Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) has been used in traditional medicine systems—especially in parts of Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia—as a remedy for various urinary tract issues, including kidney stones. Folk medicine practitioners have recommended watercress for its diuretic properties, believing that increased urine production might help flush out kidney stones or prevent their formation. However, the direct evidence for its effectiveness specifically against kidney stones is limited to anecdotal reports and traditional herbal texts. There are no robust clinical trials or scientific studies that demonstrate watercress can actively dissolve kidney stones or prevent their recurrence. Most of the scientific literature on watercress focuses on its antioxidant content, vitamins, and potential anti-inflammatory effects, rather than on kidney stone management. Furthermore, the high content of oxalates in watercress could, in theory, contribute to the formation of certain types of kidney stones (calcium oxalate stones) in susceptible individuals. Therefore, while the use of watercress for kidney stones is rooted in tradition, scientific validation is lacking, and caution may be warranted for those at risk of oxalate stones.

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