Berberis Vulgaris for Kidney Stones

What are kidneys?

 The kidneys are vital organs in the human body that perform several crucial functions to maintain overall health. They are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage, and are roughly the size of a fist.

Kidney development is a complex process that begins early in embryonic development and continues through fetal development. Kidney develops from metanephros is the definitive kidney that develops during fetal life and becomes the permanent kidney after birth.

 Here's a breakdown of their key structural features:

1. Renal Cortex: This is the outer layer of the kidney, where most of the filtration process takes place. It contains tiny filtering units called nephrons.
2. Renal Medulla: Situated beneath the renal cortex, the renal medulla consists of renal pyramids, which are cone-shaped structures. The medulla contains tubules that collect urine from the nephrons and transport it towards the renal pelvis.
3. Renal Pelvis: Located at the innermost region of the kidney, the renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the renal pyramids. From here, urine travels through the ureter to the bladder.
4. Nephrons (renal tubules): These are the functional units of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Each kidney contains millions of nephrons.
5. Renal Arteries and Veins: The kidneys receive blood supply through the renal arteries, which branch off from the aorta. Blood is filtered in the kidneys, and the filtered blood is carried away by the renal veins, which eventually drain into the inferior vena cava.
6. Renal Capsule: This is a tough, fibrous layer surrounding each kidney, providing protection and maintaining its shape.
7. Renal Hilum: This is a concave notch on the medial side of each kidney, where the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter enter and exit the kidney.
8. Renal Papilla: The tip of a renal pyramid protrudes into the space of a calyx within the kidney, serving as the point, where collecting ducts release urine.

Weight of Kidneys.

The weight of the kidneys can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health. On average, an adult human kidney typically weights around 120 to 10 grams (about 4.2 to 5.3 ounces). However, this weight can vary significantly from person to person. The normal kidney size is given below:

• Length: 10 to 12 centimetres (about 4 to 4.7 inches)
• Width: 5 to 6 centimetres (about 2 to 2.4 inches)
• Thickness: 2.5 to 3 centimetres (about 1 to 1.2 inches)

Why right kidney is lower than left kidney in human body.

As for the positioning of the kidneys, the right kidney is generally positioned slightly lower than the left kidney. The liver is a large organ located on the right side of the abdomen. The right kidney is positioned slightly lower than the left kidney to accommodate the space occupied by the liver.

Function of Kidneys.

The primary functions of the kidneys include:

1. Filtration of Blood: One of the key functions of the kidneys is to filter waste products, excess ions, and water from the blood to form urine. This process helps regulate the body's fluid balance and remove toxins and metabolic waste products from the bloodstream. By this process blood is cleaned by waste products.
2. Regulation of Blood Pressure: The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood and the concentration of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes in the body. They produce hormones such as renin, which helps regulate blood pressure by controlling blood volume and the constriction of blood vessels.
3. Regulation of Electrolytes: The kidneys help maintain the balance of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate) in the body. These electrolytes are essential for various physiological processes, including nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining proper fluid balance.
4. Acid-Base Balance: The kidneys help regulate the body's acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions. This process helps maintain the pH of bodily fluids within a narrow range, which is crucial for proper cellular function.
5. Excretion of Waste Products: Along with filtering waste products from the blood, the kidneys excrete them in the form of urine. These waste products include urea, creatinine, and uric acid, which are byproducts of metabolism that can be harmful if allowed to accumulate in the body.

Renal endocrinology (Kidney hormones)

The kidneys produce and secrete several hormones that play critical roles in regulating various physiological processes throughout the body. Some of the key hormones produced and secreted by the kidneys include:

Erythropoietin (EPO): Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood by regulating the rate of red blood cell production in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in the body.

Renin: Renin is an enzyme produced and secreted by specialized cells in the kidneys called juxtaglomerular cells. Renin plays a central role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure, fluid, and electrolyte balance.

Calcitriol (Active Vitamin D): The kidneys play a crucial role in the synthesis of calcitriol; the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol helps regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism by promoting the absorption of calcium from the intestines and the reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus from the kidneys.

Prostaglandins: The kidneys produce and release prostaglandins, which are lipid signaling molecules that have various physiological effects, including vasodilation and modulation of inflammation. Prostaglandins play a role in regulating blood flow to the kidneys and maintaining kidney function.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones may develop when certain substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become highly concentrated and form crystals.

There are several types of kidney stones, each formed from different substances:

1. Calcium stones: These are the most common type of kidney stones and are usually composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
2. Struvite stones: These stones can form in response to an infection, such as a urinary tract infection, and are composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate.
3. Uric acid stones: These stones form when there is an excess of uric acid in the urine, often seen in people who consume a high-protein diet or have certain medical conditions like gout.
4. Cystine stones: These rare stones form in people with a hereditary disorder called cystinuria, which causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids.

Action of Berberis vulgaris on kidney stones:

Homeopathy is recognized as an effective treatment option for kidney stones, providing a natural solution to address this issue.

Specifically designed homeopathic treatment for kidney stones offer a two-pronged approach: they are safe and work naturally. These remedies aim to either break down kidney stones into tiny particles resembling sand or aid in their removal from the urinary tract, depending on the individual case.

One of the commonly recommended homeopathic remedies for kidney stones is Berberis Vulgaris. Derived from the root bark of the barberry shrub, Berberis Vulgaris has a long history of medicinal use spanning centuries.

This homeopathic medicine is renowned for its effectiveness in addressing various conditions, including neuralgic pain, gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract disorders, and kidney-related ailments.

Berberis Vulgaris demonstrates remarkable effectiveness in alleviating the discomfort associated with kidney stone movement. It not only mitigates pain but also addresses symptoms such as sweating, nausea, and vomiting.

This homeopathic remedy specifically targets lower back pain and discomfort extending towards the bladder, providing soothing relief. It also diminishes the sensation of bubbling and other discomforts attributable to kidney stones.

Berberis Vulgaris is adept at easing the burning sensation and pain in the ureters and urethra provoked by kidney stones. Additionally, it fortifies the urethral sphincters, the muscles responsible for controlling urine flow. Hence, Berberis Vulgaris stands out as a widely utilized homeopathic medicine for offering symptomatic relief from kidney stones.

Furthermore, Berberis Vulgaris contributes to overall kidney function improvement. It enhances kidney and bladder health while exerting detoxifying effects by aiding the elimination of unwanted waste from the body.

Berberis Vulgaris action on Gall bladder:

Gallstones are solidified formations of digestive fluid that can develop within the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, below the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that is released into the small intestine.

These stones vary in size, ranging from as tiny as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. While some individuals may form a single gallstone, others may develop multiple gallstones simultaneously.

Berberis Vulgaris is highly effective in treating gallstone colic and facilitating the elimination of gallstones. It is particularly beneficial in addressing sharp, piercing pains originating from the gallbladder. These pains may exacerbate when pressure is applied.

Dr Masood’s homeopathic medicines for Kidney ailments:

There are some Dr Masood’s homeopathic pharmaceuticals medicines for kidney related issues.

HR 77 (RENOCAL) is the best homoeopathic treatment for Kidney Stone (Renal Calculi.) & Kidney Pain Indicated in incontinence urine and burning micturition. Effective for reddish urine due to renal calculi. Diminishes the flank pain and pain before urination. Also used for protein urea.

Ct 35 (RENOL) effective homeopathic tablets for reducing kidney pain and inflammation due to Urinary tract infection (UTI). Helps to regulate kidney function. Normalizes the blood serum level and filtration rate.

HR 73(DIUILINE) Induces diuresis and promotes flow of urine. In heart and kidney patients reduces heel odema. Indicated in burning micturition and incontinence of urine.