12 Best Herbs that Support Kidney Health

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

More than 20 million people in America suffer from chronic kidney disease, and perhaps as many as half of these people are completely unaware that they have it. There are probably another 20 million others who are at an increased risk, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Although herbs that can aid the colon and liver have been extensively studied, herbs for kidney health or maintenance are somewhat hard to come by.

So while research might be limited, we do have other ways of verifying that some herbs are healthful for the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation states that there are some herbs which, when used properly, they can promote kidney health.

Keep reading for 12 of the best herbs you can consume to support your kidneys and stay off the chronic kidney disease list.

 

1. Horsetail

Sometimes thought of as nothing more than a weed, it has powerful diuretic compounds which can increase urine output to help flush the urinary tract and kidneys. Horsetail is also loaded with strong antioxidants that offer a huge number of benefits to the kidneys and renal system. You can consume horsetail in either a capsule supplement, or as a tea. Either way, horsetail is a great herb to add to your daily diet.

 

2. Green Tea

The young leaves of the tea plant are known to have strong nutritional qualities. Most green teas are unfermented as opposed to oolong teas, which are semi-fermented, and black teas, which are fully fermented. Green tea has astringent, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic compounds. Green teas also have substances called polyphenols, which are known to help stop the formation of kidney stones. It’s these polyphenols have been widely researched for their antioxidant activities that can prevent disease that is caused by oxidative stress, including many kidney related diseases.

 

3. Hydrangea Root

Commonly used among Native Americans and pioneers in America, both of whom used the root of this plant for improving the health of both the bladder and the kidney. This root acts like a solvent and smooths the ragged edges of kidney stones. It can discourage kidney stones from forming by helping the body use calcium, rather than allowing it to form a stone in the kidney.

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2 Comments

  1. Gabe

    May 21, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    I’m sure, Ariel could write a comprehensive article on kidney health.

  2. Stephen Crouse

    Feb 13, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    Thanks for the information!