Liver and kidney ailments hinder your body’s natural ability to rid itself of toxins. For those that use herbal remedies and medicinal plants to help heal the body, there are some herbs for liver and kidney issues. However, before starting any herbal program whether it be a home remedy or over-the-counter, talk with your health care provider to make sure that it will not hinder your condition further. Herbs do have some side effects and pose a risk of allergy.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is a medicinal plant used to treat the inflammation of the bladder, commonly called cystitis. Its use for this dates back to the 1200s. According to Wellness.com, it is in clinical studies for aiding urinary tract infection and for hyperpigmentation. Both need more trials before definitive answers are made in regard to effectiveness. Side effects are skin irritation, fast heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, insomnia and convulsions.
Milk Thistle
Used medicinally for more than 2,000 years, milk thistle treats liver and gallbladder issues through a compound called silymarin that comes from the seeds. According to Wellness.com, milk thistle has shown promise in clinical trials for cirrhosis and liver inflammation. More testing will be needed to ascertain the chance of treating hepatitis and cancer with milk thistle. Side effects include gas, loss of appetite, heartburn, vomiting, joint pain, sweating, nausea and weakness.
Dang Gui
A Chinese herb with a good reputation second only to ginseng, is used primarily for women’s ailments and as a blood tonic. It functions as an analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and hepatic. As a hepatic, according to Plants for a Future, it works as an antibacterial against many bacteria strains. This prevents bacteria growth and helps kidney function. It protects the liver by preventing liver glycogen from decreasing.
Sweet Tea Vine
Working as a sedative, hepatic and antispasmodic, sweet tea vine helps strengthen immunity and stimulates liver function. In 1991, according to Plants for a Future, a Beijing conference on traditional medicines rated it in the ten most important tonic herbs. It stimulates proper function and strengthens circulation throughout the liver and kidney.
