Your kidneys play an important role in regulating your body's water content, salt balance, blood pressure and waste removal. In traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, your kidneys also store jing --- a vital essence that exists in all living organisms. Jing can be transformed into qi, or vital energy, and associated with specific organs. Kidney qi affects your aging process, longevity, ear and hair health and bone marrow. If kidney qi and jing are deficient or weak, you may become ill, lose your hair or age faster. Herbs are necessary to replenish these vital forces. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment for your kidneys.
Herbal Actions
Replenishing herbs for the kidneys have diverse physiological actions, in addition to replenishing jing and qi. Some are known as kidney tonics and may have immune-stimulating and antimicrobial properties. This makes them useful for urinary tract infections, a common kidney-related disorder. Diuretic herbs work on the kidneys to reduce excess water and increase kidney blood flow. Herbs that affect your kidneys may be potent, so check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage levels and preparation.
Japanese Cornel
Japanese cornel, or Cornus officinalis, is a species of dogwood native to China and Japan. TCM practitioners use its fruit, known as "shan zhu yu," as a tonic to strengthen the kidneys and to treat disorders associated with kidney deficiency in TCM, such as hypertension, deafness, tinnitus and vertigo. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody notes that shan zhu yu replenishes liver and kidney jing, and is important for urinary problems associated with kidney weakness. Do not use this herb if you are having painful or difficult urination.
Walnut Tree
The walnut tree, or Juglans regia, is a tall tree that bears an edible nut. Herbalists use the seeds and leaves to treat acne, eczema, fungal infections, sunburn, diarrhea and ulcers. The herb is rich in tannins, which have astringent, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Penelope Ody explains that the nuts are also a kidney tonic in TCM and useful for low back pain and urinary problems, symptoms of kidney deficiency. Do not use, however, if you are constipated.
Fleeceflower
Fleeceflower, or Polygonum multiflorum, is a climbing vine native to China. In TCM, it's also known as "fo ti" and "he shou wu," and is an important kidney tonic and diuretic. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink note that TCM practitioners use the roots and aerial parts to treat liver and kidney diseases, infertility and premature aging. Fleeceflower is also a remedy for graying hair and hair loss, which are symptoms of deficient kidney qi. Penelope Ody adds that the herb replenishes kidney jing in menopausal women. Do not use fleeceflower if you have diarrhea.
References
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
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