Are you struggling with kidney health issues? You may find it disheartening to know that more than 10% of the worldwide population, i.e., more than 800 million people are suffering from kidney disorders. Kidney health issues are one of the most prominent causes of death and suffering in the 21st Century.
Fortunately, Ayurveda has a solution for this! As an Ayurveda Doctor, I am here to tell you that Ayurveda offers several herbs that work wonders in managing renal health issues without any side effects. Learn about seven Ayurvedic herbs for kidney health and how to boost their function naturally.
Overview of Kidney & Renal Disorders
Your kidneys, weighing around 160g, measuring about 10-15 cm long, sit below your ribs on either side of the spine and produce 1.5-2.5L of urine daily. These vital organs perform several critical functions in our body. They regulate filtration, keep the body in homeostasis (electrolyte balance), dispose of waste, and release hormones to maintain blood pressure levels, calcium, and vitamin D.
But if there’s any trouble with your kidney, it can lead to several disorders. They can range from acute kidney injuries and chronic kidney diseases to end-stage renal disorders as well.
Now, let’s have a look at what Ayurveda says about the kidney and related diseases.
Vrukkaroga: Ayurvedic Understanding of Kidneys
We correlate kidneys to vrukka in Ayurvedic science. They are responsible for regulating the removal of waste products from the blood in the form of urine. Vrukka is considered to be the moolashtana (origin) for medovaha srotas. Therefore, as per Ayurvedic understanding, vrukka roga (renal issues) originates from an imbalance of shonita (blood) and meda (fat) as vrukka (kidneys) are formed from it. This is the reason why Ayurveda doctors often prescribe blood purifiers along with medications to combat renal issues.
7 Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Kidney
Renal issues encompass a range of conditions that impact kidney function and overall health. From burning urination to kidney stones and chronic kidney disease (CKD), these disorders arise when the kidneys fail to perform efficiently.
Ayurveda and its principles provide various measures to manage renal issues holistically. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, good eating habits, along with incorporating a few herbs into your routine, may help ward off renal disorders with time.
Ayurveda offers a range of powerful herbs known for their remarkable benefits in supporting kidney health. Among them, 7 key herbs stand out for their ability to help manage renal issues effectively. Let’s explore each one in detail:
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
Gokshura is a powerful herb acclaimed by Ayurveda scholars for its benefits in supporting kidney health. This herb provides a variety of benefits for your kidneys, including supporting genitourinary health, preventing obstructions, fighting infections, helping to eliminate kidney stones, etc.
Moreover, gokshura is known to pacify the Vata and Pitta doshas while mildly aggravating the Kapha Dosha. This is due to its madhura rasa (sweet taste), madhura vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect), and snigdha guna (oily nature) properties. Also, by increasing the kleda (liquid content) in the body, gokshura promotes diuresis, facilitating the natural elimination of toxins from the body.
Read more: Gokshura in Ayurveda: Benefits, Uses, and Timeless Healing Remedies
Moreover, the anti-lithiasis (inhibits renal calculi formation) properties of gokshura are helpful against renal calculi formation. Also, it helps to reduce the size of the calculi that already exist. The natural diuretic property of gokshura helps in the management of diabetes and the reduction of underlying symptoms such as frequent urination.
By incorporating gokshura into your routine with the guidance of an Ayurveda expert, you can naturally support your kidney health.
Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)
Punarnava means anything that has the capability to renew something. It is known for its diuretic and mild laxative properties, making it effective in preventing fluid retention and aiding in detoxification. The chemical composition of this herb comprises “punarnavaside and retinoids” that help you to urinate more and lose extra creatinine from your body. It also contains “flavonoids and alkaloids” which reduce free radicals and ultimately keep your kidneys healthy.
Moreover, punarnava helps to balance tridosha i.e., Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Balancing these doshas helps protect your kidneys. This is done by addressing damage caused by Vata dosha, eliminating toxins associated with Pitta dosha, and clearing obstructions produced by Kapha dosha.
Varuna (Crataeva nurvala)
Varuna is a litholytic herb in nature, i.e., it can break down renal stones. Because of its ushna guna (hot potency), it tends to aggravate Pitta dosha, while its hot potency impacts Vata dosha. Additionally, varuna affects Kapha dosha due to its tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent) tastes.
As per Ayurveda texts, the renal calculi are Vata Kapha in origin, as they originate via obstruction in the urinary tract (mutra vaha srotas). Therefore, varuna being a Vata Kapha suppressant helps in breaking down the stones and also reduces their size. Later, its diuretic property helps expel the stones from the body.
Additionally, varuna is counted among the best Ayurvedic herbs for kidney health. It contains antioxidants and flavonoids that offer antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to keep the kidneys safe and healthy.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
As an Ayurveda doctor, I can tell you that guduchi is an incredibly versatile herb that benefits various systems in your body. Whether it’s your urinary system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, or more, this herb is an all-rounder.
When it comes to protecting your kidneys, guduchi is particularly effective against a nephrotoxin named aflatoxin, a toxin produced by fungi that damages the kidneys. Guduchi, through its powerful combination of alkaloids and antioxidant properties, helps neutralize harmful free radicals formed because of these toxins, and thus safeguards your kidneys.
Moreover, guduchi helps maintain balance in the body by pacifying all three doshas. It balances Vata because of its snigdha (oily) property and ushna veerya i.e., hot potency. While its tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent) taste suppresses Pitta and Kapha dosha. This balance promotes the appropriate working of your kidneys. Also, it is rasayana (rejuvenating) in nature, promoting better functioning of your kidneys and enhancing their ability to remove toxins out of the body by its shodhana (cleansing) property.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is an incredible shothahara i.e., anti-inflammatory herb. As per ancient Ayurveda texts, inflammation plays a key role in initiating any renal issues. Incorporating ginger into your routine can support long-term kidney health and function.
Additionally, ginger contains various active compounds, including zingerone, gingerdiol, zingiberene, gingerols, and shogaols, which act as potent antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and hypolipidemic properties, helping to promote kidney health.
You can regularly incorporate ginger into your routine through home remedies such as ginger tea, ginger juice mixed with lukewarm water, or by adding a piece of ginger to your daily cooking to support kidney health.
Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Haridra or turmeric is a commonly used kitchen spice in India. It is one of the best ayurvedic herbs for kidney health and plays an ultimate role in managing your renal health. It contains “curcumin”, this active compound has remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This makes it a significant herb to curb renal inflammatory diseases like CKD (chronic kidney disease).
It also functions as a tridoshahara i.e. balances all three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Haridra has shodhana property which detoxifies the impurities out of your kidneys and keeps them clean and healthy.
Kaasni (Cichorium intybus)
Kaasni is a very potent diuretic and nephroprotective herb. It is generally prescribed in renal stones by Ayurveda doctors. It prevents the formation of renal stones by inhibiting the binding of calcium. Consequently, being diuretic kaasni helps to flush out the renal crystals from the urinary tract quite easily.
In my Ayurvedic practice, when I see patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), the most common complaint is a burning sensation during urination. To help with this, I recommend kaasni, an herb that helps balance the Pitta dosha, which subsides the burning sensation. Moreover, due to its Kapha dosha-balancing properties, it has a soothing and relaxing effect on the kidneys.
Conclusion
Your kidneys play a pivotal role in overall health, not just by excreting waste but also in balancing body fluids. Beyond waste disposal, they regulate key hormones like active Vitamin D, influencing calcium metabolism.
While your kidneys work tirelessly to keep you healthy, it’s equally your responsibility to support their function. Adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes healthy habits and Ayurvedic practices not only promotes optimal kidney health but also enhances overall well-being. Don’t wait, incorporate these best Ayurvedic herbs for kidney health to give your kidneys the care and attention they deserve.
0 Comments