Did you know that your kidneys are crucial in maintaining your overall health? They regulate blood pressure, filter out toxins from your blood, produce red blood cells, and keep your body’s acid-base balance in check. But sometimes, your kidneys may need extra help to function at their best. That’s where kidney cleansing comes in – a deliberate act of caring for your kidneys by flushing out potentially harmful substances from your body.
While your kidneys have a natural self-cleansing process, a natural detox can be an excellent supplement, especially for those at risk of kidney dysfunction or stones. However, before you start any kidney detox plan, it’s wise to consult your physician or nephrologist. Some herbs may interfere with your medications, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Here are the 16 Best kidney-cleansing herbs
1. Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a plant with medicinal properties that has been used for ages. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that could soothe kidney inflammation and resist bacterial invasions. However, its effects on human kidneys are not fully understood, and it may not play well with certain medications.
Additionally, the high potassium content of stinging nettle may not be ideal for everyone, especially those grappling with specific health problems.
2. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for digestive issues. Although it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, studies indicate it may hurt mice’s kidney function.
Marshmallow root is also a source of potassium, sodium, and vitamin A, which may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions. While generally safe, taking marshmallow root can cause stomach discomfort and dizziness as potential side effects.
3. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herb in traditional medicine that has bright purple flowers. It contains silymarin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests it may offer protection against kidney damage, including diabetic nephropathy. Most users experience only mild digestive discomfort, if any.
4. Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is an herb used for its healing properties for centuries. It is believed to have a diuretic effect on the body, which may help prevent kidney stone formation by flushing excess minerals and waste out of the urinary system. However, it is essential to note that dandelion root is high in potassium, so people with kidney disease should be cautious.
Dandelion root is available in various forms, such as tea, tinctures, or capsules, and is best used in moderation after speaking to a professional.
5. Juniper
Juniper berries are well-known for their use in gin-making, but they also have health benefits due to their diuretic properties and antibacterial components. It can aid in urinary tract infections and kidney function, but pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it due to potential risks.
Juniper berries are effective in kidney detoxification and are anti-arthritic and anti-diabetic. They also have antiseptic properties that can help prevent infection.
6. Sambong
Sambong, scientific name: Blumea balsamifera, is a plant with potential health benefits. This plant is originally from the Philippines and has been commonly used to cure kidney stones and infections in the urinary tract. It is believed to decrease blood pressure and shrink the size of kidney stones, but its precise effects on the kidneys still need to be completely comprehended. Sambong has a strong, slightly bitter taste and can cause allergic reactions in some people. (6)
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb commonly used in Indian cuisine, and it has potential health-promoting properties, especially for chronic kidney disease. Its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties suggest that it may positively combat inflammation and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to substantiate these potential benefits.
It has been used for centuries in India and is thought to be effective in treating arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, and depression. Some studies suggest that turmeric may help improve kidney function, but the potential effects on kidney stones and blood-thinning properties call for cautious use and professional medical consultation. Turmeric is generally considered safe to consume.
8. Hydrangea
The Hydrangea plant has the potential to promote kidney health by offering anti-inflammatory relief to kidney cells adversely affected by chemotherapy. However, we must note that animal studies sometimes translate to success in human applications. We can only claim its potential benefits.
After conducting thorough tests on humans, it can be said with complete confidence that hydrangea aids in breaking down and removing kidney stones. Hydrangea is also believed to be a natural diuretic that promotes urination. The plant’s known side effects include dizziness, chest constriction, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
9. Ginger
Ginger is a powerful herb that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is known for its protective effect against kidney damage and can be used to cleanse the kidneys and improve their function. However, ginger is not without its side effects, including heartburn and stomach upset, and individuals with specific health conditions should use it with caution.
10. Parsley
Parsley has a traditional function as a diuretic that helps increase urine output, which may help clean the urinary tract and prevent kidney stones. Although parsley’s potential benefits for kidney health are mainly anecdotal, scientific evidence supports its use for detoxification.
Parsley has a strong diuretic effect that helps flush out toxins and excess water from the kidneys and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. However, more research is needed to confirm its effects.
11. Horsetail
Horsetail is a plant frequently used as a diuretic for maintaining urinary tract health. Although horsetail is commonly used in traditional medicine to address urinary tract infections and kidney stones, there is limited scientific evidence to support its potential benefits to kidney health.
Horsetail’s impact on blood sugar levels and high potassium content requires careful monitoring when incorporating it into a health routine.
12. Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi, or bearberry, is a traditional herb for urinary tract health. It has purported antimicrobial properties and is used to help cleanse the kidneys and bladder. However, research on its broader effects on kidney health must be more extensive.
Bearberry can cause severe adverse effects if used for an extended period, which may include respiratory issues and damage to the liver. It may help prevent kidney and bladder stones and relieve dysuria, cystitis, and urethritis symptoms.
13. Burdock Root
Burdock root is a Chinese herb traditionally used as a diuretic to purify the kidneys and blood. Further research is required to determine the connection between burdock root and kidney health. More extensive studies must confirm its advantages and identify any possible adverse effects. It is important to note that allergic reactions to burdock root have been reported, indicating that a medical professional should supervise the use of this herb.
14. Cranberries
Cranberries are a natural detoxifier for the kidneys. They are effective in treating urinary tract infections and kidney stones. The high levels of antioxidants in cranberries help flush out toxins and increase urine output, preventing the formation of kidney stones. Cranberries are a rich source of vitamins C and E, essential for overall health.
They have a compound called proanthocyanidins (PACs), which might help prevent bacteria from causing infection. The juice can also increase the amount of water in the urine, flushing bacteria and toxins and protecting the kidneys from oxidative stress.
15. Celery Root
Celery Root is rich in dietary fiber that helps remove toxins from the body. It contains vitamins B-complex, C, and K that combat inflammation and promote blood clotting. It’s an excellent food for kidney detoxification and overall health.
16. Garlic
Garlic is not only a popular ingredient in many cuisines, but it also has health benefits. Scientific studies confirm that garlic can help boost the immune system, regulate blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. Moreover, garlic has antibiotic properties that can aid in fighting off infections. Additionally, some research indicates that garlic may aid in detoxifying the kidneys.
When to Seek Medical Care
See a doctor if you have symptoms of kidney disease, such as nausea, fatigue, difficulty urinating, muscle cramps, swelling, itchy skin, chest pain, or shortness of breath. It would help if you also took Kidney pain seriously and sought medical attention.
Before changing your diet, please consult your doctor and ask them about taking herbs or supplements. Follow your doctor’s care instructions carefully, take medications as directed, and make necessary changes to your lifestyle.
