The 10 Best Herbs for Kidney Cleansing
If you’re looking for a powerful way to get your body in better health, consider cleansing your kidneys. Along with colon and liver cleansing, kidney cleansing is one of the most basic and necessary detoxes.
Bean shaped organs located along the posterior side of the abdomen, the kidneys work with other organs to regulate blood pressure, increase red blood cell production, and synthesize vitamin D.
If your kidneys don’t function well, they can’t properly filter waste material from your blood. When that happens, toxins that the kidneys should expel in your urine remain in your bloodstream, harming your entire body.
A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, exercise, and staying hydrated are essential for supporting optimal kidney function. For a little extra help, consider the following kidney-cleansing herbs.
The 10 Best Kidney Cleansing Herbs
People use a number of time-honored herbs for detoxifying the kidneys. If you want to keep your kidneys healthy, the following 10 herbs are the best of the best.
1. Cranberries
Cranberries aren’t just for holiday meals! Drinking cranberry juice for kidney issues — which include urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and kidney stones — is a well-known health trend. While it's not an herb per se, cranberries are one of the best things around for your kidneys. They contain “A-type proanthocyanidins,” which have strong antioxidant properties, promote a normal response to inflammation, and deter harmful organisms.[1] Many people drink cranberry juice for kidney health, but supplements are an excellent alternative.
2. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba may protect kidneys from damage caused by toxins.[2, 3] Experts credit this herb’s antioxidant power for its renoprotective effects. Ginkgo also stimulates certain enzymes that counteract chemical toxins once inside the kidneys.[3]
3. Hydrangea Root
Hydrangea root was popular among Native Americans and early settlers, who used the plant to promote kidney and bladder health. Hydrangea root acts as a solvent and may smooth the jagged edges of kidney stones. Hydrangea root helps the body use calcium, an action that may discourage kidney stones from forming in the first place.[4]
4. Horsetail
Horsetail is a common weed with diuretic properties; it's helpful for increasing urine output to flush the kidneys and urinary tract. It's also an antioxidant that benefits the kidneys and entire renal system.[5] Whether consumed as a tea or in a capsule, horsetail is a great herb to add to your diet!
5. Marshmallow Root
As a soothing herb, marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) may calm the tissues of the urinary tract.[6] It's a gentle diuretic that encourages urination.[7] The mucilage created by marshmallow root is known to be helpful for kidney stones (renal calculi).[8]
6. Juniper Berry
Juniper berries are an important medicinal plant, according to experts.[9] Among other health benefits, the berry may promote normal LDL cholesterol levels in kidney tissues. Juniper also protects kidney cells against harmful toxins. The terpenes in juniper, including limonene, pinene, and others, deter harmful organisms.[10]
7. Uva Ursi
Also called "bearberry," uva ursi has been used by many cultures. It's an astringent that can soothe and tone the urinary tract. Research has also supported its traditional use for cleansing the kidneys.[11]
8. Celery Root
People have used both the root and seeds of celery as a natural diuretic for centuries. What positive feature do diuretics have? They can help your body eliminate toxins by increasing urine output. Celery root is a stimulating tonic for the kidneys as it contains nutrients like potassium and sodium.
9. Dandelion root
Often mistaken as a weed with no useful purpose, dandelion is actually loaded with benefits — both the leaf and the root.[12] Dandelion root, specifically, is a diuretic and promotes waste elimination.
10. Goldenrod
Goldenrod was used extensively among many Native American tribes for promoting urinary tract health. The herb tones the urinary tract and helps detoxify the kidneys.[13] It also promotes a normal response to inflammation.
What's Your Favorite?
Many supplements combine several of these herbs, which makes getting the right nutritional balance for kidney health easy. Certified organic Renaltrex® contains the best kidney-cleansing herbs available, including cranberry, ginkgo, uva ursi, juniper, and others. The formula is extremely effective and is carefully made in the USA from globally sourced ingredients. For advanced support, consider our Kidney Cleanse Kit. Not only will you rejuvenate your kidneys, but your overall health should improve, as well.
References (13)
- de Almeida AL, et al. Cranberries - potential benefits in patients with chronic kidney disease. Food Funct. 2019 Jun 19;10(6):3103-3112.
- Chávez-Morales RM, et al. The Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) protects the kidney from damage produced by a single and low dose of carbon tetrachloride in adult male rats. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2017 Sep 5;69(7):430-434.
- Escárcega-González, CE, et al. The Ginkgo biloba extract reverses the renal effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in adult male rats. Biochem Res Int. 2016;2016:5781579.
- Zhang S, et al. Skimmin, a coumarin from Hydrangea paniculata, slows down the progression of membranous glomerulonephritis by anti-inflammatory effects and inhibiting immune complex deposition. Evidenced-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 2013; 2013:819296.
- Cetojevi-Simin DD, et al. Antioxidative and antiproliferative activities of different horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) extracts. J Med Food. 2010 Apr;13(2):452-459.
- Hage-Sleiman R, et al. Pharmacological evaluation of aqueous extract of Althaea officinalis flower grown in Lebanon. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2011 March;49(3):327-333.
- Winston D. Herbal and nutritional treatment of kidney stones. Journal of the American Herbalists Guild 10(2):61-71.
- Fahamiya J, et al. Unani perspective of Khatmi (Althaea officinalis). Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2016;5(6):357-360.
- Bais S, et al. A Phytopharmacological review on a medicinal plant: Juniperus communis. Int Sch Res Notices. 2014;2014:634723.
- Pepeljnjak S, et al. Antimicrobial activity of juniper berry essential oil (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae). Acta Pharm. 2005 Dec;55(4):417-422.
- Head KA. Natural approaches to prevention and treatment of infections of the lower urinary tract. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Sep;13(3):227-244.
- González-Castejón M, et al. Diverse biological activities of dandelion. Nutr Rev. 2012 Sep;70(9):534-547.
- Melzig MF. Goldenrod--a classical exponent in the urological phytotherapy. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2004 Nov;154(21-22):523-527
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
