Herbs for Kidney Support: How Ayurveda Can Help

Our body is a complex machine built to work 24*7. Each day our bodies carry out innumerable functions to help us breathe, eat, and carry out other functions. This incessant activity leads to the build-up of toxins in the body. Now, you must be wondering, “Which organ of our body manages the waste handling department?” The answer is kidneys. They remove toxins from the blood, dispose them via urine, and help maintain a balance between minerals, salts, etc. in the body. However, our kidneys do much more than just filter blood. They are also instrumental in producing Renin, a compound that regulates blood pressure in the body and they also help with the production of red blood cells and vitamin D in the body.

As you must have gathered from the points above, healthy kidneys are a prerequisite for a healthy you. Keeping your kidneys healthy via Ayurvedic practices has caught the attention of a lot of people in the past few years due to its non-invasiveness and relatively few side effects. The paragraphs below will discuss specific Ayurvedic herbs that will help you get healthier kidneys.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Healthy Kidneys

Some of the herbs that have shown excellent results in improving renal health are:

• Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Gokshura is one of the most effective herbs for improving renal health. It encourages urination as it boasts diuretic properties. This leads to a smooth removal of wastes from the body. Apart from this, the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb keep a check on inflammation in the renal tissues.
• Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): Punarnava has long been used for treating renal issues. It has rejuvenating properties. Consuming this herb helps repair damaged renal tissues in the body. This herb has also shown great promise in revitalizing kidney tissues and aiding with the removal of toxins from the body.
• Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): This Ayurvedic herb comes with blood-purification properties and the presence of diuretic properties in this herb helps with the effective removal of toxins from the body. Apart from this, this herb has anti-lithiasis properties. In simple words, this Ayurvedic herb breaks down renal stones into smaller fragments, leading to an effective removal from the body.
• Bangshil: Bangshil has shown great results in treating genito-urinary tract infections. This herb helps treat renal issues such as mild prostatomegaly, urethritis, vaginitis, and pyelonephritis, as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Pashanbheda: Pashanbheda has anti-diabetic properties and consuming it may help keep a check on high blood glucose levels in the body. Additionally, this herb encourages a smooth removal of toxins and wastes from the body. This leads to healthier kidneys.

The herbs discussed above are relatively safe and they do not cause any major side effects. Still, it is always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before consuming any herb for improving your renal function or keeping your kidneys healthy.

Now, Ayurveda does not just limit itself to prescribing herbs to keep kidneys healthy. That is why, Ayurveda is a holistic treatment method. Ayurveda offers certain lifestyle changes that help you improve your renal health. Below are some of the lifestyle changes that are effective for keeping kidneys healthy:

• Drink adequate water: Staying well-hydrated matters a lot to our kidneys, as they can easily flush out toxins only when there are enough fluids in the body. Water, herbal teas, juices, etc. are perfect tools for replenishing hydration needs effectively.
• Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice reduces the risk of urinary tract infections or UTIs. Additionally, it boosts renal health and removes toxins from the body effectively.
• Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco invites multiple health problems. Alcohol has a damaging effect on the liver and weakens our immunity too. On the other hand, smoking excessively damages our blood cells. When these damaged blood cells enter our kidneys, they adversely impact the structure of the renal tissues. This leads to poor renal health.
• Garlic: Allicin present in Garlic has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This compound helps avoid inflammation and bacterial infections in the kidneys.
• Rest: The easiest, simplest way to keep your kidneys healthy is to have a good rest daily. Sleeping 7-8 hours daily refreshes the body and brain. This results in an improved nervous system, stronger immunity, and stronger kidneys in the long run.

Having healthy kidneys is vital for the healthy functioning of the body. Ayurveda, with its treasure trove of knowledge, offers ways through which you can keep your kidneys healthy at home. Using apt Ayurvedic herbs, living a healthy life, and consuming a balanced diet will ensure that you do not have to experience any renal issues in your life.