Inflammation of one or both kidneys is known as nephritis. This is a serious kidney disorder that usually develops when the body’s own immune cells mistakenly attacks the kidney tissues. Also known as lupus nephritis, it usually occurs in people suffering from lupus. If left untreated, nephritis leads to kidney failure. Acute nephritis can also be a sign of bacterial infection. The streptococcus bacteria associated with throat infection may trigger toxic reactions that damage the glomeruli, leading to nephritis. Certain herbal remedies can provide relief from nephritis.
They help in reducing inflammation of the glomeruli, repairing damaged glomeruli and improving kidney function. Herbs with diuretic property are widely used to help remove excess water from the body, thereby treating edema, a common symptom of nephritis. Herbs are either taken alone or combined with other useful herbs for alleviating the symptoms of nephritis.
Herbal Remedies For Nephritis
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi is widely recommended in folk medicines for people suffering from nephritis. Arbutin, a bioactive constituent of the herb, helps in draining excess water from the body tissues.
The antiseptic effect of the herb helps in protecting the kidneys from toxic elements. However, uva ursi should be used in moderation. Excessive intake of the herb can cause gastric irritation.
Thunder God Vine
Tripterygium wilfordii, commonly known as thunder god vine, is a popular Chinese herb for treating nephritis. The immune-modulating property of the herb helps in treating autoimmune diseases including lupus. It helps to ameliorate nephritis in lupus patients.
Laboratory studies with Tripterygium wilfordii has shown that the herb is beneficial for people suffering from proteinuria or elevated protein level in the urine. It also helps in arresting progression of nephritis.
Astragalus Root
In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus root is recommended for treating nephritis. The immune-modulating effect of the herb helps in preventing abnormal immune reactions that trigger nephritis in people suffering from lupus. It also helps in reducing the elevated protein level in the urine.
Nettle Seed
Nettle seed is an effective remedy for nephritis. The diuretic effect of nettle seed helps in flushing out excess water from the body cells, thereby bringing down the blood pressure level and reducing the risk of congestive heart failure in nephritis patients. It also helps in reducing the creatinine level in the blood. Elevated creatinine level accelerates kidney damage.
Rehmannia Glutinosa
Rehmannia glutinosa is a fundamental Chinese medicinal herb, beneficial for people suffering from nephritis. The root and the leaves of the herb can be taken alone or combined with astragalus root for improving kidney function.
Researches with Rehmannia have shown that regular intake of the herb causes significant reduction in the protein level in the urine within 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect of Rehmannia is primarily attributed to compounds called aceteosides.
Salvia Root
The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Dan Shen, has been used for centuries in the traditional medicines of China, Korea and Japan for treating chronic kidney problems.
According to studies, intake of salvia root helps in reducing creatinine, uric acid and urea nitrogen levels in the urine and helps in improving renal function.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.