Recently Hubby came home from a scout camp at 3:30 a.m. with his fourth bout of kidney stones.  He was in enough pain that he let me do whatever I wanted to him and after checking several of my resource books this is what I felt would work best for his body.  Sure enough the pain subsided and he was left feeling very sore, which means the stones dissolved and were able to be passed or they went back to the kidneys to be dissolved there.

I want to share with you what remedies I used for him that saved us a visit to the doctor for strong medications. But just so we are clear I am not against doing that, once the body indicated there was a problem (the pain) and he knew exactly what was causing it (a kidney stone) I am all about dulling the pain signal while we treat the root cause.  He was able to handle the pain with Ibuprofen and these herbal remedies, which also have pain killing properties while working with the body to dissolve and eliminate the stones.  

After researching the different herbs that can be used to aid the body in ridding itself of kidney stones I came up with this herbal blend that can be made into a tea (a yucky one at that) or powdered and made in to capsules (my recommendation and what I used).  

3 parts Uva Ursi - strengthens and supports the kidneys, helps relieve pain and bloating 
3 parts Marshmallow Root - soothes the mucus membranes, helping to relieve the discomfort of a passing stone, also has a cleansing effect
2 parts Gravel Root - derived its name from its effect on stony deposits in the kidneys
2 parts Skullcap - antispasmodic and sedative, helping with the pain 
1 part Oregon Grape - infection fighter
1 part Valerian - strongly sedative to relax ureter, allowing stones to pass

These were the herbs I used in my formula but I would also have added juniper berries if I had some on hand, I only had juniper tincture so I used that in the Lemon Water below.  If you have powdered Juniper berries I would add 2 parts to this formula.

Drinking lots of water is essential for good kidney function and a good practice for helping prevent stones from forming in the first place.  Drinking lots of water (distilled) while dealing with stones also helps get them out faster, adding lemon to the mix will help break down and dissolve the stones.  I added to this lemon water the juniper tincture because of the effect it has on the kidneys and urinary passages.  It increases urine flow and eliminates congestion, removes waste and strengthens the kidneys, bladder and urinary passages.  The added lobelia helps to relax ureters, relieve pain and hasten the passing of stones, it amplifies the effects of all other herbs as well. That is why this is called Power Lemon Water.  If you don't have the tincture go ahead and just have regular lemon water, it will still aid the body in healing.

4 drops lobelia tincture
15 drops juniper berry tincture (or wild yam)
1/2 lemon
2 cups distilled water
3 drops of liquid stevia to taste

Squeeze the lemon and then drop right in the water with all the other ingredients.
​Sip throughout the day, refilling as necessary. 

In addition to the internal herbs and Power Lemon Water I applied the following essential oils in layers and massaged into the reflex points on each foot (right in the middle of the foot).  I also applied them to his backside where the kidneys are and then placed a hot pad over the area.  You could also use a wet compress.

• Digize blend from Young Living
• eucalyptus
• helichrysum
• wintergreen

Other Essential oils that help the body dissolve and eliminate kidney stones:

• fennel
• geranium
• juniper
• spearmint
• lemon
• frankincense
• orange

I always feel that each body responds to essential oils in different ways so what I used for my hubby may be different than what your body would want.  Listen to the spirit as you look over an essential oil list and just use what you feel inspired to.

We can choose to eat whole foods, those that the Lord has created for us to use, and avoid processed, refined and man made products. We can filter out the heavy metals and toxins in our water.  We can choose to use natural cleaning products and avoid chemical laden ones.  We can choose to purchase or make natural personal care products​ and avoid those filled with harmful toxins.  There are many choices we can make to avoid toxins and chemicals in our environment and then some we cannot avoid at all.  The good news is that God created our bodies to know how to deal with toxins as they enter our body.  The bad news is, if we are exposed to too many toxins the body cannot keep up and then health problems start to manifest.  It is important to put nutrient rich foods in your body, positive thoughts in your mind and steer clear of chemical laden products both for cleaning the home and the body. 

In addition to making choices to avoid toxins and chemicals there are several herbs that can aid the body in cleaning out toxins through the blood, where they tend to build up.  I have used this Blood Purifying Blend for family and friends for a variety of reasons including; tumors, chemo treatments, adverse medication reactions, poison ivy, and cell phone radiation reactions to name a few.  The blend can be used as a tea, capsules or tincture.  I prefer tincture form but this does make a good tea.  

5 parts red clover
2 parts red raspberry leaf
2 parts alfalfa  (replace with nettle leaf if you are on blood thinner medication)

Follow the instructions for making a tea, capsule or tincture, here.  Typical dosage is 2 droppers for tincture, 2 capsules or 3 cups of tea, 3 times a day until symptoms subside and/or you start to feel better.  You may need more or less than this, I always follow my body and let the spirit guide and direct when helping someone else.  

These are all herbs that are easily grown in a garden or yard so if you can, gather them from your family, friends, or go foraging.  If not you can purchase high quality, organic herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs, Dr. Christopher's Herb Shop and The Bulk Herb Store.  I use and love both of these shops for what I don't grow in my garden.  

Not up for making your own formula? Dr. Christopher has a Blood Stream Formula that works the same way. 
​
​Herbal Legacy - Healthy Blood

I have been doing a lot of purging since the summer began and cleared off a shelf full of file folders filled with scripture helps I've collected and used through the years to teach my little ones about the scriptures. I wanted to keep the ideas but not so much all the papers and file folders, so I downsized to a file box for scripture figures, activities and games and the rest I've put into digital files right here on my blog.  And of course I want to share with you what has worked for my family and what my children have enjoyed to make scripture study fun and engaging.  I am still working on adding items to these pages but want to share them with you today and hope they can be of use to you in your own family.  I have also included what I have used for my own scripture study and also what my older children are now using as well so these resources aren't just for young children but for all ages.