The supportive role and limitations of plantain for kidney stones
For a long time, plantain has not only been a wild plant but also traditionally regarded as an important herbal remedy for ailments related to "heat", "toxicity", and the urinary tract. Easily accessible and simple to use, plantain has long been associated with many traditional folklore remedies to support the treatment of kidney stones, painful urination, and urinary frequency.
Plantain in traditional medicine
Dr. Ngo Duc Phuong, Director of the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicines, stated that broadleaf plantain, scientifically known as Plantago major, is widely used not only in Vietnam but also across many Asian countries.
“In traditional medicine, plantain has a sweet taste and a cooling nature, and acts on the lung - liver - kidney meridians. This medicinal herb is commonly used to clear heat, promote urination, relieve painful or difficult urination, and support treatment of urinary tract inflammation and mild cases of urinary stones,” Dr. Phuong said.
Not only used in traditional medicine remedies, plantain is also used flexibly in everyday life. Its young leaves can be boiled, cooked in soups, or eaten as greens to cool the body and aid digestion, making it especially suitable for those suffering from internal heat or difficult urination.
Diuretic effect and folk remedies
From a modern research perspective, numerous studies show that plantain (Plantago major), especially its leaves, has a distinct diuretic effect, helping increase the excretion of urea, uric acid, and mineral salts in the kidneys. This provides the scientific basis explaining why plantain is often used to help prevent and alleviate kidney stones.
In folk medicine, a commonly used remedy to support the treatment of urinary tract stones includes: 20g of plantain (mã đề), 30g of Desmodium styracifolium (kim tiền thảo), and 20g of cogon grass rhizome (rễ cỏ tranh). The herbs are decocted as one dose per day or steeped like tea and consumed in several servings throughout the day.
When to seek medical treatment
However, Dr. Ngo Duc Phuong emphasized that plantain (Plantago major) only plays a supportive role and is not a specific cure for certain cases of large kidney stones.
In addition, Dr. Bui Thanh Hoai from the Department of Traditional Medicine, 19-8 Hospital (Ministry of Public Security), warns patients against self-medicating with herbal medicine. According to Dr. Hoai, herbal remedies are typically only effective for small stones. For stones larger than 10 mm, causing grade 2 or 3 hydronephrosis, or accompanied by severe renal colic, patients require intervention through modern medical methods such as lithotripsy or surgery.
Lifestyle habits and medical visits for kidney stones
Alongside medication, lifestyle and diet play a pivotal role. People with kidney stones need to drink at least 2 liters of water daily to enhance the kidneys' filtration and excretion capabilities, while limiting salt intake and reducing oxalate-rich foods such as water spinach, strong tea, and chocolate.
Experts also advise that before using traditional herbal medicine, patients should undergo an ultrasound to accurately determine the size and location of the stone, thereby selecting an appropriate and safe treatment method.