Healthy kidneys are important to overall health. Kidneys are urinary filters and are responsible for flushing toxins from the urinary tract. Waste from the blood and other bodily fluids pass through the kidneys to be excreted from the body. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste can build up in the bloodstream and urinary tract, causing toxicity. Sometimes, this buildup occurs in the kidneys themselves, resulting in kidney stones. Certain herbs and supplements can cleanse the kidneys and urinary tract, and may even help dissolve kidney stones.
Burdock
Burdock root is often used in herbal medicine to treat kidney problems. It is a thistle that grows throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. It is also being cultivated in North America. According to Clayton College of Natural Health, it is a natural diuretic and blood purifier. It is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It is also used to treat arthritis, gout and rheumatism. When taken for kidney stones or infections, it is typically combined with other herbs, such as Queen Anne's Lace and Plantain.
Cornsilk
Most people do not think of cornsilk as an herb, but it is the most common herb used to treat kidney and bladder infections. It is the fine grass-like part of corn, just beneath the husk. Cornsilk tea may be taken to treat inflamed kidneys, prostate and painful urination. It is a natural diuretic and may be used to treat edema. It strengthens the bladder and may be used for children who wet the bed. The typical dose is 1 cup of cornsilk tea three times per day.
Gravel Root (Queen of the Meadow)
Queen of the Meadow, or meadowsweet, has been used by herbalists for centuries to break down kidney stones, hence its nickname, gravel root. It contains the chemical salicin, which is used to make aspirin and to treat headaches, colds and the flu. It is a natural diuretic and is used to treat gout, arthritis, rheumatism and edema. The Clayton College of Natural Health also recommends gravel root to aid in the removal of kidney stones. It is an excellent herb overall for easing water retention and removing uric acid buildup from the body. It is generally taken in tincture form, 1 to 2 ml three times per day.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle may be a headache for landscapers and lawn enthusiasts, but it is a standard in the herbalist's medicine cabinet. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat gout, eczema, arthritis, edema and a variety of urinary problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it is also used to treat enlarged prostate. Its laboratory studies indicate that a chemical in stinging nettle may slow the growth of prostate cells. It can be taken as a tea or tincture, 1 to 4 ml three or four times per day.
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