KIDNEY DISEASE
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- Celery, dandelion leaves, parsley seeds, hydrangea and uva ursi are natural diuretics and good for the kidney.
- Cranberries can be effective for combating urinary infections. Cranberry’s primary action is to prevent the spread of bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Drink 8-16 ounces of cranberry juice daily . Purchase pure, unsweetened juice. Avoid commercial cranberry juice cocktail products. These contain little pure cranberry juice and have a high sugar content (high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners are added). Cranberry juice in pill form can be substituted since many cranberry products are loaded with sugar.
- Other herbs that are beneficial for kidney problems include buchu tea, artichoke, juniper berries, red clover, and watermelon seed tea.
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs are safe.