Kidneys are essentially blood-cleansing organs that process about two quarts of waste products and excess water every day, according to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Clearinghouse, or NKUDC. Healthy kidneys remove wastes from the blood but leave protein intact. Malfunctioning kidneys may fail to separate a blood protein called albumin from the wastes. A number of herbs are purported to help to detoxify the kidneys and ward off potential problems. The National Kidney Foundation points out that herbal remedies may be unsafe for people with chronic kidney disease. The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements.
Cranberry & Blackcurrant
Cranberry extract and unsweetened cranberry juice can promote kidney health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
A German study led by T. Kessler at the University of Bonn found cranberry juice and blackcurrant juice may be useful in the treatment of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. The findings were published in October 2002 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Cranberry and blackcurrant may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
Grape Seed
The healing power of grapes has been recognized for thousands of years, according to the UMMC. Grapes have been purported to treat a slew of health conditions, including kidney stones. However, there are no studies to support claims that grape seed can break up kidney stones.
Side effects of grape seed may include an allergic reaction that causes hives, rash, itching and possible breathing difficulties.
Gravel Root
Gravel root has been suggested as an herbal remedy to liquefy kidney stones, according to Disabled World.com. It appears to work best in the earliest stage of kidney stones, says Health Care Tips.org. Gravel root may also help to treat urinary problems such as frequent urination. Side effects, including chest tightness and breathing difficulties, have been reported.
Horsetail
The use of horsetail as a medicinal herb goes back to ancient Greek and Roman medicine, according to the UMMC. This herb has been used to treat kidney disorders, tuberculosis and other health conditions
Horsetail has been touted as an effective remedy for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Side effects may include stomach upset and more frequent bowel movements.
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