Herbs for Kidney Infection

If you are experiencing a constant need to urinate, painful urination, blood or pus in your urine or abdominal, side or back pain accompanied by a fever, you may have a kidney infection. While there are herbs to help alleviate your symptoms and help your kidneys heal, it is best to see a doctor to determine which integrative treatment plan is best for your health needs.

Horsetail

• Horsetail is an ancient Greco-Roman treatment for kidney infections. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, horsetail has recognizable diuretic, or urine excretion, properties that make it a beneficial treatment for both kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Purchase horsetail in either a liquid decoction or in dried form from a reputable online herbal retailer or health store. Store it in a tightly sealed container away from direct light.
  Upon your doctor's advice, prepare horsetail herbal tea by steeping two to three tsp. of the dried herb into one cup of hot water for five to ten minutes. Strain through cheesecloth and drink the mixture three times per day. Alternatively, take 300 mg of dried herb horsetail capsules with a 10 to 15 percent silica three times per day.
  Drink lots of fluids while taking horsetail and take a multivitamin or B complex vitamin every day. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that people with kidney diseases and heart conditions should not take horsetail, so discuss its use with your doctor before you take the herb. Horsetail should not be used for a prolonged period of time. Speak to your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications, as horsetail's diuretic effects may elevate the toxic side effects of particular medications.

Uva Ursi

• Uva Ursi, also known as bearberry, is a traditional American Indian urinary tract infection treatment. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, uva ursi has been proven to contain an antibacterial constituent called hydroquinone that combats infection. Uva ursi also contains tannins, astringents that reduce inflammation and also help to fight infection. But while uva ursi can be effective in treating kidney infections, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that the hydroquinone in the herb can cause severe liver damage. Additionally, if you take uva ursi to treat a kidney infection, your urine must be alkaline in order to sustain the herb's effectiveness. Therefore, avoid all acidic foods while on uva ursi, including tomatoes, pineapple and citrus fruits. Finally, do not use uva ursi if you are taking corticosteroids such as prednisone or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, have high-blood pressure or are pregnant or breast feeding.
  Under your doctor's supervision, purchase uva ursi in powder or crushed-leaf form from a reputable health food store or online retailer. Prepare a tea by soaking about ½ tsp. of the dried leaves in about 5 oz. of water for at least 12 hours. Strain through cheesecloth and drink the decoction three to four times per day for no more than five days in a row.