Welcome to My World – Herbs – Healthy Kidneys & Urinary Tract

Hello World!   This will interest you if you’ve ever gotten a urinary tract infection (UTI) or have had any kidney issues. The info here is short and to the point. Enjoy the read and I hope you learn something along the way that will help you…

Herbs That Heal Your Kidneys and Urinary Tract

Many of us have experienced a urinary tract infection or other UTI issue at some point in our life. And, with the growing resistance of superbugs that cause them, it is more important than ever to keep your urinary tract healthy and strong. Here are some of my favorite herbs for this purpose:

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)

The leaves of this shrub can be an effective cleanser for your kidney and urinary tract.

It reduces inflammation throughout your urinary tract and has been traditionally used to help with kidney stones or gravel. Preliminary research suggests that the compound arbutin found in bearberry may help counter bladder cancer.

Steep one teaspoon of dried bearberry leaves in a cup of boiled water. Let steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 cups daily if you’re fighting a UTI infection or one to three per day to give your urinary system some love. While there are reports on the internet that the herb causes many serious side-effects or organ damage, research published in the International Journal of Toxicology concluded that this herb was a safe option against urinary tract infections.

Regardless, like other herbs, it is a potent medicine and it is best not to exceed the recommended dose.

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Also known as goose grass, this herb has a lengthy tradition of use as a

kidney and urinary tract booster. It is believed to flush out your toxins and waste matter from your kidneys. You can reap its benefits by using two teaspoons of the dried herb in a cup of boiled water. Let steep for at least 10 minutes, then strain and drink up to three cups a day. Avoid use if you have diabetes or diabetic tendencies.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion leaves have been used for many years by herbalists to help you

cleanse and strengthen your kidneys and urinary tract. New research in the medical journal Renal Failure found that this herb does indeed help to protect your kidneys against damage from certain toxins. It is believed that dandelion works on your urinary tract by acting as an antioxidant and as a diuretic, to boost your excretion of excess water and sodium in your body. By doing so, it may also have a balancing effect on high blood pressure, which is regulated by your kidneys.

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

I recommended nettles for building strong bones in my blog a while ago,

but nettles has also been found to help fight E. coli infections linked to your urinary tract infections.

Published in the medical journal Urological Research,  scientists found that not only do nettles demonstrate antibacterial activity against E. coli bacteria, it also battles the biofilms bacteria secrete to help them survive in your body. Biofilms are a thin, potentially health-damaging layer of microorganisms that secrete substances to help ensure their survival in or on your body. The presence of bio films is usually a factor in infections that are difficult to get rid of.

Whether you’re battling urinary tract infections, frequent trips to the bathroom or just need a kidney and urinary tract boost, look no further than these potent herbs.

As I said in the last post I did that mentioned nettles, I have a love hate relationship with them because if you don’t handle them properly, they will sting you, and that can last 24 hours. It is no fun when you improperly handle nettles. Because of this, I generally stay away from them. Please be careful if you do handle them…

Have a great healthy day!