Kidney diseases can be acute or chronic, and in either case, they require special care during treatment. In conditions that affect vital organs of the human body, the discussion around alternative therapies in disease management may raise objections. However, there are such therapies that, at the very least, have the advantage of having been tested for many years before the emergence of modern conventional medicine. Often, these remedies have been used to such an extent that even if they fail to improve a patient’s clinical condition, their use can still be reliably considered safe. It is important to emphasize that all alternative therapies mentioned here are only complementary approaches and in no case can they replace the primary medical treatment for kidney-related diseases.
The use of herbal remedies for kidney diseases has ancient roots. Many cultures across continents have utilized dozens of plants to address these issues. The list of references in herbal medicine literature is extensive:
Depending on their nature, some of these herbs are consumed as food (raw or cooked), others as infusions (parts of the plant used fresh or dried), and some as dietary supplements (tablets, syrups, etc.). Below are brief notes on the most popular of these herbs:
ARTICHOKE (Cynara scolymus L.)
The active compounds of artichoke, especially those found in the root, leaves, and stems, are diuretic. This is the main reason it is considered highly effective against both acute and chronic nephritis. It also helps fight kidney stones. Its use in Greece for kidney health has deep roots and is still widely popular today, particularly in the Ionian Islands, where it is boiled in white wine to prepare a traditional decoction. As a diuretic, it promotes urination and thereby helps cleanse the urine and ultimately the kidneys.
COUCH GRASS (Agropyron repens L., Triticum repens L.)
Couch grass is regarded as an excellent diuretic. Its rhizomes and shoots have long been used around the world and are known for their diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to treat urinary tract infections, prostate inflammation, cystitis, nephrolithiasis, and renal colic.
WILD CARROT (Daucus carota)
This aromatic herb acts as a diuretic and significantly stimulates the detoxifying action of the kidneys. An infusion of its leaves is beneficial in cases of urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, and cystitis, and it acts as an antiseptic for the urinary system. It is used for treating various kidney and bladder disorders. Its seed tea is recommended for urinary retention and ascites. Not recommended for pregnant women or diabetics, and care should be taken during collection, as it closely resembles the toxic hemlock.
BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Native American tribes used its leaves to treat bladder infections, urethritis, kidney stones, and cystitis. In Chinese medicine, it was also known for its healing effect on the kidneys and bladder. In Europe, its use began in the 12th century. In addition to its diuretic action, it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, particularly within the urinary tract. It is believed to soothe and strengthen urinary mucous membranes. In Greece, it grows in the northern mountainous regions and is more effective when combined with yarrow, couch grass, or flaxseed. Caution: excessive doses can cause glucosuria.
WILLOWHERB (Epilobium parviflorum)
Its primary medicinal action is in treating prostate, kidney, and bladder disorders. Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, it is effective in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia and related postoperative symptoms. Also helpful in cystitis and nephritis, and can alleviate urinary incontinence. It is consumed as an infusion, while its young shoots can be boiled and eaten like asparagus.
CORN (Zea mays L.)
One of nature’s most popular remedies for kidney stones. It is effective in managing elevated uric acid levels. Its strong diuretic properties make it a favored natural remedy for kidney gravel (sand), uric acid stones, and calcium oxalate stones. It soothes urinary tract inflammation, nephritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis, and fights infections and painful urination. The active part used is the corn silk.
PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum)
A beloved culinary herb with well-known medicinal value. A powerful diuretic, it is used in urinary disorders, kidney stones, urethritis or urethral stricture, cystitis, and gout.
APPLE TREE (Malus domestica)
Its use for kidney function was widespread in the Middle Ages, particularly against gout. The leaves, buds, and blossoms are strong diuretics. A blend of these three was then considered the appropriate remedy for acute nephritis, cystitis, and nephrolithiasis. Apple cider vinegar has also been historically noted for its kidney-cleansing properties. Today, boiled apple juice is believed to soothe irritated kidneys and the bladder.
PARSNIP (Pastinaca sativa)
Its essential oils support normal kidney function and relieve symptoms of various kidney and bladder disorders. The root is the medicinal part, considered a healthy vegetable that can be consumed raw or cooked, like carrots.
NETTLE (Urtica dioica L.)
Leaves, root, and seeds are the useful parts of this plant. It helps break down uric acid, making it valuable in nephritis, cystitis, and kidney stones. It is diuretic and can be consumed as an infusion or as fresh juice. It was popular among traditional healers in Epirus, who recommended drinks made from crushed nettle seeds. In many Cretan villages, nettles are boiled and eaten like leafy greens.
It should be noted that while the therapeutic properties of herbs are usually sufficient for the prevention of disease and long-term kidney health, and perhaps to relieve symptoms in mild cases, they can never replace medical treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional. They do not act as “magic pills” but rather work synergistically, interacting with a variety of micronutrients found in a complete diet.
Clinical research in the field of herbal medicine, particularly concerning the safety of herbal use in disease treatment, is ongoing and extensive. One landmark study was conducted by the Medical Toxicology Unit of Guy’s Hospital in London over five years (1991–1996). It investigated the side effects of traditional therapies (herbs and dietary supplements). The study found that among 1,297 participants (23% of the study population), there was a correlation of symptoms from "possibly" to "confirmed" (in 61% of cases). These symptoms included allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver dysfunction (mainly from Chinese medicinal herbs), as well as possible interactions between self-selected supplements and prescription drugs. The researchers concluded that the general risk from using these treatments in combination was low, and since then, they have been regarded as generally safe. This study highlights the importance of ongoing research in the field.
Over the past 20 years, there has been—and continues to be—a revolution in dietary supplements, as more people seek to improve their health through diet or "natural" therapies. It is important to emphasize that while many food components may be safe at normal dietary doses, when intake levels rise to "pharmacological" doses, side effects may appear. Therefore, these nutrients must be thoroughly researched, and both health professionals and the public should be well informed about the benefits and risks of such options.
Source: Mednutrition.gr
