Herbs That Can Help Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Located just below the ribs on either side of the spine, kidneys, as we all know, are small, bean-shaped organs responsible for flushing out waste and toxins from our body. To get this job done, kidney processes about 150 to 200 quarts of blood every day. In addition to this, kidneys also release three vital hormones. These include, renin (regulates blood pressure), erythropoietin (stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells), and calcitriol (active form of vitamin D that helps the body utilize calcium from foods and regulates the production parathyroid hormone).

That’s a lot of work!

While our kidneys are capable of self-cleaning, various factors can break down this system, putting our kidneys at the risk of dysfunction and disease. Knowing how vital a job kidneys perform, it’s only wise to adopt a proactive approach towards keeping them healthy and functioning.

Following are some herbs that can help improve kidney function and health:

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been used as a natural remedy for kidney, liver, and gallbladder issues for more than 2,000 years. The Milk Thistle tincture supports the natural detoxification function of kidney and also helps protect kidneys and liver. The benefits are primarily associated with Silymarin – a flavonoid found in Milk Thistle. Silymarin also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is known to help promote cell regeneration in the kidneys as well.

Some animal studies also suggest that Silymarin may also potentially help in diabetic nephropathy.

Don't forget to learn more about Milk Thistle and Hangover, Milk Thistle for Dogs and Milk Thistle for cats

Parsley

Research tells that this popular culinary herb can help keep your kidneys healthy by lowering blood pressure, reducing mineral deposits in the urine, regulating urine pH, and increasing the frequency of urination. Parsley tincture is also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which give the herb anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Parsley also helps detoxify the kidneys and urinary tract.

Note

Parsley has relatively higher concentration of oxalates, which may increase the risk for kidney stones in people with hyperoxaluria; a condition characterized by excessive excretion of oxalate in the urine.

Ginger

Ginger is inarguably one of the most versatile herbs known to mankind. Among the numerous benefits it offers include its ability to improve the functioning of kidneys. The ginger tincture helps with detoxification without throwing off the balance of electrolytes in the body. Various minerals found in ginger can also help prevent and dissolve kidney stones.

Ginger root has also been found to help increase the amount of natural antioxidants in the body, lower renal inflammation, and reduce fibrosis (scarring or thickening of tissues in response to injury). Renal fibrosis can lead to chronic kidney disease. It can even cause kidney failure.

These are the three best known herbs for kidney health. They help protect them from damage and support and improve their functioning.

While these herbs are safe to use by healthy individuals, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor if you already have kidney issues, particularly kidney disease.

Also check out our post about herbs for kidney detox, herbs for kidney health, herbs for diuretic support.