The formation of stones in the kidneys or urinary tract is not an uncommon disorder. The stones are formed from the chemicals usually found in the urine such as uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, and oxalic acid. They may vary in consistency from grit, sand, and gravel-like obstructions the size of a bird's egg. Stones may form and grow because the concentration of a particular substance in the urine exceeds its solubility. Most kidney stones are composed either of calcium oxalate or phosphate, the latter being most common in the presence of infection. About ninety per cent of all stones contain calcium as the chief constituent. More than half of these are mixtures of calcium, ammonium and magnesium, phosphates and carbonates, while the remainder contains oxalate.

• Defects in the general metabolism: The formation of stones in the kidneys is the result of defects in the general metabolism. They usually occur when the urine becomes highly concentrated due to heavy perspiration or insufficient intake of fluids. They are aggravated by a sedentary life-style.
• Wrong diet, excess intake of acid-forming foods, white flour and sugar products: The other causes are a wrong diet, excess intake of acid-forming foods, white flour and sugar products, meat, tea, coffee, condiments and spices, rich foods, and overeating.
• Lack of vitamin A, excessive intake of vitamin D: Lack of vitamin A and an excessive intake of vitamin D may also lead to formation of stones.

• Severe pain: Kidney stones usually causes severe pain in their attempt to pass down the ureter on their way to the bladder. The pain is first felt in the side and, thereafter, in the groin and thighs.
• Frequent desire to urinate: Other symptoms of kidney stones are frequent desire to urinate, painful urination, scanty urination, nausea, vomiting, sweating and chills. The patient may also pass blood with the urine.

• Blanch fresh salvia in boiling water, cool and drink.
• Eat artichoke.
• Eat asparagus to help with the kidney stones.
• Soak a bandage with garlic and onion and apply on the kidneys to relieve the pain.
• Boil celery and parsley, cool and drink the liquid.
• Drink lemon juice daily to help with the kidney stones.
• Blanch parsley and drink several times a day.
• Cook beet until soften, strain and drink 3-4 cups of beet juice every day.

• Eat less meat: Due to increased intake of animal proteins, the incidence of kidney stones is 10 times more prevalent now than it was at the turn of the century.
• Drink plenty of fluids: One study has shown that people who drink more than 2 1/2 liters of water every day have almost a 40 percent decrease in the risk of developing a stone than those who drank less water.
• Limit consumption of grapefruit juice and cola drinks: Studies have shown that these may actually increase the risk of developing stones.
• Adopt a diet high in potassium and magnesium: These minerals decrease the likelihood of kidney stones.
• Talk to your doctor about taking supplements such as pyridoxine and magnesium. Taken together, these reduce oxalate, a mineral salt found in kidney stones.
• Limit your calcium and salt intake.