Your bladder and kidneys are key structures in your urinary tract. The kidneys help eliminate waste products and regulate the amount of water in your body; your bladder is a storage vessel for urine before it is voided from your body. Both structures are susceptible to urinary tract infections, which is one of the most common conditions of your urinary tract. Before using herbs to treat your bladder and kidneys, talk with your physician about the safety and effectiveness of botanical medicines.
Bladder and Kidney Problems
Your bladder is a hollow organ situated in your lower abdomen. MedlinePlus notes that several conditions may impair the functioning of your bladder, including urinary tract infections or cystitis, reduced bladder control or urinary incontinence, and bladder cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer among Americans. Kidney disease occurs when your kidneys are damaged by diabetes, elevated blood pressure or certain inherited conditions. Your kidneys may also become infected if bacteria from your bladder migrate up your ureters.
Beneficial Herbs
In her book "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician and herbalist Sharol Tilgner lists numerous herbs that may be beneficial in protecting the normal structure and function of your kidneys, including sage, Asian ginseng, rhubarb, fresh corn silk, astragalus and ginkgo. Herbs that may be beneficial in preventing a loss of bladder control include partridge berry, lady's mantle or false unicorn, St. John's wort, witch hazel, fresh corn silk and gotu kola. Herbs that may combat urinary tract infections include uva ursi, echinacea, fresh corn silk, usnea and buchu.
Featured Botanical
Corn silk is a powerful botanical medicine that protects the function of your kidneys, reduces your chances of developing urinary incontinence and helps treat urinary tract infections. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that corn silk has diuretic action and aids your bladder, kidneys and small intestines. This herbal remedy, which helps open your urinary tract and removes mucus from your urine, is sometimes used in treating bed-wetting and certain prostate conditions.
Considerations
Bladder and kidney conditions can be serious. If you experience symptoms attributable to either of these urinary tract structures, consult your family physician as soon as possible to avoid health complications, such as long-term kidney damage. Although botanical medicines are usually safe and effective, you should avoid ingesting these substances until you have discussed all herb-related topics with a botanically-trained health care professional. A naturopathic physician or medical doctor trained in herbal medicine can answer your questions about herbs.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Kidneys and Urinary Tract
- MedlinePlus: Kidney Diseases
- MedlinePlus: Bladder Diseases
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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