According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 11.5 percent of adults in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease comes in a myriad of forms, such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, renal failure and kidney cancer. Certain herbs may be helpful as part of a well-rounded overall plan to treat kidney disease. Herbs can have strong effects on the body and may interact with certain medications, so before taking herbs, consult with a qualified, botanically trained health care provider for proper diagnosis and advice on herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.
Gravel Root
Gravel root, also known by its Latin name Eupatorium purpureum, is a plant in the Asteraceae or Aster family. Gravel root is used to treat a wide variety of urinary tract problems, including bladder infection, enlarged prostate and kidney disease. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," reports that gravel root may be helpful for chronic, or long-term, kidney conditions with symptoms of painful urination, bloody urine and diminished urine output. Gravel root is also used for treatment and prevention of kidney stones. Dr. Tilger adds that gravel root is especially therapeutic where there's deep, dull kidney pain associated with chills and bone pain. Gravel root has a slightly bitter and starchy taste and may be prepared as a decoction or a liquid extract.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, known botanically as Silybum marianum, is an Aster family herb that is best known for its ability to protect the liver and treat liver-associated ailments. Milk thistle also has lesser-known beneficial effects on the kidneys. According to Dr. Eric Yarnell, a naturopathic physician and author of "Naturopathic Urology and Men's Health," numerous studies suggest milk thistle regenerates the kidney's cells and protects them against toxin-induced injury. The milk thistle plant has a thorny stem, white-blotched leaves and purple-red flowers. The seeds are used medicinally and they have a bitter taste. Milk thistle seeds are available as powder, extracts, tinctures and capsules.
Nettle
Nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a member of the Urticaceae family. Both the root and the arial parts are used medicinally and they have earthy and bland tastes, respectively. Nettle supports overall urinary tract function. It is a urinary tract tonic that is rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and silicic acid. Nettle functions as a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center attributes nettle's anti-inflammatory activity to its active constituent, scopoletin. Dr. Tilgner cautions that nettle herb must be harvested at the correct time -- before the flowers appear -- otherwise it may actually cause urinary tract irritation. It's important to obtain nettle, as well as all herbs, from a qualified and reputable source.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Kidney and Urologic Diseases Statistics for the United States
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Naturopathic Urology and Men's Health"; Eric Yarnell, N.D., R.H.; 2001
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Nettle
