Herbs for the kidneys

The broadleaf plantain—not to be confused with the banana type—is considered a ubiquitous weed by most people.  However, it holds hope for those whose blood is in need of cleansing, by its diuretic properties.  TCM has held this plant’s leaves in high esteem for such purposes for centuries.  It has long been in use for removing poison from the body in general, whether by infection or external sources.Commonly known also as uva ursi, this plant’s leaves and berries are powerful cleansers and astringents to the urinary system and kidneys.  Their main ingredient, arbutin, contains antiseptic properties that heal the kidneys and bladder or infection.  Additionally, bearberry soothes inflammation in these organs and tonifies them.Also known as horsetail, this herb contains silica, which is beneficial to the bones as well as the kidneys.  Considering the fact that calcium is often depleted from the bones and forms crystals that become kidney stones, shavegrass may help prevent this from occurring.  This herb is also important for use in cleansing infection from the kidneys and generally from the urinary tract.View the list »
The silky strands found on ears of corn, either dried or fresh, have long been used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Latin American herbalism as a tea/infusion.  When stones are suspected, they are said to help dissolve them.  Corn silk can be used either on its own or combined with other herbs for this purpose.

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Despite the dangers of ignoring trouble of any sort with the kidneys, it’s no secret that many allopathic doctors simply dismiss claims of pain in this area of the body, especially by female patients. More often than not a woman complaining of pain in her lower back, radiating upward and to the sides and lower abdomen, accompanied by nausea and even some bleeding, will be virtually ridiculed. Her physician—usually male—will simply chalk it up to a back ache plus either premenstrual syndrome or menopausal symptoms, according to her age. If the patient persists and demands a test, it will only be for an infection. Once this comes back negative, the doctor will say, “See? It was all in your head. Now go home and bake some cookies,” or some other such patronizing remark.

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All the more reason why at least one-third of Americans are turning to natural alternatives for healing. Part of the reason is the failure of Obamacare to address the points of inadequate insurance coverage for the poor. Still others cannot afford insurance at all in many instances, or must rely on bargain-basement clinics. Overall, though, there are generally poor results from many allopathic doctors to begin with. As a result, many prefer to rely on such modalities as Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbalism, chiropractic, etc.

For those who want to try herbal medicine for their kidneys (and note: this does NOT replace needed surgery or other procedures should there be advanced kidney disease) to prevent serious illness, you will find many available plant materials singly and in combination, in supermarkets selling either Latino or Chinese herbs. They have very low prices and are used as teas.

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  • The silky strands found on ears of corn, either dried or fresh, have long been used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Latin American herbalism as a tea/infusion.  When stones are suspected, they are said to help dissolve them.  Corn silk can be used either on its own or combined with other herbs for this purpose.
  • Also known as horsetail, this herb contains silica, which is beneficial to the bones as well as the kidneys.  Considering the fact that calcium is often depleted from the bones and forms crystals that become kidney stones, shavegrass may help prevent this from occurring.  This herb is also important for use in cleansing infection from the kidneys and generally from the urinary tract.
  • Commonly known also as uva ursi, this plant’s leaves and berries are powerful cleansers and astringents to the urinary system and kidneys.  Their main ingredient, arbutin, contains antiseptic properties that heal the kidneys and bladder or infection.  Additionally, bearberry soothes inflammation in these organs and tonifies them.
  • The broadleaf plantain—not to be confused with the banana type—is considered a ubiquitous weed by most people.  However, it holds hope for those whose blood is in need of cleansing, by its diuretic properties.  TCM has held this plant’s leaves in high esteem for such purposes for centuries.  It has long been in use for removing poison from the body in general, whether by infection or external sources.
  • In English, this plant is known as Juliana Adstringens.  Not a common household substance to many of us, but in Latin American countries, it is frequently found in tea bag form mixed with other herbs and sold in stores, including in California.  The bark has astringent qualities that heal infection of the kidneys, as well as having diuretic effects to eliminate edema.  As well, cuachalalte reduces inflammation resulting from kidney problems.  As a bonus, this plant’s bark is helpful in controlling diabetes (a contributing factor in kidney disease) and lowering cholesterol.
  • As a garnish, it is most often ignored and discarded.  What a mistake, when it could be a boon to those with kidneys needing detoxification.  Parsley in soup or tea, whether fresh or dried, will cleanse and tone up those organs.  Purification is needed to keep the kidneys healthy, and parsley is a pleasant and healthy means of achieving this.
  • Whether you use the greens as salad or with the roots and flowers, in an infusion/tea, alone or mixed with other herbs, this natural diuretic will detoxify unlike many other herbs.  Luckily, the plentifulness of this plant makes it an easy choice to clean out the kidneys.  Called “pissenlit”  (“pee in bed”) in French, due to its tendency to increase urine flow, you’ll find dandelion will flush out impurities rapidly. It also will not deplete your potassium levels as do other diuretics, since it is rich in that mineral.
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, LA Alternative Medicine Examiner

Vickie has certificates as a Holistic Health Consultant, Clinical Nutrition Counselor, and Herbal Medicine Counselor. She sees great potential in LA for promotion of these fields. She is also a member of the Dinshah Health Society. Vickie can be reached at: vljackson@hotmail.com.

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