Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney: 5 Best Remedies
When considering care for your kidneys, most people do not think about them until they experience a problem. The kidneys quietly and humbly do their work filtering waste, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining homeostasis. And like every organ that works hard for you, it deserves some tender love and care. If you are someone who gravitates toward natural healing, gentler holistic measures, and overall wellness methods, perhaps Ayurveda will have the answers you are seeking.
Ayurveda is a holistic healing system from India that has been practiced for thousands of years. As mentioned above, Ayurveda is holistic, which means it considers the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda incorporates natural medicine, diet, and lifestyle habits to help maintain the health of your organs, including your kidneys. Below, we present five simple remedies often used in the Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disorders to help you naturally preserve strong, healthy kidneys.
1. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) – The Rejuvenator
Punarnava means "that which rejuvenates the body," and it lives up to its name. This powerful herb is a favorite in Ayurvedic kidney care because of its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce water retention, flushes out excess fluids, and supports the kidneys in their detoxification process. It is one of the most effective herbs in the Ayurvedic treatment for kidney issues.
People dealing with swelling, edema, or early signs of kidney issues often turn to Punarnava for gentle support. It’s also great for balancing Kapha dosha, which tends to accumulate fluid and heaviness in the body.
You can find Punarnava in the form of tablets, powders (churna), or as part of a blended herbal formula. Many Ayurvedic practitioners recommend taking it with warm water to enhance absorption and effectiveness.
Quick tip: Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor before starting any herbs, especially if you’re already on medication or managing a health condition.
2. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) – The Renal Tonic
Gokshura is another gem in the natural treatment for kidney disorders. This small, spiky fruit might look intimidating, but it’s known for its deeply nourishing effects on the urinary system. In Ayurveda, Gokshura is classified as a mutravirechaniya herb, meaning it supports healthy urination and detoxification.
It’s particularly helpful for people prone to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or sluggish kidney function. Gokshura is also a natural aphrodisiac and helps balance the Vata dosha, which is associated with dryness and depletion.
When taken regularly, Gokshura can help strengthen the kidneys over time and promote a more comfortable, regular urinary flow. You’ll often find it blended with other herbs in kidney-care formulations or available as a standalone supplement.
3. Varun (Crataeva nurvala) – The Stone Breaker
Kidney stones are no fun; ask anyone who’s had them. Fortunately, Ayurveda has Varun, a powerful herb known to support the breakdown and prevention of kidney stones. It works by dissolving the buildup of minerals that contribute to stone formation and improves the flow of urine to help flush out any crystal formations naturally.
Varun is also useful in maintaining the proper function of the bladder and prostate, making it a great all-around urinary system tonic. It’s especially beneficial for individuals who are prone to oxalate stones or who have a history of stone formation in their family.
In traditional practice, Varun is often taken as a decoction, basically, a tea made by boiling the bark of the plant. However, capsules and powders are more accessible and easier to work into your daily routine.
Pro tip: Staying well hydrated and reducing foods high in oxalates (like spinach and beets) can complement Varun’s effects.
4. Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya) – The Kitchen Kidney Cleanser
Ayurvedic kidney treatment is incomplete without this kitchen staple. Yes, the same humble coriander seeds you use in your kitchen can also be your kidneys’ best friend. In Ayurveda, coriander seeds are considered cooling and detoxifying. They help flush out toxins, soothe the urinary tract, and support kidney function, especially when there's a burning sensation during urination or minor infections.
A simple coriander seed water is a go-to home remedy in many Indian households. Just soak 1–2 teaspoons of coriander seeds in a glass of water overnight, strain them in the morning, and drink the water on an empty stomach. It’s gentle, refreshing, and a great way to kickstart your kidneys’ natural detox process.
This remedy is especially supportive during hot weather or when you're feeling overheated and dehydrated. And the best part? It’s right there in your spice rack.
5. Triphala – The Gentle Cleanser
No Ayurvedic remedy list is complete without Triphala. This classic combination of three fruits, Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, is famous for its detoxifying, rejuvenating properties. While it's often associated with digestion and gut health, Triphala also supports the kidneys by gently eliminating toxins from the body and improving overall metabolic function.
Triphala works at a systemic level, meaning it helps the entire body detox, including the blood and organs. Since kidney health is so closely linked to what’s circulating in the bloodstream, keeping the body clean internally gives your kidneys less work to do.
Most people take Triphala at night, either as a powder mixed in warm water or in tablet form. It’s mild enough for long-term use and often helps with other issues like constipation, which can indirectly impact kidney function by contributing to toxin buildup.
Supporting Kidney Health Beyond Herbs
- While these Ayurvedic remedies are powerful, true healing happens when herbs are paired with supportive lifestyle and dietary changes according to Ayurvedic treatment for kidney. Here are a few Ayurvedic tips to support your kidneys day to day:
- Hydration is key: Sip warm water throughout the day. Avoid icy drinks, which can slow down digestion and toxin elimination.
- Watch your salt and protein: Too much of either can stress your kidneys. Ayurveda recommends a balanced diet that's gentle on digestion.
- Stay active: Gentle movement like yoga, walking, or tai chi helps stimulate circulation and lymph flow.
- Avoid suppression of natural urges, especially urination; holding it in can lead to imbalances and infections.
- Mind your emotions: In Ayurveda, emotions are linked to organ health. Fear and anxiety are said to affect kidney energy, so nurturing your mental well-being is part of the picture too.
Final Thoughts
Your kidneys may be quiet, but they’re constantly working behind the scenes to keep your body in harmony. Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disorders supports the rehab in the patients not only with powerful herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varun, but also with simple daily practices that honor balance and wholeness.
Whether you're dealing with mild kidney issues, hoping to prevent problems down the road, or just looking to feel more in tune with your body, these Ayurvedic remedies offer a time-tested, gentle path toward wellness. Always remember to work with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, especially if you're on medications or have existing health conditions, so you can tailor the right approach for your unique constitution.
