What Herbs Can be Useful to Clean the Kidney?

Herbs have long been used to treat various ailments such as hypertension, arthritis, kidney stones, as well as conditions like cystitis, or urinary tract infections. Herbs can also help the body rid itself of excess water as is the case with fluid retention.

Herbs when used as diuretics are effective and easy on the system. Herbs that cleanse the kidney harness the power of this diuretic action, easing various symptoms and ailments.

Types

• While herbs are very helpful as diuretics, they are also beneficial when used in other ways. Many herbs have antiseptic properties along with components that can help heal the lining of the urinary tract itself. Herbs can help to heal and fix the urinary tract, keeping it sleek so that impurities like insoluble salts don't turn into kidney stones.

Uva ursi

• Uva ursi, also known as bearberry has antiseptic properties in the urine and is also an astringent herb. In addition, it has strong antibacterial components. This herb is most useful and strongest for 3 to 4 hours after taking it. It can be used to treat cystitis and urethritis and is helpful in cleansing the kidneys. Look for uva ursi in tea form or supplement form at your local health food store. It is often combined with other herbs in tea form. Follow dosing instructions carefully.

Horsetail

• Horestail, also known as bottlebrush, was once used to polish metal and wood because it is so abrasive. It contains large quantities of silica, which is thought to support the regeneration of connective tissue. Often used to treat incontinence, horsetail is also effective for cleansing the kidneys because of its diuretic properties. It is thought to reduce the levels of lead in the body. The astringent component of horsetail can help tone the bladder and may reduce the size of a growing prostate. Drink one cup of horsetail tea daily, or take 10 to 12 drops of extract twice a day to cleanse the kidney. Do not take for longer than one month without consulting your physician.

Corn Silk

• Corn silk is useful in kidney cleansing because it contains something called a mucilage, which is very soothing to the urinary tract. Corn silk is best when used fresh. Buy some organic corn on the cob, and keep the corn silk as you remove it. Trim off the dried brown part. Use about one ounce of corn silk and add to one point of boiling water. Steep for about ten minutes, strain and drink. The end result is a rather thick type of tea. Along with containing high levels of mucilage, corn silk also has diuretic and antiseptic properties, making it an ideal kidney cleanser.

  Consult with your physician before embarking on any herbal treatment program.