Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a broad term for disorders of the kidney that are divided into two groups: acute and chronic. Acute disorders are usually caused by infection and last for a short period of time. Generally recovery is full. In the presence of other conditions such as heart failure, the acute kidney disease can become acute kidney failure with more serious consequences.

Chronic disorders have a much slower onset, months to years and have more long lasting consequences. Chronic problems are common in diabetes as over time the arteries become weakened by the pathology of diabetes. Idiopathic glomerularnephopathies cause the kidneys to leak large quantities of protein. This occurs in the presence of autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions and chemotherapy.

Nephrotic syndrome also causes the kidneys to lose protein and is caused by many of the diseases listed above. It also results in high cholesteral levels and swelling.

Once again, I do NOT advocate the use of herbs alone for kidney diseases. They should be used in conjuction with conventional medical treatment under a doctor's supervision.

Beneficial Herbs In Kidney Disease

Herb	Dosage	Comments
Abuta	Capsules.1000-2000mg/day for 2 weeks.	Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Prevents bleeding in kidney.
Dandelion root	Extract. Take as directed on label.	Aids in excretion of the kidney's waste products.
Hoelen	Dried or fresh 3-6 gms in food daily.	Immune suppressant prevents lesions.
Marshmallow root	Tea. 1 qt daily.	Cleanses the kidneys.
Uva ursi	Arbutin tablet. 400-700mg daily for 2 weeks.	Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Prevents bleeding.

Herbs To Avoid

In general, ephedtra and mate or any substance that raises blood pressure should be avoided. These will raise the pressure of the small arteries in the kidney. Magnolia, stephania and wintergreen are all potentially toxic and should be avoided.
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