The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of your middle back below your rib cage. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), they process up to 200 quarts of blood per day, and filter out water and waste material that turns into urine. Kidney stones are mineral deposits composed of calcium salts, uric acid and phosphates in combination with the amino acid cytisine, according to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book, "The New Holistic Herbal." Herbs can help cleanse the kidneys and aid in the removals of kidney stones. Always consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies.
Gravel Root
Gravel root, also known as joe pye weed, and botanically known as Eupatorium purpureum, is a diuretic herb that is primarily used for kidney cleanses and the removal of kidney stones, explains Hoffmann. Only the rhizome and the root are used as a decoction. A decoction is a preparation made by boiling herbs in water. It is commonly a necessary process when attempting to extract elements from dense plant material such as roots and bark, explains Simon Mills in "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism."
Hoffmann's method for making a gravel root decoction calls for 1 tsp. of dry gravel root and rhizome added to a cup of boiling water. Let them simmer for at least 10 minutes, and drink your gravel root decoction three times per day. You can also take one to two dropperfuls of gravel root tincture three times daily as an alternative.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea, also known botanically as Hydrangea arborescens, is a shrub, and its roots and bark are also used in folk medicine as a diuretic. Diuretic herbs provoke and increase in urination, helping to cleanse the kidneys. They reduce infections and help in the release of kidney stones. According to Steven Foster and James Duke, in "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs," hydrangea also works as an anti-inflammatory and inhibits tumor formation.
Make a hydrangea decoction by adding 2 tsp. of dry hydrangea root to a cup of boiling water. Let the root simmer for 15 minutes and drink three times daily. Alternately, dilute two to four dropperfuls of hydrangea root tincture into a cup of filtered water.
Wild Carrot
Botanically known as Daucus carota, wild carrot is a third diuretic herb used to cleanse the urinary tract and, in particular, the kidneys since it contains a volatile oil that works as an active urinary antiseptic, explains Hoffmann. Only the dried leaves and seeds are used medicinally.
Make a wild carrot infusion by pouring a cup of boiling water onto a tsp. of dry wild carrot leaves and seeds. Let them steep for at least 15 minutes, and drink three times per day. Otherwise take two dropperfuls of wild carrot tincture three times daily.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The Kidneys and How They Work
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
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