Your kidneys are the main organ in your urinary system. They regulate the retention and removal of your body fluids. They also remove waste from your body, help you maintain a proper electrolyte balance, and help regulate glucose, amino acids and foreign substances in your body. If your kidneys do not function properly, waste products can build up in your blood and cause a poisonous effect according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Poorly functioning kidneys can also lead to anemia and other health issues. You can promote kidney health and treat or avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs) with herbs, though you should consult a doctor before utilizing herbal remedies.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is popular in Europe for treating UTIs and for preventing and eliminating kidney stones say James E. Robbers and Varro E. Tyler in "Tyler's Herbs of Choice." In fact, Germany's Commission E, that country's regulatory body for herbs, approves goldenrod as a preventative treatment for stones and for increasing urine output to reduce kidney and bladder inflammation.
Goldenrod is often found in teas that are meant to "flush out" kidney stones advise the experts at UMMC. While laboratory studies indicate goldenrod has anti-inflammatory properties, it has not been studied in humans. This herb's flavonoids and saponins, plant components believed to have health benefits, may contribute to its effects, say Robbers and Tyler.
A usual dose ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 oz. daily. If you have high or low blood pressure, osteoporosis, or take diuretics or lithium, you need to take this herb under the supervision of a health care professional.
Cranberry
Utilize cranberry to avoid a UTI that can harm your kidneys advises the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. UTIs most often are caused by bacteria that live around the urethra, the entrance to your urinary tract. The bacteria enter your urethra and travel to your kidneys and bladder.
Bacteria also can come from your digestive tract or vagina. Cranberry is more effective for preventing UTIs than for treating them because it can prevent bacteria from attaching to your urinary tract walls according to UMMC. Cranberry supplements are generally considered safe, even if you are pregnant. However, if you have kidney stones, you need to talk to a doctor before utilizing cranberry. Cranberry also can interfere with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
Bearberry
Bearberry, also called uva ursi, is recommended by Commission E for treating UTIs. In fact, it was commonly used to treat UTIs until the discovery of antibiotic and sulfa drugs according to UMMC. This herb is most effective when taken at the first sign of infection. The usual dose is 1/3 oz. daily, say Robbers and Tyler. This herb is most effective if you have alkaline urine because this enhances its antibacterial effects. You'll have to eat a diet rich in vegetables such as tomatoes, milk, potatoes, fruits and fruit juices and also can consume 6 to 8 g of sodium bicarbonate daily to achieve alkaline urine. However, you need to avoid taking it with vitamin C, cranberry and citrus fruits because these can make your urine more acidic.
It also may increase effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Bearberry contains hydroquinone, which can be toxic, so you need to consult a doctor before using it warn the experts at UMMC. Hydroquinone and arbutin are chemicals in bearberry with possible antibacterial properties. The plant also has tannins that tighten mucous membranes in your body, which contributes to fighting infection and reducing inflammation.
References
- "Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The therapeutic use of phytomedicinal; James E. Robbers, Varro E. Tyler; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: What Do The Kidneys Do?
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
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