Herbal Remedies for Kidney Disease

Kidney disease, also known as kidney failure, is any condition that causes kidney dysfunction. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that dysfunctional kidneys fail to perform several important duties, including the removal of excess waste products, minerals and fluid, which can have harmful effects on your body. Some herbal remedies may be a helpful adjunct therapy for your kidney disease, but you should only use herbs after first clearing them with your physician.

Kidney Disease and Health

Decreased kidney function, notes MayoClinic.com, may not be observed until your kidneys experience significant dysfunction. There are several risk factors associated with this condition, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and long-term smoking.

Common Herbal Remedies

Certain herbal remedies have long been used in treating kidney problems and other problems associated with the urinary tract. Few herbs used in treating kidney problems may have been subjected to rigorous studies using current scientific testing procedures.

Featured Remedy

Buchu is an herbal remedy that is commonly used in treating kidney disease and various conditions of your urinary tract. This herb -- the leaves of the plant, specifically -- may be particularly helpful in treating kidney disease when taken in tea form, notes Balch.

Considerations

If you are diagnosed with kidney disease, discuss the long-term health implications of this condition with your doctor or specialist and what you can do to mitigate its damaging health effects. Talk with your doctor about natural treatment approaches, including the use of herbs, and what role these therapies might play in your care.