5 Herbal Remedies to Detox the Kidneys

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

The kidneys are some of the most hardworking organs in the human body. They may be small, but kidneys filter the blood, eliminate contaminants in the system, regulate body fluids and aid in critical functions of the body. Without the kidneys, the body is unable to eliminate impurities and pathogens in the system.

One of the best ways to keep the kidneys healthy is performing regular detox. Cleansing the kidneys rids the body of impurities that build up in the organ. In today’s post, we are listing down herbal remedies to ensure healthy kidneys:

1. Beet Juice

Fresh beets are teeming with phytochemical betaine that protects the kidneys from free radical damage. This nutrient increases the acidity of urine, allowing the kidneys to work better at eliminating impurities in the blood. The increased acidity of the urine also clear calcium phosphate and struvite buildup in the kidneys. This cuts the risk of kidney stone development. To use beets as a kidney detox, just juice fresh beets or add beets to your favorite fruit smoothie.

2. Lemon Juice

Because lemon juice is naturally acidic, it increases the citrate levels in the urine. Citrates effectively melt calcium phosphate and struvite in the kidneys, reducing the risk of kidney stone development. To use lemon juice as a kidney detox, squeeze 4 to 5 whole lemons to get the juice. Mix the extract with a quart of chilled water or hot water and drink every day.

3. Celery Root

Did you know you could use celery root and seeds to make an effective kidney tonic? For centuries, celery root has been used to maintain healthy kidneys. Celery root contains a host of compounds that induce urination. Frequent urination helps flush out toxins in the kidneys. Celery roots also contain potassium and sodium, which are proven to keep the kidneys healthy! To use celery root as a kidney tonic, juice the roots together with other fresh greens and drink every morning on an empty stomach.

4. Parsley

Parsley is an incredibly potent diuretic that cleanses the kidneys. The antioxidants in parsley keep the kidneys healthy and free from blockages. The phytochemicals in parsley also kill pathogens that affect the kidneys. These nutrients include apiol and myristicin. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that lab rats that were given parsley seed extract experienced more frequent urination in a 24-hour period compared to rats that were not given parsley seed extract.

To use parsley as a kidney detox, add a tablespoon of crushed, fresh parsley in a cup of boiling water. Cover the cup and let the solution steep for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink.

5. Dandelion Root

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that dandelion root induces frequent urination and increases urine production among human subjects. As a natural diuretic, dandelion root reduces water retention and soothes inflation in the urinary system. To use dandelion root as a kidney tonic, boil the root in water for 10 minutes. Let the liquid steep for 5 minutes and strain. Drink the tonic twice daily for a month for best results.