7 Best Herbs for Kidney Health: Discover Power of Nature

Are you ready to discover our list of kidney-loving herbs? Join us as we present the evidence and the power of nature by exploring the top 7 best herbs for kidney health.

The kidneys are vital parts of your body. These fist-sized and bean-shaped organs are involved in many essential bodily processes. They are often overshadowed by flashier organs but work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Your kidneys act as natural filters, cleansing your blood and regulating fluids. They are also important in the production of red blood cells and in controlling your blood pressure. All of these functions are essential to your wellbeing.

Many people neglect the organ until it’s too late. By keeping up with some bad habits like smoking and eating too much processed foods, the kidneys can be damaged so badly that they can’t carry out their functions.

This is where the power of nature steps in.

Are you ready to delve into our list of kidney-loving herbs? Join us as we explore the top botanical picks, the unique benefits of 7 top and best herbs for kidney health, and how to incorporate them into your daily routine. However, before you read about these best herbs for kidney health, it is important to understand that as per National Kidney Foundation (1), patients suffering from kidney disease must not take any herbal supplement without advice of a health care provider. This is because several herbs for kidney health may have adverse effects and can even interact with existing kidney medicines.

Here it is important to understand that the below mentioned evidence for 7 best herbs for kidney health is only for information purpose and does not constitute any medical advice. Further, contradictory evidence is also found for some of these herbs. Hence, we must interpret the information with caution and it is always best to consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any herb or supplement.

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Seven Best Herbs for Kidney Health

Forget harsh chemicals and synthetic remedies. Mother Earth provides a treasure trove of potent herbs known for centuries to support kidney health. The bioactive components of herbs may reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis of kidneys. From dandelion’s cleansing properties to Chanca Piedra’s antioxidant and stone breaking capabilities, these botanical friends offer a gentle yet effective way to support your internal filtration system.

While they may be found in remote parts of the world, with supplements from a herbal store like Secrets.Shop, you can get the best out of these plants without having to hunt them down yourself.

Let’s get to the list of 7 best herbs for kidney health.

I. Chanca Piedra – Kidney Stone Breaker Herb

The rainforests of South America are home to this kidney-loving herb. Scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri, this herb also goes by many other names like stone breaker and seed-under-leaf. Very fitting names and we’ll tell you why.

The entire plant is used to make supplements that are beneficial to the kidney, from the stems to the seeds (which grow under the leaves).

Over the centuries, Chanca Piedra has been used to support kidney health, and now modern research is proving its effectiveness. A 2018 study (2) had 56 people with kidney stones taking Chanca Piedra for twelve weeks and guess what the results were? Two-thirds of the participants saw a reduction in the size and number of their kidney stones. Now you get why they call it the Stone Breaker. Add in the antioxidant effects of the herb and you can see why it is the first on our list. However, a meta-analysis conducted in 2020 pointed out that the clinical evidence is limited and efficacy is modest despite the growing popularity of the herb in the United States (3).

A supplement is a good way to benefit from this herb, so go get one, however, not without the advice of a healthcare professional.

It is important to note that recurrent kidney stones must be prevented as they otherwise increase the risk of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

II. Ginger as one of the Best Herbs for Kidney Health

This next herb comes straight from our kitchens. Surprising as it may seem, ginger (rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a very potent herb for kidney health. As humble as this ubiquitous herb is, the research (2) is proving it to be a real renal powerhouse.

Ginger is full of antioxidants. These chemicals help the body get rid of free radicals or oxidative agents that are toxic to the kidney cells.

Ginger contains some active ingredients such as gingerols and shogaols that help reduce inflammation in the body, and thus may have a potential to prevent kidney scarring. Studies have shown that these ingredients are anti-fibrotic and renoprotective.

Further, ginger has also shown to experimentally benefit in nephrotoxicity caused by certain chemicals and drugs such as cisplatin, cadmium, doxorubicin, vancomycin etc. (4).

III. Celery Seeds for Nephrolithiasis Kidney Stones

Celery seeds (Apium graveolens) are tiny, but don’t be fooled by their size. These herbs punch far above their weight when it comes to kidney support.

They have diuretic properties which make them act like tiny pumps that flush out toxins and waste products that burden the kidneys. Their antioxidant properties are vital in the fight against free radicals.

Plus, according to a study in mice (5), they are effective against breaking down calcium crystals in kidney stones, making them all-round boosters of kidney health.

Nephrolithiasis is a type of kidney disease characterized by kidney stones mainly calcium stones crystals. The active ingredient responsible for the same is mainly flavonoids such as Apigenin in Celery. So many benefits from such tiny things, and that’s why we love them.

IV. Dandelion Roots as Best Herbs for Kidney Health

dandelion root as top herbs for kidney health, dandelion root

Dandelion root is often relegated to the status of a weed, so it may be surprising to see it on this list of champions of kidney health. This herb contains antioxidants and prebiotics in abundance which work together to stimulate bile production.

Bile is a fluid which is produced by our liver and it is stored in the gall bladder. The function of bile is to help in digestion breaking down lipids and fats into fatty acids. This process aids digestion, reducing the workload on your kidneys and allowing them to focus on their filtration duties.

Further, Dandelion root contains beta-carotene (6) and polyphenols which are important and vital antioxidants that can potentially help in kidney health. Not only this, the herb also possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that provide an extra layer of protection for your kidneys. In experimental studies, dandelion root extract showed protection against kidney damage induced by cisplatin due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (7).

However, a word of caution for the leaf of this plant is given by National Kidney Foundation, according to which plants high in potassium must be used with caution in kidney patients and dandelion leaf is listed as the plant with high potassium content (1).

V. Horsetail as one of the Best Herbs for Kidney Health

Horsetail, an extract of the plant Equisetum arvense, has been used since the Greek and Roman times as a traditional medicine for kidney and bladder related health conditions. The plant is native to Northern Europe and North and Central America.

Horsetail is rich in silica. This mineral is known for strengthening connective tissues which act as a shield for your kidneys, potentially safeguarding them from damage. It also boasts of diuretic properties (8) which enhance the elimination of waste products.

Contrary to above evidence, as per National Kidney Foundation (1), it is listed as the herb to be avoided in patients with kidney disease. Further, rare instances of elevated liver enzymes and liver toxicity has been reported (9), hence it should be used with caution.

VI. Cornsilk for Kidney Stones

Cornsilk (Stigma maydis) is a medicinal herb commonly used in Chinese medicine and also by native Americans. Though it is often discarded as mere waste, but not many people know that it is a hidden treasure for your kidneys and is one of the best herbs for kidney health. The reason is its rich content of flavonoids and antioxidants, which protects against oxidative stress and inflammation that can harm your renal health.

There are experimental studies presenting evidence that polysaccharides in cornsilk reduces the risk of formation of kidney stones. Studies have also found (10) that Cornsilk increases the contraction of urinary smooth muscles, which enhances the passage of stones through the tract. Additionally, its diuretic properties encourage the flushing of toxins.

VII. Parsley in Urolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis means a group of recurrent diseases such as renal stones, urinary stones, urolithiasis and renal calculi. Parsley packs a powerful punch when it comes to kidney health and delicious meals. It’s a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and potassium, which are all essential nutrients that contribute to your kidney function.

Its diuretic properties make the elimination of waste products easier and prevents them from stressing these vital organs.

Parsley’s anti-inflammatory properties also protect against harmful cellular processes. When you include its activity against kidney stones (11), you see that the Parsley package is extraordinary.

Contrarily, National Kidney Foundation strictly advises against using the root of this herb in kidney disease (1).

Other Important Considerations While Selecting Best Herbs for Kidney Health

Potassium

Potassium needs to be limited in patients with CKD or those on dialysis. For detailed information, please refer the advice of a renal dietitian.
Further, as per National Kidney Foundation (1), some herbs have potassium in them and therefore should be avoided or used with caution in those with kidney disease.

The examples are: Alfaalfa, Bitter melon, Coriander leaf, Turmeric, American Ginseng, Black Mustard, Chicory, Dandelion leaf, Water lotus, Garlic leaf, Papaya fruit, etc. For a complete list, please refer to National Kidney Foundation (1).

Phosphorus

Like potassium, phosphorus should also be limited in the diet of those suffering from kidney disease or are on dialysis.

Common examples of herbs having phosphorus as per list given by National Kidney Foundation (1) are: American Ginseng, Bitter melon, Coriander leaf, Flaxseed, Milk thistle, Onion leaf, Sunflower seed, Water lotus, etc.

Herbs or Supplements to Avoid in Kidney Disease or CKD

As per National Kidney Foundation (1), following are the supplements to avoid if you have CKD: Astragalus, Barberry, Cat’s Claw, Goldenrod, Horsetail, Java Tea Leaf, Licorice Root, Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Oregon, Grape Root, Parsley Root and Uva Ursi.

Additionally, juniper berries and bucha leaves, because of their diuretic effects, may be bad for the kidneys.

Other Kidney-Friendly Herbs for Kidney Health

There are other remarkable herbs too that are kidney-friendly when researched and there is evidence from preclinical and clinical experiments, and these include Rheum spp. (Rhubarb), Cordyceps sinensis, Triptirygium wildfordii Hook F, Abelmoschus manihot medic, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Vitis vinifera (Grape)(12).

In the Chinese herbal medicine, certain plants are considered to be kidney protective. Among them are Astragalus membranaceus (surprisingly Astragalus is in the list of herbs to be avoided in CKD by National Kidney Foundation), Angelica sinensis, Rheum palmatum L., and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. In a study on >1000 users of above herbs and >4000 nonusers CKD patients, it was reported that above herb users had lower risk of disease progression to end-stage renal disease and demonstrated survival benefits (13).

Conclusion

The kidneys are some of the most important organs in the body. When their vital functions of excretion, blood pressure control, and red blood cell production are harmed, problems ensue. Therefore, knowing top and best herbs for kidneys health is the easiest way to ensure their longevity.

Herbs for kidney health are mainly considered in kidney disease due to their natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Further, some of the herbs are considered as powerful kidney stone breakers. There’s thus no need for all the drugs and harsh chemicals when nature has all these gentle gems to help your kidneys.

However, contradictory evidences are also available and hence whether healthy or patients with kidney disease, any herb or supplement must be taken with caution and on the advice of your healthcare professional.

Sources

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