Unhealthy foods, cosmetics, stress, pollutants in the environment — here are a lot of ways through which toxins enter and accumulate in the body. Nature has blessed the human body with special systems to manage and eliminate toxins, but there is a limit to it.
Wrong dietary choices, stress, and improper lifestyle habits make it difficult for the already overburdened excretory system to remove toxins efficiently. As a result, toxin become lodged in the body and create health problems. Kidney stone, renal failure, blood in urine, protein in urine, high urea levels and several other problems are outcomes of toxin accumulation in the kidneys.
Thankfully, Ayurveda can help. There are several effective herbs which can not only strengthen and rejuvenate the renal system, these can also treat kidney problems.
Here are ten of the most common herbs that doctors recommend to keep the renal system healthy.
NOTE: Please do not self-medicate with herbs. For treatment of kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
1. Triphala
A combination of three essential rejuvenating herbs, Triphala helps in improving all natural functions of the kidney. It strengthens the liver and kidneys – the two main organs in the excretory mechanism of the body.
2. Ginger
For cleansing toxins from the body, ginger has been used since ages. It removes toxins from kidneys and liver. The anti-inflammatory effect of ginger helps in reducing swelling and pain in the kidneys caused by infections.
3. Punarnava
Punarnava is a natural diuretic that has been prescribed in Ayurveda for micturition and other urinary problems. It also has anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties. Punarnava can be used daily to keep kidney functions healthy.
4. Palash
Palash is a tree which bears bright red or orange flowers. These flowers are cool in potency and help in regularizing urine flow. It is also very helpful in relieving burning sensation during urination.
5. Coriander
Coriander also has a soothing effect on the body. It helps in reducing burning sensation while passing urine. It heals infections in the bladder & ureters. It keeps the kidneys healthy since it also a natural diuretic.
6. Turmeric
Low urine volume, renal failure and common infections are healed with turmeric. It has multiple benefits such as, it reduces the risk of infections, reduces swelling, prevents kidney stone formation and also heals kidney cysts.
7. Gokshura
The bark of Gokshura tree is a wonderful herb for treating urinary tract infections, burning sensation in urination. In micturition, gokshura bark regulates proper flow and it has also been used since ages to eliminate kidney stones.
8. Gudduchi
Charaka has elaborated on the astringent property of Gudduchi and that makes it a good herb for the treatment of urinary problems. People who have difficulty passing urine can take gudduchi under the guidance of a doctor.
9. Varun
Varun is a natural diuretic which promotes regular urination and has been found to be very effective in treating kidney stone and other disorders of the kidney. It also purifies blood and strengthens the function of the mutravaha strota.
10. Chandan
Chandan or sandalwood has two useful properties—keeping your body cool, and fighting microbes. That is why chandan sherbet is recommended in UTI and pain during passing urine. Sandalwood has natural anti-microbial properties that soothes kidney infections.
(Dr Partap Chauhan, Director of Jiva Ayurveda, is an author, public speaker and Ayurvedacharya.)
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