Kidney health is important to overall health. The kidneys filter the blood and take out waste and extra water, which is then excreted as urine. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste can build up in the blood and cause health problems. If you have any kidney conditions, it is important to take the medication your doctor has prescribed, and do not replace it with herbs without consulting your doctor. Prior to even using herbs to supplement your medication, talk with your physician to make sure it is safe for you to take the herbs, as they can interfere with medications and cause adverse effects.
Step 1
Take the medication your physicians have prescribed for your kidneys as directed. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting with them first.
Step 2
Consume dandelion preparations for kidney health and to support healthy kidney functioning. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking a 4:1 standardized powdered leaf extract at a dose of 500 mg, one to three times a day. Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, helping to promote excretion of salts and water from the kidneys.
Step 3
Take a nettle supplement. According to Drugs.com, nettle, also known as stinging nettle, has been shown to promote urinary tract health and possibly prevent kidney stones. For urinary conditions, take 4 g to 6 g a day of this supplement, says Drugs.com. For diuretic purposes, consume 8 g to 12 g daily.
Step 4
Consume 6 g to 10 g of couch grass herb daily, suggests Drugs.com. This herb has traditionally been used to help to treat urinary and kidney disorders, and has been indicated for the treatment of kidney stones, says Drugs.com. It is also a diuretic, helping the kidneys to excrete urine.
Step 5
Take an uva ursi supplement. This herb is also known as bearberry. Drugs.com describes this herb as having urinary antiseptic properties and has been listed by the German Commission E for use of inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract; uva ursi may also help to treat kidney stones. The University of Maryland Medical Center says to take capsules of the dried herb in dosages of 2 g to 4 g daily, standardized to 400 to 800 mg of arbutin, a chemical found in uva ursi. You can also soak 3 g of the dried leaves in 5 oz. of water for 12 hours, then strain and drink this hot or cold, three to four times a day.
