Follow us on
BlogTwitterFacebook

Articles > The Kidneys: Our body's very own 'washing machine'

The Kidneys: Our body's very own 'washing machine'

The kidneys play a central role in the body's cleansing regime. On a physiological level their most important function is the regulation of the body's water content. They are also responsible for separating waste from useful substances, and to discern what is to be excreted and what is to be reabsorbed by the body. They regulate the relative salt balance in the body and maintain the acid/alkali balance of the blood. The kidneys are also involved in the production of the hormone renin, which plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure.

The proper functioning of any part of the body is dependent on the effective elimination of waste products and toxins. The kidneys are an important partner to the liver they are both responsible for the disposal of wastes and toxins and support deep cleansing. If the kidneys become weak our body soon starts to show signs of degeneration and develops a general susceptibility to illness. It is essential to support the cleansing function of our kidneys, particularly when our diet contains unnatural and harmful chemicals, which is almost unavoidable in this day and age.

It is certainly beneficial to support the functioning of our kidneys on a regular basis in order to increase our health and vitality. Traditionally the medicinal herbs Birch leaves, Golden Rod, Horsetail, Nettle and Raspberry leaves are known to support the cleansing activity of the kidneys and provide valuable alkalising minerals. These help to neutralise acidic conditions often implicated in urinary tract problems, skin impurities and degenerative diseases. They are also a great alkaliser after sports to prevent muscle soreness.


Inflammation and infection of the urinary system is one of the most frequent bacterial complications in humans. Women of reproductive age and older men with an enlarged prostate (prostatic hyperplasia) are especially prone to cystitis. The kidney and bladder supporting herbs Birch leaves, Golden Rod, Horsetail, Nettle and Raspberry leaves help to flush out the bacteria (e.g. Staphylococci and E. coli) and have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing effect on irritated mucous membranes. They can be used preventatively on an ongoing basis as well as in an acute condition.

In cystitis it is important to increase the daily dose of the therapeutic herbal infusion to 1.5 litres and supplement it with another 2 litres of water for an effective flushing regime. The concurrent administration of bicarbonates (proprietary brand or a teaspoon of baking soda 3 times a day) makes the urine alkaline this speeds up the healing process. Change to a more alkaline diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and cut out sugar altogether when experiencing a bout of cystitis. If cystitis is not improving within 48 hours professional attention is warranted. Women and men prone to cystitis are advised to take kidney and bladder protecting herbs on an ongoing basis for preventative purposes in order to stop the vicious cycle of recurring cystitis.

Water retention occurs when the kidneys do not eliminate enough water. It is important to seek the cause of this malaise, whether it is in the function of the kidneys themselves, in the circulatory system, in the health of the heart or in the dominance of certain hormones (e.g. in pre-menstrual tension and pregnancy). Kidney strengthening herbs help to reduce water retention by increasing the output of primary urine. If oedema isnt caused by the kidneys alone, the root of the problem will need to be addressed as well for long lasting results (e.g. heart support, hormonal balance).

Incontinence can be caused by a number of physical and psychological factors. In cases where there is no organic defect or illness involved, herbs with a high content of silica (e.g. Horsetail) can be of great assistance in toning the sphincter muscle of the bladder and therefore reducing incontinence. Together with the mucous membrane soothing herbs Raspberry leaves and Golden rod and with regular pelvic floor exercises these kidney and bladder strengthening herbs can go a long way to mitigate this unpleasant and stressful condition.

Weak kidneys are implicated in most degenerative diseases like arthritis, rheumatism or gout and make the body susceptible to the formation of gravels. These conditions benefit from kidney strengthening and alkalising herbs that help to flush out uric acid and metabolic wastes.

The skin and the kidneys have a unique relationship in that the skin reflects the health of the inner cleansing organs. If the kidneys are weak or overloaded and cannot detoxify properly, then the body places the extra burden on the skin as an emergency exit to eliminate toxins. Most skin complaints like acne, eczema, hives, nettle rash and many allergies improve once the kidneys are supported in their cleansing process.