• Urinary stones develop from crystallized minerals (calcium oxalate, uric acid) in concentrated urine, causing severe pain, nausea, vomiting and blood in urine.

• Dehydration, high-oxalate diets, excessive vitamin D and thyroid meds, processed sugars, animal protein and genetic predisposition all contribute to stone formation.

• Untreated stones can block urine flow, leading to infections, kidney damage or sepsis, thus requiring immediate medical intervention.

• Conventional medicine uses painkillers, lithotripsy or surgery, while holistic approaches (hydration, herbal remedies like marshmallow root, skullcap) ease passage and prevent recurrence.

• Staying hydrated, reducing salt and oxalates intake and managing stress can help prevent urinary stones.

Urinary stones – small, crystalline formations that develop in the urinary tract – are notorious for causing excruciating pain, often described as one of the worst physical experiences a person can endure. These hardened mineral deposits can form anywhere from the kidneys to the urethra, triggering symptoms ranging from sharp, radiating pain to nausea, vomiting and blood in the urine. While modern medicine offers treatments such as painkillers, lithotripsy or surgery, prevention remains the best strategy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and holistic approaches also provide relief, emphasizing hydration, diet and natural remedies to reduce recurrence.

Understanding urinary stones: Causes and symptoms

Urinary stones develop when minerals like calcium oxalate, uric acid or calcium phosphate crystallize in concentrated urine. Dehydration, dietary imbalances, genetic predisposition and certain medications (such as thyroid drugs or excessive vitamin D supplements) can contribute to their formation. Once a stone begins moving through the urinary tract, it can cause severe pain – often localized below the ribs – that may spread to the lower abdomen, groin or the leg. Additional symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and visible or microscopic blood in the urine.