Herbal Remedies For A Kidney Infection

Kidney infections are most often caused by a bacterial infection that originates in the bladder and migrates to one or both of the kidneys. Other possible causes include urinary tract surgery or anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract. Before using herbal remedies to manage a kidney infection, ask your doctor if herbs are a safe and effective treatment for this condition.

Kidney Infections

According to MayoClinic.com, a kidney infection is cause for concern. It requires immediate medical intervention. If left untreated, a kidney infection can cause irreversible damage to your kidneys or spread to your bloodstream, which can cause a life-endangering infection. Some of the most common indications that you have a kidney infection include fever, abdominal pain, increased frequency of urination, blood in your urine and pain in your back and side. Women more commonly develop this condition than men.

Useful Herbal Remedies

There are many useful herbal remedies for kidney problems, including infection. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, notes that the following herbs are beneficial in treating kidney disorders: buchu, celery seeds, parsley seeds, cranberries, dandelion root, hydrangea, uva ursi, marshmallow, goldenrod, juniper berries, nettle, red clover and watermelon seed. Echinacea, usnea and corn silk may also be useful in treating kidney infections. Check with your doctor to see if any of these herbs are appropriate for you.

Common Herbal Remedy

Usnea is a commonly used remedy in treating kidney infections. Ed Smith, noted herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," writes that usnea has also been used to treat many other conditions, including fungal infections, boils, impetigo, mastitis, bronchial infections, pneumonia, sore throat, sinus infections, trichomoniasis and dysentery. Usnea, notes Smith, may be most effective in treating urinary tract infections, including kidney infections. Usnea, a type of lichen that hangs from tree branches, possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic actions.

Considerations

Visit your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat a kidney infection. Kidney infections can lead to serious health complications if not treated in a timely and effective manner. Some herbs may not be appropriate for your health problem. A health care professional who is knowledgeable about herbal remedies can help you select the best herbs and provide you with relevant information about how you should use each herb.