Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri), the "stone breaker", has been used for kidney stones in South America for generations. Online it's often sold as a natural way to dissolve stones. What's proven – and what isn't?
The human studies
- Nishiura et al. (2004, Urological Research): 69 patients with calcium stones took 450 mg of chanca piedra or placebo for three months. Overall no significant difference in blood or urine values. Only in a subgroup with high urinary calcium did calcium drop.
- Micali et al. (2006, Journal of Urology): 150 patients after shockwave lithotripsy. Stone-free rates did not differ significantly overall (93.5% vs. 83.3%); only for lower-pole stones did the herb do better in a subgroup.
- Pucci et al. (2018): 56 patients with small stones drank a tea made from dry extract for 12 weeks. The main urinary risk factors didn't change overall; in small subgroups oxalate or uric acid fell.
Bottom line: the studies are small, and possible benefits appeared only in subgroups. It is not proven that chanca piedra dissolves kidney stones. It is, however, considered well tolerated.
If you want to try it
- Only as an add-on to proven measures: plenty of fluids, citrate, little salt, normal calcium intake.
- Studies used about 450 mg of extract up to 2 g as tea per day for up to 3 months.
- Choose products with stated origin and lab testing; herbal products can be contaminated.
Safety and interactions
Stomach upset is possible. Chanca piedra can lower blood sugar and blood pressure – caution with diabetes and blood pressure medication – and is mildly diuretic (caution with lithium). Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other herbal options: stinging nettle and goldenrod; the basics are in our guide to preventing kidney stones naturally.
When to see a doctor
Don't self-treat colic, fever, blood in the urine or large stones. Stones larger than 5–10 mm often don't pass on their own and need urological treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does chanca piedra dissolve kidney stones? There's no convincing human evidence for that.
How long can you take chanca piedra? Studies ran up to three months; long-term data are lacking.
Is chanca piedra dangerous? It's considered well tolerated but can lower blood sugar and blood pressure and interact with medications.
Third-party tested chanca piedra products can be found in our recommendations below.
