The kidneys are fist-sized organs positioned on both sides of your spine in your upper abdomen. These organs are responsible for collecting wastes and toxins from your bloodstream so they can be flushed from your body through urine. However, if your kidneys become infected, they may not efficiently remove wastes. A kidney infection may also cause abdominal pains, and may lead to kidney disease and urinary tract infections. Certain herbs may help combat kidney infection. Contact your doctor before taking any herb to treat kidney infection.
Uva Ursi
Ancient Chinese physicians recommended uva ursi as a diuretic to relieve excess water weight and urinary problems. The diuretic properties of uva ursi may help ease the strain on your kidneys, allowing your body to heal the cells of these organs. Uva ursi also contains antiseptic chemicals that may help destroy bacteria that contribute to kidney infection, according to herbalist and aromatherapist Kathi Keville, author of "Herbs for Health and Healing." Check with your doctor before treating a kidney infection with uva ursi. This herb may cause convulsions and nausea.
Garlic
Although garlic is most widely known as a culinary herb, it has a long history of use in herbal medicine. In the Ebers Papyrus, the oldest surviving herbal manual, garlic was listed as a remedy for heart disease, headaches and menstrual cramps, according to medical journalist and health writer Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Garlic also contains chemical compounds that may have antibiotic benefits. These chemicals may help stimulate immune system function, and may help destroy viruses and bacteria that can contribute to kidney infections. Consult your doctor if you plan to use garlic to treat a kidney infection. This herb may interfere with blood clotting.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is commonly sold in the United States as a memory enhancer and energy booster. However, it may also help clear kidney infections. This herb may improve blood circulation to your kidneys, allowing your body to more efficiently deliver antibodies to clear infection. Ginkgo may also reduce kidney inflammation, reducing pain associated with kidney infection, according to nutrition expert Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Talk to your doctor before taking ginkgo -- like garlic, it may inhibit blood clotting.
Ginger
Ginger is an aromatic herb commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisine. The rhizomes, more commonly referred to as roots, of this herb may also offer medicinal benefits. The chemical compounds contained in ginger root may have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which may help your body destroy infection-causing foreign cells in your kidneys. Contact your physician if you plan to treat a kidney infection with ginger -- it may contribute to heartburn.
References
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville; 1998
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
