Kidney and prostate problems can be treated with traditional medication, but some people find that herbs are effective in relieving symptoms and providing relief. Before using any herbs for kidney or prostate problems, ask your health care provider if these remedies are appropriate, as they can interact with certain medications and cause adverse effects.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a plant that has been used since the early 1900s for genitourinary problems. This herb treats symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a condition in which prostate cells multiply and grow, causing enlargement of the prostate gland. Saw palmetto can help reduce the too-frequent urination and difficulty urinating that BPH can cause and has been as effective as the prescription medication finasteride, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is hypothesized that this herb may interact with the production of testosterone and affect the enzyme that promotes prostate cell growth, slowing it down.
Horsetail
Horsetail, also called Equisetum arvense, has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times for wound healing, tuberculosis and kidney problems. This herb has been shown to have diuretic properties, and in individuals with a history of uric acid kidney stones, horsetail helped increase urine output, adds UMMC. It has also been used to help treat urinary tract infections.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi, also called bearberry or rockberry, is an herb that has been used as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract infections. Teas made from the leaves of this plant have been used as urinary tract antiseptics as well as treatments for cystitis and inflammation of the urinary tract. It is thought that the herb works best when urine is alkaline, because acid interferes with the antibacterial properties of the herb.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle has been used as a diuretic as well as for prostate health and to treat urinary tract infections. Stinging nettle has been used to help treat BPH, and when combined with other herbs, including saw palmetto, urinary symptoms decrease, notes UMMC. However, stinging nettle does not slow down prostate cell growth. Although many stinging nettle remedies are made from the leaves and stems of the plant, root preparations are used to treat BPH.
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