Natural Kidney Treatment

The main job of the kidneys is to get rid of waste and to control fluid balance in the body. There are many conditions that can cause the kidneys to stop working properly. Some are acute, lasting for a short time, while others are chronic and require ongoing treatment. The natural medicines listed below are helpful for any kidney condition and are most effective when used in conjunction with standard treatments. Always tell a doctor about any natural supplements being used.

Herbal Treatments

• Abuta and Uva ursi are strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. They can stop bleeding in mild kidney disease. Take 2,000 mg daily of abuta or 700 mg of Uva ursi daily. Do not use either for periods longer than 2 weeks at a time with short breaks of about a week in between. It is not necessary to take both as they have the same effect. Bupleurum stops protein loss and the tissue damage that can result. Use the form and dosage as determined by a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. Dandelion root extract helps excrete the kidney's waste products and is especially helpful for nephritis, a condition where the kidney becomes inflamed and blood presents itself in the urine. Take as directed on the label.

  Hoelen is an immune suppressant that stops the formation of lesions in the kidney. Eat 3 to 6 g daily of the dried or fresh herb. Marshmallow root tea will cleanse the kidneys. Drink 1 qt. daily. Sairei-to helps increase fluid flow in the kidney and increases the effects of prednisone, a common steroid prescribed to treat inflammation--a common issue in kidney disorders. Take as directed.

  Bupleurum can cause mild stomach upset. If this occurs, speak to the dispensing herbalist about changing the dose. Do not use if you have a fever or are taking antibiotics. Do not use hoelen if you have a long-term illness that causes excessive urination.

Other Suggestions

• Minimize your salt intake, especially if you are suffering from high blood pressure. Consume a low-protein diet by reducing your consumption of meat, fish, dairy products and dried beans. Processing high amounts of protein is very taxing to the kidneys. The amino acid arginine is very beneficial for the kidneys. Include legumes, seeds and soybeans in the diet.

  A study led by M. Yagi that was published in a 1998 edition of "Nephron" found that the supplement chitosan shifted the burden of expelling nitrogen found in dietary protein from the kidneys to the intestines. This effect was most strongly noted in those suffering from kidney disease caused by lupus, an autoimmune condition, and those with glomerulonephritis, a chronic kidney condition that causes protein to leak from the kidneys into the urine.