Properly functioning kidneys are vital to maintaining a healthy life. These functions include the removal of waste, toxins and fluid through the urine, maintaining fluid balance, promoting bone strength, regulating blood pressure and producing red blood cells. A healthy lifestyle, along with regular exercise and a proper diet, will promote proper kidney functions. Herbs such as horsetail, nettle and goldenrod, used under the supervision and guidance of your health care practitioner, may also enhance kidney functions.
Horsetail
Horsetail is an herbal remedy used in Greek and Roman times for a variety of ailments, including kidney problems. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies to support the use of horsetail in humans are few. However, it’s traditionally used as a diuretic to increase urinary output, flush the kidneys, and treat kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Horsetail is available as a dried herb and in liquid preparations. Horsetail should be stored in a well-sealed, light-protected container. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take horsetail.
Nettle
The root of nettle is used to treat urinary tract disorders like benign prostate hypertrophy, or BPH, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Nettle has diuretic properties that may cause an increase in urinary output, which helps to flush the kidneys and promote the removal of waste and toxins from the body. Reported side effects of nettle include hypersensitivity, skin irritation or skin rash, along with sweating and gastrointestinal upset. Nettle is available in capsules, as a root tincture, as an extract, and in dried-leaf or freeze-dried leaf forms.
Goldenrod
In traditional medicine goldenrod has been used for a variety of ailments. This medicinal herb was historically used for wound healing, and as a diuretic. A diuretic works to increase urinary output and flushes the kidney of toxins through urination. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, human studies of high quality with goldenrod are lacking. However, animal studies suggest that goldenrod may reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and work as a diuretic to flush the Goldenrod is available in capsules, fluid extract or tincture as well as dried herb for tea.
Pregnant and breast feeding women should not take goldenrod.
