Chronic kidney disease is a modern-day epidemic.
There are many different causes. But two factors, diabetes and high blood pressure, put your kidneys at risk.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 26 million people in the United States either have active kidney disease or they stand a greater than average chance of eventually developing renal problems.
Many people have weakened kidneys, but may not realize it. Symptoms may not be noticeable until these organs are severely damaged.
Kidney disease can mimic a host of other conditions. Some signs include fatigue, weakness, swollen feet, changes in urination, poor appetite and persistent hiccups.
Mainstream medicine is limited when it comes to treating chronic kidney disease, at least in terms of curing or vastly improving kidney function. Various medications may help with some of the symptoms or side effects. For instance, if your legs are swollen, you may be given a course of diuretics.
The Mayo Clinic is very forthcoming about this reality. On its website, you can read, “Often, though, chronic kidney disease has no cure. In general, treatment consists of measures to control signs and symptoms, reduce complications and slow the progression of the disease.”
Kidney Vitamins Supplements
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything, I receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.)
Each year, many cases of kidney disease are diagnosed. Patients, however, typically don’t hear about various herbs for kidney health. These are designed to support their kidneys, which perform a number of vital functions, including filtering toxins from the bloodstream and producing urine.
These herbs have a long history of treating the symptoms associated with chronic kidney disease. One of my favorite herbal suppliers is Christopher’s. I like its products (I’m a repeat customer) and I like the heartwarming story behind the man who came to be known as “Dr. Christopher.”
John Raymond Christopher was born in 1909. His birth parents abandoned him, but he was adopted by a loving family. His dedication to natural healing was shaped after watching his mother battle a life-threatening condition. Regular doctors had written her off. But she recovered, with the help of a naturalist. Dr. Christopher also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, kept in check with a strict diet.
Dr. Christopher was one of America’s most knowledgeable modern herbalists. He died in 1983, but not before leaving behind a legacy of herbal remedies. These still sold today by a company licensed to market the blends he created, which address specific ailments, such as thyroid, adrenal and kidney problems. His family members, two of whom are master herbalists, serve on the advisory board.
Devoting much his life to natural medicine, Dr Christopher developed a line of 66 herbal formulas. He always used whole herbs. He didn’t believe in using chemical isolates, commonly packaged and sold today. He wanted his clients to derive all the benefits from the many compounds found in plants, which work in synergy to bring about healing.
Herbs Good for Kidneys
One of Dr. Christopher’s creations is his Kidney Formula. These herbs are chosen for their ability to support urinary tract health. They include juniper berry, parsley, uva ursi, marshmallow, lobelia, ginger and goldenseal. No fillers are added, just pure herbs, generally grown organically or harvested in the wild. Dr. Christopher had exacting standards and would only use high-quality plants. These standards are still in place.
Christopher’s Kidney Toning Formula
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In his day, Dr. Christopher a foremost expert on plant-based remedies. His herbs have been available since 1954 and have been used by millions of people around the world. In 1953, he also founded the School of Natural Healing, which still operates. In addition, he also wrote five books on natural medicine, still widely read and used as references.
Alternative Medicine for Kidneys
As someone who has recovered from a crippling nerve disease considered to be “incurable,” I consider it my mission to tell others about natural health solutions. I also want my readers to know that integrative physicians exist. Some of them, such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD and Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD, are either celebrities or have large international followings. These practitioners are all about helping you regain your health, no matter what your diagnosis. They are tend to favor medicinal plants over pharmaceutical drugs.
Although I’m not a doctor, and I can’t give medical advice, I can share my experiences and good success at working with alternative health experts. For almost every situation, an entirely different approach exists. As someone else once said to me, “There’s always another way.”
However, if you have kidney disease, it’s very important to work with your doctor. This is especially true if you’re taking prescription medication. You can’t add herbal remedies to the mix, unless you’re doing this with his or her approval.
Herbal Kidney Remedies
Herbal kidney supplements are also made by Mountain Meadow, a company founded in 2001 by a “desperate mother turned scientist/researcher,” according to its website. Raised by the Amish, she already had an appreciation for herbal medicine. This came in very handy, as she sought to find a solution for her young son, suffering kidney failure. She also hit upon an plant-based solution that she believes prevented him from having to undergo dialysis.
Her company now makes a number of herbal remedies, which, like Christopher’s products, are designed for specific conditions. There is a special organic Kidney Toning Formula, made with corn silk herb, parsley, marshmallow root, shepherd’s purse, buchu leaf, vervain and cleavers. This tincture also contains a bit of alcohol, which herbalists believe helps with absorption.
Vitamins for Kidney Disease
People with kidney disease may want to talk to their doctor about taking various vitamins they may not be getting from their diet, especially if it’s limited. Many holistic practitioners recommend whole food vitamins, which are easier for the body to process, as they don’t contain laboratory-made isolates, such as ascorbic acid, which is different from real Vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use herbal remedies, unless under the direction of a health care professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice. I am not responsible for treatment decisions or outcomes.
