Pashanbhed (Kidney Stone)

The literal meaning of word Pashanbheda is, one that breaks stones (Pashan is stone and bheda means to break, in Sanskrit). There are many plants that are known by this name due to their diuretic and lithotriptic (dissolving or destroying stone in the bladder or kidneys) activities. One such plant that is widely accepted under the name Pashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata) is Bergenia ligulata syn. Saxifrega ligulata. This medicinal plant is useful in treatment of many ailments but particularly for urinary calculi. Pashanbheda herb is found in Himalaya and the Khasi hills Assam. The rhizomes of this plant are used to prevent and expel urinary stones.