Kidneys regulate your body's salt and water, and eliminate waste and toxins from your blood. They are an important part of your body's inner cleansing mechanism and help protect you from harmful chemicals in food and water. In Asian medicine, the essence of all life is stored in the kidneys and transformed into Qi, or energy, which diminishes with age. Herbal teas may nourish and protect your kidneys naturally. Consult your health care practitioner before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs used in teas for the kidneys work in several ways. Kidney tonics are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, especially for older patients. Diuretic herbs help the kidneys eliminate waste. Anti-lithic herbs help prevent mineral deposits forming into kidney stones. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbal teas for your kidneys.
Dandelion
Dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, is a perennial herb with yellow flowers found throughout the world. Herbalists use the leaves and roots to treat edema, poor appetite, liver disorders, gall bladder problems and rheumatism. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, recommends dandelion leaf as a tonic and as a diuretic that is also a natural source of potassium, a crucial mineral electrolyte. Do not use dandelion if you have allergies to members of the Aster family.
Gravel Root
Gravel root, or Eupatorium purpureum, is a tall herb with fragrant purple flowers, also known as Joe-Pye weed and kidney root. The roots and rhizomes are rich in volatile oil and flavonoids. The Cherokee used the herb for kidney problems and as a tonic during pregnancy, and it's a traditional Western herbal remedy for gout, urinary tract infections and rheumatism. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends it as a diuretic and anti-lithic to treat and prevent kidney stones. Do not use this herb if you are allergic to plants in the Aster family.
Eucommia
Eucommia, or Eucommia ulmoides, is a deciduous tree native to China. Known as "du zhong" in TCM, it has a warm character and regulates the kidney meridian. The bark is rich in iridoids, catechins, flavonoids and caffeic acid. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody notes that eucommia is a tonic for kidney Qi. It's also useful for disorders involving kidney weakness, such as low back pain, impotence and frequent urination. Do not combine it with high blood pressure medicine.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
Member Comments