is known for soothing tissues and supporting hydration. Some people use aloe vera juice for urinary-tract wellness (9).

Blend aloe gel with grapefruit juice and a little honey, and drink immediately.

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7. Uva Ursi

Also called bearberry, this herb has been used for urinary health for centuries (10).

Simmer 1 tbsp leaves in 2 cups water until half remains; strain and drink twice daily.

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8. Horsetail Tea

Horsetail acts as a natural diuretic and may help flush the urinary tract.
Steep dried horsetail with dandelion, sweeten if desired, and drink twice per day.

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9. Dandelion Root

Dandelion root supports kidney detoxification and urine flow.

Steep 2 tsp root in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink throughout the day.

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10. Celery Seeds

Celery seeds act as a natural kidney tonic and may help flush impurities (11).

Steep 1 tbsp seeds in 2 cups hot water, cool, strain, and drink once daily, 3× per week.

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11. Kidney Beans

Their shape gives a hint: kidney beans support urinary health.
High in fiber and antioxidants, they may help the body eliminate waste.

Boil beans for several hours, strain the liquid, cool for 8 hours, strain again, and drink every 2 hours.

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12. Nettle Leaf Tea

Nettle helps maintain steady urine flow and reduces inflammation.
Steep 2 tbsp dried nettle for 10–15 minutes and drink 2–3× per day.

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13. Hydrangea Root

Hydrangea root tea has long been used for its cleansing, diuretic properties.

Steep 2–4 tsp dried root in hot water for 10–15 minutes; drink 3× daily.

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14. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate’s antioxidants and astringent compounds can support urinary health.
Moderation is key since excessive vitamin C may contribute to stone risk (12).

Drink 8 oz fresh organic pomegranate juice daily.

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15. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV contains acetic acid, which may help soften stones and support kidney cleansing.

Mix 2 tbsp ACV with water and drink once or twice weekly.

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16. Basil Tea

Basil has a long tradition of use for fluid retention and urinary issues (13).

Steep 5–6 leaves in boiling water, sweeten, and drink daily for several months.

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17. Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass is highly nutrient-dense and supports kidney detoxification (14).

Mix fresh wheatgrass juice with lemon and basil juice, and drink 2–3× daily.

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18. Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow root is soothing, diuretic, and supportive of urinary comfort (15).

Steep 1 tbsp root for 10–15 minutes and drink 2–4 cups daily.

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19. Corn Silk

A traditional Native American remedy for urinary discomfort, corn silk may ease irritation and promote urine flow.

Steep 1 tbsp silk in 2 cups boiling water for 5–10 minutes; drink 2–4 cups daily.

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20. Goldenrod

Goldenrod supports kidney and urinary-tract health (16).

Steep 1 tbsp dried goldenrod for 20 minutes and drink warm, 3× daily.

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21. Watermelon

Watermelon is hydrating, rich in minerals, and contains potassium, which supports kidney function (17). Its high water content helps flush the urinary system.

Eat small cubes every 15 minutes throughout the day, and drink plenty of water.

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Final Thoughts

All of these home remedies are simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible—from your local grocery store to your pantry. While they may help support kidney and urinary health, always seek medical evaluation if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or difficulty passing urine.