The kidneys are responsible for processing blood in your body, which, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse, amounts to 200 qt. per day. The toxins that are filtered out of the blood during this process are sent to your bladder in the form of urine. Cleansing the kidneys helps prevent urinary tract infections, keeps the blood clean and prevents kidney stone formation.
Dandelion
Botanically known as Taraxacum officinale, dandelion is a diuretic herb, which means that it promotes urination, according to "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism." This effect aids in the removal of toxic waste that may eventually form kidney stones, and also helps pass existing stones with decreased pain. A noted benefit of dandelion, according to "Making Plant Medicine," is that it is high in potassium, and even though it stimulates the body to release water, it does not deplete it of this important mineral.
Make a dandelion root decoction by adding 1 cup of coarsely chopped root to a medium pot of filtered water. Bring to a boil and let the herb simmer for at least 25 minutes before straining. Drink your dandelion decoction throughout the day. You can dilute it with water if the bitter flavor of the root is too strong.
Hydrangea
Known botanically as Hydrangea arborescens, hydrangea is another strong diuretic herb. It helps reduce and prevent pain due to kidney stones and urinary tract infections, as it is also an anti-inflammatory agent, according to "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs."
Take 2 to 4 droppersful of hydrangea tincture diluted in filtered water, thrice daily.
Gravel Root
Commonly referred to as joe pye weed, the diuretic gravel root is known botanically as Eupatorium purpureum. Only the rizhome and the root are use in folk medicine.
Take in the form of tincture by adding 1 to 2 droppersful to a cup of filtered water, or prepare a decoction to be taken three times per day by adding 1/2 tsp. of dry gravel root to a cup of boiling water and letting it simmer for 10 minutes.
References
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
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