Top Herbs for Kidney and Urinary Tract Health

Best Herbs for Kidney and Urinary Tract Health

As we know, the kidneys and urinary tracts play a central role in ensuring your body gets rid of toxic substances

Thus, supporting their work is critical to ensure that they function normally.

Lynda Frassetto

Lynda Frassetto, MD, at the University of California, San Francisco (USCF), was quoted in a UCSF article, says

Most people think of the kidneys as blood filters, and that’s one job. Every minute, you filter about one-fifth of all the blood in your body.

There are multiple herbs for kidney wellbeing. Here are the main ones:

1. Dandelion Root

Dandelion root is a powerful herb with multiple ingredients supporting kidney wellbeing. Some of its leading chemicals include sesquiterpenoids, phenolic chemicals, and flavonoids. 

The sesquiterpene compounds have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are good for your kidneys.

The botanical’s leaves have diuretic qualities, helping your system to increase the amount of urine it creates. Besides its kidney-cleansing properties, dandelion root can help boost normal blood pressure.

Wondering how to use dandelion root? Dandelion is available in various formats, including:

• Tinctures
• Liquid extracts
• Teas
• Tablets
• Capsules.

2. Uva Ursi (UU)

Uva Ursi is one of the best herbs for kidneys and bladder. This fantastic herb bears various names, including Bearberry and Sandberry. 

From time immemorial, it has been used to enhance the health of the urinary tract. It has two main components, allantoin and arbutin, that support the urinary tract. 

Whereas arbutin keeps sound microbial balance in the urinary tract, allantoin delivers a soothing quality to your renal system.

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In addition to the two components above, UU has multiple components, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and iridoids. 

Through its ingredients, UU may treat UTIs and acts as a natural diuretic. These ingredients make UU one of the best herbs for kidney healing.

Research shows that UU can be effective in preventing UTI when combined with dandelion root.

The herb has anti-inflammatory qualities that help it stop bladder swelling and prevent urinary tract illnesses. Furthermore, these properties help your body reduce UTI bacteria that can gather in the urinary tract.

An important responsibility of UU is to act as a natural diuretic, helping the body to eliminate toxic fluids. Through this role, your body reduces the presence of disease-causing microorganisms.

You can use the crushed dry leaves of UU to prepare hot beverages like tea. Furthermore, the herb is available in capsule and tablet form

3. Garlic

Garlic is a popular herb used for culinary and therapeutic purposes. Its key ingredient is allicin, which helps lower high blood pressure and improve renal function. It has nephroprotective qualities essential in maintaining a healthy urinary tract system.

Studies indicate that garlic exhibits powerful antibacterial capabilities that help it combat UTIs. It exhibits antibacterial effects on E. coli, which infects the urinary tract. Garlic can be a better option for multi-drug resistant types of bacteria that affect the UT.

The anti-inflammatory qualities of garlic help it boost immunity, enabling the body to get better prepared to fight any bacterial infections.

Furthermore, garlic is a diuretic herb that enhances urination, assisting the body to flush pathogens out of the urinary tract.

To reap the antimicrobial benefits of garlic, you can add it to your diet in various forms, including:

• Raw garlic: effective in combating E. coli and other UTIs
• Garlic tea: enables you to reap the benefits of the herb while enjoying a beverage
• Garlic-infused olive oil: get regular garlic flavors on your salads, bread, and soups through this format.
• Add it to your cooking: add the herb when preparing different meals.
• Supplements: You can buy garlic supplements that are available in capsule form.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is among the herbs for kidney and urinary tract health. It has compounds, including polyphenols and epigallocatechin (EGC), that can help fight various infections in the urinary tract.

A key component of green tea is EGC, which exhibits compelling antibacterial properties, particularly E.coli. The E. coli strain of bacteria is notorious for infesting the urinary tract.

The polyphenols in green tea support the body to fight UTIs and deliver anti-inflammatory qualities.

Studies show a cup of green tea has around 150 mg of EGC. Interestingly, your body only requires 3-5 mg to help it combat bacterial proliferation in the urinary tract.

The YouTube channel MMAS Health presents an informative video on Top 5 Herbs For Kidney Cleansing.

5. Cranberry

Cranberry juice helps to treat UTIs. The products contain different ingredients, including hippuric acid and D-mannose, that prevent the adherence of uropathogenic bacteria to the UT wall. Through this intervention, you can lower the occurrence of UTIs.

Many studies show that cranberries can protect the bladder from urinary tract infections, especially among ladies who are more exposed to UTIs.

A Study on aging women showed that cranberry juice minimized the amount of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Cranberry exists in various forms, including:

• Fresh fruit
• Juices
• Cranberry capsule
• Tablets

Cranberry juices and supplements are risk-free for many individuals. However, some users may encounter stomach problems when using them.

Also, it’s advisable to stop using the herb for extended duration as you might subject yourself to kidney stones.

6. D-Mannose

D-mannose is an ordinary sugar found in fruits that is made and sold as a dietary supplement. Studies show that D-mannose can be an effective alternative medicine for chronic UTIs. While expelled via urine, the supplement prevents E. coli from sticking to the urothelium wall.

Most of the supplement with D-mannose exists in tablet and powder forms. The dosage you take when treating E. coli depends on factors like the severity of the infection, age, and weight.

You can take the tablets with water or any of your best drinks. Research shows that 200 mg of D-mannose can stop the recurrence of UTIs.

Also Read: How Much D-Mannose Should You Consume For UTI

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7. Parsley Tea

Parsley tea has diuretic properties that help the kidneys expel harmful substances and extra fluids. The herb contains ingredients, including antioxidants and vitamins A & vitamin C that boost kidney wellbeing.

Parsley has various compounds, like flavonoids, essential oils, and phenolic acid, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and diuretic qualities.

Research indicates that parsley minimizes oxidative stress, enhances metabolic activities, and boosts kidney work.

8. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a flower that's dried and used to make herbal tea. Its use dates back to ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt. Chamomile tea has diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit kidney health. 

These features help the herb to reduce inflammation, prevent bacterial progression, and cleanse the urinary tract of harmful bacteria.

Tips for Using Herbs Safely

While alternative remedies have many benefits for your kidneys, applying them carefully is critical. People with existing kidney issues must be extra cautious while using these herbs. Here are tips to help you:

• Seek professional advice: it’s critical to consult your healthcare provider before you start using herbs for kidney healing. This is especially true when you have an existing kidney condition or you're using other drugs.
• Watch allergies: As some herbs might trigger allergies, it’s advisable to begin with a small amount when using a botanical for the first time.
• Avoid using large amounts: Many herbs for kidney and urinary tract health are diuretic. Thus, using them sparingly is critical as their excessive use can cause dehydration and electrolyte swings.
• Take plenty of water: when taking herbs with diuretic properties, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water.