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The kidneys perform one of the body's most vital and underappreciated functions — filtering the blood, regulating fluid balance, controlling blood pressure, and eliminating metabolic waste through the urine. When kidney function is compromised, toxins accumulate, blood pressure rises, and the entire chemistry of the body is affected. In herbal medicine, we have a range of plants that support kidney function, promote urinary flow, protect the kidney tissues, and assist with the management of common conditions such as kidney stones. Dandelion, nettle, horsetail, corn silk, and uva ursi are among the herbs I most frequently discuss in the context of urinary and kidney health. The posts here explore these herbs and the conditions they address.
ASOHM News
29 March 2021
Common club moss is found world-wide and grows abundantly in moors and dry, evergreen forests. However, if the forests are cut down, the plant shrivels up and turns yellow due to the direct sunlight. Common club moss thrives in acidic, well-composted habitats while being sheltered with shade. The plants develop yellowish spikes which yield spores […]
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ASOHM News
16 July 2020
Acne is a common skin complaint, especially among teenagers, and may be caused by hormonal changes, food intolerance, poor hygiene, allergies etc. The kidneys and liver become inadequate in expelling the excess waste, so the skin which is our largest eliminative organ, is affected. Treating the skin only can push the poisons back into the […]
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ASOHM News
15 October 2019
The birch tree (Betula alba), also known as silver birch, gets its name from the Sanskrit word ‘bhurga’ meaning a tree whose bark is used for writing upon. Found growing wild through Europe in woods and mountain regions, this ornamental and medicinal tree can be found in many parks and is also popular with […]
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ASOHM News
10 September 2019
Acne is a very common skin condition, mainly caused by eating too many refined starches, fried foods, dairy products, added sugar, as well as high protein consumption. When the kidneys and liver become inadequate in expelling the excess waste, the skin, being the largest eliminative organ, is used instead. Mild cases of acne consist of […]
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ASOHM News
29 July 2019
The name “carota” for the garden carrot is found first in the writings of Athenaes (AD 200) and in a cookery book by Apicius (AD 230). It appears Galen (AD 130-200) named it “daucus” to distinguish the carrot from the parsnip and in the eighteenth century, Daucus carota was adopted as the official botanical name. […]
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ASOHM News
31 May 2019
In herbal medicine, the principal function of Dandelion or Taraxacum officinale is to care for the liver and gallbladder, by promoting the formation of bile and removing excess water from the body in cases of severe water retention resulting from liver problems. Dandelion is one of the best sources of potassium, vital to proper kidney function […]
Read article →Kidney health is an area where herbal medicine is most appropriately used preventatively and supportively — for mild to moderate urinary complaints and as a complement to medical care for more serious kidney conditions. Significant or sudden changes in kidney function require urgent medical assessment.
Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale) is an excellent urinary herb — it increases urine output without depleting potassium (unlike pharmaceutical diuretics), making it safe for regular use to support kidney flushing. Nettle (Urtica dioica) is similarly diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is rich in silica and has a toning effect on the urinary tract tissues.
Preventing kidney stones and supporting their passage are two areas where herbal medicine has a role to play. Adequate hydration is the single most important factor in prevention. Herbs that increase urinary flow — dandelion, horsetail, corn silk — help flush the urinary tract and may reduce stone formation. Gravel root (Eutrochium purpureum) and stone root (Collinsonia canadensis) are traditional herbs specifically used for kidney stones, though evidence is largely traditional rather than clinical. Medical assessment is essential for confirmed kidney stones.
Corn silk (Zea mays stigma) — the silky threads inside the corn husk — is a gentle, soothing urinary herb with a long tradition of use for urinary irritation, cystitis, and kidney health. It is demulcent (soothing to mucous membranes), mildly diuretic, and anti-inflammatory. It is one of the safest and most accessible of the urinary herbs.
These are the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease, and herbal medicine here should be considered a complement to — never a substitute for — medical management. Some herbs may support kidney protection: turmeric has been studied for renoprotective effects, and berberine (found in barberry and goldenseal) may support blood sugar regulation. Any herbal use in this context should be discussed with your nephrologist.
Some diuretic herbs can interact with pharmaceutical diuretics or ACE inhibitors, potentially causing excessive fluid loss or electrolyte imbalance. Please disclose all herbal use to your prescribing doctor, particularly if you are on antihypertensive medication.
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is the most specific anti-infective herb for the lower urinary tract — it contains arbutin, which is converted to hydroquinone in the urine and exerts antimicrobial effects. It is most effective in alkaline urine and should not be used long-term. Cranberry prevents bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall. These are explored further in our Bladder and Urinary Tract category articles.
The kidneys regulate both blood pressure (through the renin-angiotensin system) and fluid balance. Reduced kidney function or impaired kidney signalling can contribute to hypertension and oedema. Herbal support for kidney health is therefore also relevant to blood pressure management and fluid retention.
The urinary system and its herbal treatment are covered in full in Lesson 4 of our online course. Understanding how the kidneys work — and how herbs can support them — is knowledge that has direct practical applications in everyday life. View lesson packages and enrol today.