What is chanca piedra?Chanca piedra is an herb that grows in tropical areas, like the rainforests of South America. Its scientific name is Phyllanthus niruri. It also goes by a number of other names, such as:
Kidney stonesChanca piedra is best known as a potential kidney stone cure — which is how it earned the name “stone breaker.”
The herb is alkaline, so it may help prevent acidic kidney stones. It’s a less expensive, over-the-counter alternative to prescription potassium citrate, an alkalizing agent that’s commonly used to prevent acidic kidney stones. It may also help you urinate more.
In one study in 56 people with kidney stones who took 4.5 grams of chanca piedra per day, researchers found that the kidney stones decreased in size and number in about two-thirds of participants.
What’s more, other small human studies have observed some benefit to taking chanca piedra for kidney stones.
Dogs/Cats and Calcium Oxalate Stones
This is a less common bladder stone that is very difficult to treat- ( far most common is struvite)
Calcium oxalates form when the urine pH is too low- although making the urine pH low helps dissolve struvite.. ( see the problem..)
One of the principles in treatment is providing less building blocks for the stones ( ie oxalates), increasing fluid, and slightly raising the urine pH AVOID feeding Spinach, Soy and Potatoes as they are HIGH in Oxalates Canned Food, Home diets to INCREASE fluid consumption Slight rise in urine pH- veterinary wise we would prescribe Sodium citrate- but it seems a safer, potentially more helpful option is this plant
'Chanca Piedra'
It has been fairly widely used, and few side effects are noted
A suggested dog/cat dose is 100mg/10lbs daily
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