Evidence supporting the use of: Watermelon
For the health condition: Kidney Stones
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has been traditionally used in various cultures as a home remedy for kidney stones. The rationale stems primarily from its high water content—over 90%—which is believed to help flush the kidneys and urinary tract, potentially reducing the concentration of stone-forming substances. Additionally, watermelon contains modest amounts of potassium and magnesium, minerals that may help prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones. Traditional herbal and folk medicine systems, especially in Asia and the Middle East, have included watermelon or its seeds in remedies aimed at promoting diuresis (increased urine production) and supporting kidney health.
However, scientific evidence specifically supporting watermelon’s efficacy in treating or preventing kidney stones is limited and weak. Few clinical studies have directly evaluated watermelon for this purpose. While increased fluid intake is universally recommended to help prevent kidney stones, and watermelon can contribute to overall hydration, it does not possess unique properties that directly dissolve or prevent the formation of stones beyond its water content. Some laboratory studies have noted antioxidant and mild diuretic effects, but these findings have not translated into robust clinical evidence.
In summary, the use of watermelon for kidney stones is justified by tradition and its general hydration benefits, but scientific validation remains minimal. Its role is supportive rather than curative, and it should not replace evidence-based medical interventions for kidney stones.
Other ingredients used for Kidney Stones
AchyranthesAdzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Alfalfa
Alisma
amaranth
apple cider vinegar
apricot
arjun tree
Asam gelugor
asparagus
banyan
baobab
barley
bayleaf
bean
Bergenia
bermuda grass
bicarbonate
birch
black cumin
black gram
Blepharis
borassus palm
cactus
celery
Chaenomeles lagenaria
chanca piedra
chestnut
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Chinese pond turtle
cistanche
citric acid
cleavers
Coconut Water
colocynth
cornsilk
couch grass
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
dandelion
dioscorea
eggplant
elephant\'s head
Euryale seed
fenuside
garden cress
gokhru
goldenrod
gooseberry
gravel root
heartwood
hibiscus
horse gram
horsetail
hydrangea
Hygrophila
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
juniper berries
Khella
Longleaf buchu
lotus seed
madder
maize
Marshmallow
Melon
Moringa
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
Nettle
Ophiopogon
orange
Palo Azul
peach
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pipsissewa
potassium
Prickly Pear Cactus
pumpkin
quail egg
radish
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
root tuber
Rosa laevigata
sheep's sorrel
smilax
Snakeroot
Solanum anguivi
soursop
Taraxacum
Tiger Nut
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
vitamin B6
Watercress
Watermelon
Wax Gourd
Other health conditions supported by Watermelon
Aging (prevention)Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Dehydration
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Nausea and Vomiting
PMS (general)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Urinary Tract Infections
