Ashmari is the Ayurvedic term for kidney stones, referring to solid crystalline formations that develop in the kidneys or urinary tract due to various factors including diet, lifestyle, and metabolic disturbances.

Kidney stones are classified based on their composition, such as calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Ayurveda links these formations to an imbalance of the doshas, primarily Vata and Kapha, leading to the accumulation of toxins (Ama).

• Excessive intake of:
  • High-oxalate foods (like spinach, beets)
  • Increased consumption of animal protein
  • High salt and sugar levels
  • Inadequate hydration, leading to concentrated urine

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita:
  “Consumption of heavy, incompatible food leads to the formation of Ama and subsequent stone formation.”
  (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Chapter 27, Verse 196)

• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity promotes the stagnation of doshas.
• Improper food combinations: Eating incompatible foods (Virudh Aahar) disrupts digestion.
• Low water intake: Can lead to concentrated urine.

Ashmari develops due to a combination of factors:

• Aggravation of Pitta and Vata doshas leading to the formation of Ama (toxins).
• Imbalance in the Agni (digestive fire) results in improper digestion and absorption, contributing to the production of calculi.

Sloka Reference:

• Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 13.14): "यत्र चित्तं वि चित्तं वि विवर्धन्ति श्लेष्मकः."
  • This verse indicates the formation of stones due to the accumulation of doshas

• Ultrasound or CT scan to visualize stones.
• Urinalysis to check for blood, crystals, and infection.
• Blood tests to assess kidney function and stone composition.

• Mild flank pain
• Nausea
• Changes in urinary patterns (increased frequency or urgency)

• Severe pain in the back or side (renal colic)
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Nausea and vomiting

1. Severe pain in the back or side (renal colic): Severe, sharp pain radiating from the back to the lower abdomen.
2. Hematuria (blood in urine)
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Frequent urination
5. Painful urination
6. Urinary obstruction leading to hydronephrosis if left untreated.
7. Fever and chills in case of associated urinary infections.

1. vataj
2. pittaj
3. kaphaj
4. sannipataj

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney damage or failure
• Obstruction leading to hydronephrosis

The prognosis is generally good with timely diagnosis and treatment, but recurrent stones can pose long-term health issues.

• Dietary modifications to reduce oxalates and increase hydration.
• Herbal remedies: Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa).
• Panchakarma therapies to eliminate toxins and balance doshas.
• Surgical interventions (like lithotripsy) for larger stones.

1. Increased water intake: Aim for at least 2-3 liters daily.
2. Low-oxalate diet: Limit foods high in oxalates.
3. Incorporate diuretic herbs: Such as coriander and fennel.

• Avoiding high protein diets that exacerbate Pitta.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.

Kidney stones result from supersaturation of urine with calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, leading to crystallization and stone formation. The metabolic abnormalities can be linked to genetic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices.

• USG Whole abdomen