Herbal Alternative Medicine

What You Need to Know

However, some patients wish to explore other options for improving their overall health including herbal medicines. Do this with the aid of an herbalist that can provide specific guidance for your unique situation.

What's important to know about herbal medications is that they can be unsafe. If your kidneys aren't working properly, the body is unable to flush away waste products properly. As a direct result of this, some of the herbal supplements themselves may add high levels of chemicals or waste to the blood stream, only furthering the complications to the kidneys. It's best to ensure that any herbal product you consume is safe for you to do so.

When considering the use of herbal supplements and medications, remember that very few have scientifically been studied to determine if they're dangerous to those with chronic kidney disease. Many less than high quality supplements contain chemicals and fillers that can make them dangerous for patients with this condition.

Also, be sure to monitor those products that contain potassium, as this nutrient is harmful to those with this condition.

There are some specific herbs known to be toxic to those who have chronic kidney disease. This includes:

• Bucha leaves, a diuretic and leads to kidney damage
• Juniper berries, a diuretic that may lead to damage
• Periwinkle
• Sassafras
• Autumn crocus
• Artemisia absinthium
• Horse chestnut
• Vandelia cordifolia
• Tung shueh

In addition to these, there are other herbs that may or may not be harmful to those with chronic kidney disease. This includes herbs such as blue cohosh, aloe, ginger, senna, ginseng, buckthorn and capsicum.

Many of these herbs can interact with the medications you are taking for your kidney disease. If you wish to take any of these herbs, consult with your doctor or herbalist first.

An herbal alternative medicine may be an option for some people, but for those who have chronic kidney failure or kidney disease, it's quite important to get medical help from a physician. Look for an herbalist who specializes in the treatment of this condition using an alternative medication.


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