Kidneys are one of those body parts that most people don’t think about until something goes wrong. Kidneys are actually very important. They remove waste and toxins from the blood.
They clean about 200 quarts a day and remove about 2 quarts that you then pee out. Kidney also help to regulate blood pressure, increase red blood cell productions, and synthesize vitamin D.
Cleansing kidneys is a popular method of keeping kidney healthy. We’ll discuss nine different herbs that are used for kidney cleansing and give you a freebie in the conclusion. Number three is common in flower arrangements.
Who knew it could help with kidney stones. Number five is not only incredibly healthy but is a versatile vegetable in the kitchen.
1. Chanca Piedra
Chanca Piedra is a South American herb with clinical trials that support the claims. “Stone breaker” is thought to help with kidney stones. Whether it relaxes the urethra, washes out stone fragments, or increases passing of calcium is unknown. However, it does appear to work.
Most people take chanca piedra as a tea. It is thought to be generally safe.
2. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is used to tone the urinary tract and detoxify the kidneys. Clinical trials in animals suggest that goldenrod may reduce inflammation and fight infections, and is a diuretic.
The effective plants include Solidago species, not Verbascum densiflorum. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and others, you should avoid taking goldenrod.
3. Hydrangea Root
Hydrangea root is a solvent and may smooth the ragged edges of kidney stones and also helps the body use calcium properly. There are ongoing trials on the efficacy of hydrangea root and autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and arthritis. Hydrangea root is commonly available as tinctures or dried roots in capsules.
It is thought to be safe to take for a few days, but not long term. The dosage should be less than 2 grams at a time.
4. Horsetail
Horsetail is a diuretic and antioxidant. Horsetail is known to reduce edema, reduce bladder and kidney stones, help with incontinence and cure UTIs. It may be helpful to support the kidneys. It is generally taken as a tea or capsule.
Horsetail contains a chemical called thiaminase that breaks down the vitamin thiamine. Extended use may lead to thiamine deficiency. Make sure that the horsetail comes from Equisetum arvense, Equisetum hyemale, or Equisetum telmateia. Equisetum palustre is known to be toxic to cattle.
5. Celery Root
Celery seeds and celery root (celeriac) are diuretics. Diuretics may help flush out kidney and celery root is considered stimulating for the kidneys because it contains potassium and sodium.
Celery root is edible and incredibly nutritious or take as an extract or capsule. It also useful in reducing stiff joints, fights colon cancer, and balances blood levels in anemic people. It also helps with digestion and regular bowel movements.
6. Gravel Root
Gravel root or Joe Pye weed is also known a kidney root because of its long association with kidney health. Gravel root contains euparin. This solvent has potent activity against harmful organisms and may protect against kidney infections. It is also used for UTIs, gout and kidney stones.
However, it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids which may cause liver damage, cancer and birth defects. If you use gravel root, look for “hepatotoxic PA-free” on the label. Otherwise it is considered unsafe.
Conclusion
Here is the freebie herb. Parsley is not just for garnish. Chew it to freshen the breath and eat it as a diuretic. It is incredibly high in vitamin K. Don’t at parsley when taking blood thinners because of the vitamin K content.
Take these herbs in moderation as some are possibly unsafe in large doses. Some of these, like dandelion, grow in your garden and can be made into a tasty salad as well as a healthy tea. Just don’t spray with pesticides and herbicides first!