Kidneys

Function of the kidneys

• Get rid of the by products of the breaking down of protein
• These include ammonia and urea, which are toxic.
• Excrete some bacterial toxins, hydrogen, electrolytes, heat, and carbon dioxide.

Other important functions of the kidneys

• Regulating the amounts of solutes and ions are in the blood, which helps control blood pH, and blood volume.
• Remove wastes from the blood
• Secrete the enzyme, renin.
• Renin activates the renin-angiotensin pathway and hence controls blood pressure.
• Known to produce glucose when the body is fasting or starving
• Secrete a substance stimulating the production of red blood cells
• Involved in creation of activating form of vitamin D, calcitrol

Water is reabsorbed by parts of the kidneys to make sure we don't lose too much fluid. Hormones are the main deciders in how much water is reabsorbed. When we are over-hydrated (or drink alcohol), the main hormones involved are suppressed to make sure we get rid of some of the excess water. And when we are dehydrated, more are produced so we reabsorb more water

Herbs for kidneys

Couch grass

Couch grass is a diuretic and the mucilage helps soothe an inflamed and irritated urinary tract. It also helps heal the urinary tract.

Couch grass increases the amount of urine by the osmotic process. It has some active constituents with an antibiotic effect, and can be used in gout and rheumatism. It is also used in cystitis, prostatitis, nephritis, calculus (stones), urethritis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy

Uva Ursi (Bearberry)

Uva ursi is a urinary antiseptic, and an astringent herb. It has an antibacterial effect on the kidney, that is effective against e. coli, proteus, klebsiella, staphyloccocus, and pseudomonas. The antibacterial effect is at its strongest 3 to 4 hours after taking the herb, as some of the active constituents are converted in the kidneys to activate the antiseptic effect.

Uva ursi is used in cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and dysuria. But it is not to be used in kidney diseases, or if the infection has progressed up the urinary tract

Horsetail

Horsetail is high in silica, and is used as an astringent in the genito-urinary tract. It is also a diuretic. It has been found to reduce the levels of lead in the body, and there is "evidence of an anti-rheumatic effect and a positive effect on lipid [fat] metabolism".

The increased volume of urine helps flush out irritants and infectious agents. The astringent action may help with bladder tone and the reduction of prostate enlargement. The high levels of silica help with tissue repair.

Horsetail is used in cystitis, prostatitis, prostatic enlargement, incontinence, edema with menopause or arthritis, and urethritis. It helps prevent damage to the ureters, bladder, and urethra, and the prostate

Parsley

Parsley is an excellent diuretic and as such it is used for edema and urinary stones. It is believed to increase the elimination of waste products like urea, and other acidic metabolites, and thus used for gout and arthritis. Parsley should not be used in pregnancy, nor is it recommended in painful menstrual periods. It is fine for nursing mothers, however, and is believed to encourage milk production. Fresh parsley is very nutritious.

Nettle

Nettle is highly nutritious, with vitamins and minerals including chlorophyll and beta carotene, vitamins A, B2, C and E, calcium, potassium, and iron.

Nettle has been proven to increase the elimination of the waste product, uric acid. It is a diuretic, and has been found successful in managing the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, particularly in combination with saw palmetto.

Nettle has an antibacterial effect, and has been found to be effective against staphylococci and other bacteria. It is useful in arthritis and rheumatic problems because it helps get rid of metabolic wastes. It is also used in chronic cystitis

Corn Silk

Corn silk has a lot of vitamin K and potassium. It is used for acute or chronic inflammation of the urinary tract, cystitis, prostatitis, night time urination, and urethritis. Corn silk is not a well studied herb, but it is a diuretic. In China, it is used for edema. It also has antiseptic properties, and is soothing to the urinary tract