Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, revered in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. The bark is the primary medicinal part and forms the basis of classical Ayurvedic kidney formulas, particularly in combination with other lithontriptic herbs. It is one of the most consistently recommended herbs in Ayurveda for anything involving the urinary tract — from infections to stones to difficult urination.

Varuna's key compound, lupeol, helps break down the crystalline structures that form kidney stones and reduces the activity of enzymes that promote stone growth. It also has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that soothe the bladder lining, ease urination, and help clear urinary tract infections. Its muscle-relaxing action on the urinary tract walls helps flush out small stones and gravel and reduces painful spasms.

Traditional Ayurvedic use favors a decoction of the bark boiled in water, consumed warm. Modern formulations include standardized capsules and tablets (often standardized to lupeol content), and liquid extracts. For clinical use, standardized extracts provide more consistent dosing. Many commercial products combine Varuna with complementary herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Shilajit for broader urinary support.

• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Enlarged prostate (BPH)
• Painful or difficult urination
• Bladder inflammation and overactive bladder
• Urinary gravel and crystals
• Kidney and urinary tract inflammation
• Gout and uric acid buildup
• Liver health and detox support

• Recurrence of kidney stones in stone-prone individuals
• Progression of urinary crystal deposits to full stones

Varuna is a tree bark extract not found in any food. However, you can support the same urinary and kidney health pathways through your diet. Drink plenty of water (the single most important factor in stone prevention). Foods that support kidney health and reduce stone risk include: citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange — their citrate content inhibits calcium stone formation), watermelon (high water content and potassium support kidney flushing), pomegranate (antioxidants reduce kidney oxidative stress), basil (traditional use for kidney stones, contains acetic acid), celery and parsley (mild diuretics that promote urine flow), and whole grains and legumes rich in magnesium (magnesium inhibits calcium oxalate crystallization). Reduce salt, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods like spinach and beets if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones.

• Mild nausea or stomach upset at high doses
• Loose stools or mild diarrhea (uncommon)
• Increased urinary frequency (expected diuretic effect)
• Possible uterine stimulation — avoid during pregnancy
• Rare allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals

• Recommended daily: Bark powder: 3–6 grams daily in divided doses. Standardized extract (standardized to lupeol): 500–1000 mg, 2–3 times daily. Traditional decoction: 50–100 ml of bark decoction twice daily.
• Best time of day: Twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening, spacing doses evenly through the day to maintain consistent urinary tract levels.
• With or without food: Best taken with food to minimize any stomach upset. Traditional decoction is often taken warm before meals.
• Time to effect: Urinary comfort and flow improvements may be felt within 2–4 weeks. Measurable effects on kidney stones typically require 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
• How long to take it: For acute urinary tract support or active stone management, use continuously for 3–4 months. For long-term stone prevention in recurrent cases, some practitioners use ongoing low-dose supplementation with periodic breaks. Reassess with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks without improvement.