Evidence supporting the use of: Garden Cress
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum) has a longstanding role in traditional medicine systems, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East, for the management of kidney stones. In Unani and some Ayurvedic practices, the seeds—locally known as "Halim"—are believed to have diuretic and litholytic (stone-dissolving) properties. Traditional healers often recommend Garden Cress seeds as part of dietary or herbal regimens intended to promote urine flow and facilitate the expulsion of stones.

However, scientific validation for this use is limited. A handful of preliminary animal studies suggest that extracts of Garden Cress seeds may possess mild diuretic effects, which could, in theory, assist with flushing out small stones or preventing their formation. For instance, some studies have shown that Lepidium sativum extracts can increase urine output in experimental models. However, direct evidence for a stone-dissolving (litholytic) effect or clinically meaningful benefit in human kidney stone patients is currently lacking. No robust clinical trials or systematic reviews substantiate its efficacy for this indication.

In summary, the use of Garden Cress for kidney stones is rooted in traditional medical practices, with only weak and preliminary scientific support. The evidence is not sufficient to recommend it as a proven or primary treatment for kidney stones, and more rigorous studies are needed to clarify its potential role.

More about Garden Cress
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Products containing Garden Cress

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