Want to know about the natural ways to treat kidney problems and keep your kidney healthy? Read the following article to understand more about the best Ayurvedic ways to keep your kidney in the best condition.
Kidneys are one of the most important human organs and keeping them in the best health is of utmost importance. Kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body, regulating blood glucose levels, flushing out toxins, and keeping the urinary tract clean.
A good exercise regime, a healthy diet, drinking an adequate amount of water, reducing stress, etc, can go a long way in keeping your kidneys in good condition. The ancient science of Ayurveda offers effective natural remedies to help kidneys function well.
Ayurveda relates to kidney problems to an imbalance in the pitta levels in the body.
For the effective ayurveda treatment of kidney problems and better functioning of kidneys, Ayurveda recommends the use of various safe to use and powerful herbs. These herbs help in normalizing the doshas thereby restoring kidney functions and strengthening the kidneys.
Treatments received at the earliest stages are better compared to treatments received at later stages.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Restoring/Maintaining Kidney Functions
Following is a list of some of the most powerful herbs in Ayurveda that can help in restoring kidney functions.
1. Mulethi or licorice: Licorice also known as Mulethi is a sweet root that is very powerful. The flavonoids, saponins, xenoestrogens, and chalcones in licorice helps in reducing inflammation, reducing gastric secretions, increasing immunity, providing protection from free radical damage, and more. Add licorice to your herbal teas in powdered or root form.
2. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) – Known for its restoration property, Punarnava is found to bring back the vigor and vitality of the body. Punarnava has anti-inflammatory and pitta and Kapha balancing properties. It is a good herbal diuretic.
3. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) – Gokushra is very effective in balancing the 3 doshas and is an effective diuretic herb. Also known for its Rasayana properties, Gokshura is commonly prescribed for kidney stones and to help avoid dialysis.
4. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – One of the main constituents of Triphala, Haritaki is well known for its rejuvenating or Rasayana properties. Haritaki has a dominant astringent taste with the prevalence of all five tastes(pancharasa). The herb is useful in diabetes treatment and also the treatment of urinary tract infections.
5. Kaasni (Cichorium intybus) – Kaasni along with improving the functions of the kidney, provides great results for cardiac diseases, kidney problems, and respiratory problems. The herb has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and also helps in Kapha-pitta dosha balancing.
6. Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) – Known for its healing and anti-diabetic properties, Daruharidra has a bitter and astringent taste. It helps in pacifying pitta and Kapha doshas effectively. The herb is also beneficial in the treatment of diseases of the liver, eyes, and also even cancer.
7. Banyan tree bark: Banyan tree bark is commonly prescribed by Ayurveda practitioners for the treatment of urinary infections. It is also used for the effective treatment of pelvic inflammatory diseases and vaginitis.
8. Cranberries: Cranberries with their high antioxidant properties are greatly helpful
in the treatment of kidney-related ailments. They can fend off E Coli bacterial infections that can cause severe damage to your urinary tract walls and also interfere with your kidneys’ ability in eliminating toxins. Use fresh cranberry juice to get the benefits.
9. Pomegranates or anar: With a good amount of Vitamin C content, pomegranate is often prescribed by Ayurveda practitioners to treat kidney infections and also urinary tract infections. The antioxidants present in pomegranate helps in the regulation of kidney functions. Have its juice or eat it to get the best benefits.
Ayurvedic Tips/Recommendations to Keep your Kidneys Healthy
Our kidney health greatly depends on our lifestyle and eating habits. Listed below are some Ayurveda recommendations for your kidney health.
- Avoid consumption of a diet rich in sodium and potassium
- Avoid tobacco chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption
- Avoid red meat consumption as they are rich in proteins and fats
- Avoid overuse of painkillers, analgesics, sleeping pills, etc, as its prolonged usage can harm the kidney functions
- Limit intake of dairy products
- Include fresh vegetables and fruits such as pumpkin, turnip, ginger and garlic, apple, carrot, onion, lettuce, eggplant, radish, cucumber, cauliflower, ash guard, bottle guard, papaya, blueberry, pears, figs, watermelon, etc
- Always consume food that is low in proteins & saturated fats and rich in fibers
- Drink an adequate amount of water and fresh fruit juices
- Always consume freshly prepared food and avoid canned food consumption
- Maintain optimal cholesterol and blood pressure levels
- Diabetics must ensure that healthy blood glucose levels are maintained
Word of Advice to Keep your Kidneys Healthy
Make sure you seek the help of an expert Ayurveda physician in the early stages so that your kidney problems can be rectified at the earliest. It is necessary to keep in mind that even Ayurvedic prescribed medicines must be taken with caution. It is strictly advised to refrain from self-medication or buying medicines over the counter without proper prescriptions.
