Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form inside your kidneys. They are made of mineral and acid salts. Commonly, kidney stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.

You can reduce risk for kidney stones by drinking more water throughout the day. If you tend to form calcium oxalate stones, (your doctor will tell you) limit the amount of foods rich in oxalates, such as beets, okra, spinach, sweet potatoes, tea, chocolate, soy products, rhubarb and Swiss chard.

Choose a diet low in salt and animal proteins. Instead get protein from nuts and legumes.

According to the Mayo Clinic staff, alternative medicine cannot treat kidney stones. However, when combine with your doctor's advice, alternative treatments may help reduce your risk of kidney stones.
Drinking a cup of black tea or green tea each day could reduce the risk for kidney stones. However, tea contains high oxalate levels and if your urine has a high oxalate level, your doctor may advise against drinking tea.

Stinging nettle tea is made from stinging nettle leaves, which have a diuretic effect (rid the body of excess water).

Maryann