Herbs for Kidney, Urinary Tract, and Prostate Health

Natural remedies for kidney, urinary tract, and prostate issues, like infections, kidney stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These herbs can help increase urine flow, fight infections, or ease prostate symptoms, but they come with some cautions. Always check with a doctor before trying them.

Herbs for Kidney and Urinary Tract Health

—-Solidag [Goldenrod]

  • What It Is: A plant used in Europe to boost urine flow and ease urinary tract infections (like bladder or kidney inflammation) or prevent kidney stones.
  • How It Helps: Increases urine output to flush out bacteria and reduce stone-forming substances (like CALCIUM or URICA ACID). It also has anti-inflammatory effects, soothing irritation.
  • Why It’s Good: Safe and effective, with no major side effects. Studies in rats show it reduces inflammation almost as well as some prescription drugs.
  • How to Use: Make a tea with 1–2 teaspoons of dried goldenrod in 1/2 Liter of boiling water, steep for 2 minutes, and drink a tablespoon daily.
  • Caution: Drink plenty of water to support its effects.

—–Parsley

  • What It Is: Leaves and roots of parsley, used to increase urine flow for urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
  • How It Helps: Boosts blood flow to kidneys, helping flush out urine.
  • Why It’s Good: Popular in dishes like tabbouleh, it’s easy to consume (about 6 g/day).
  • Caution: Avoid in pregnancy (can stimulate the uterus)
  1. Birch Leaves
  • What It Is: Leaves from birch trees, used in Europe for mild urine flow increase.
  • How It Helps: Boosts urine output to help with kidney or bladder infections. Contains flavonoids for mild anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Why It’s Good: Safe, with no reported side effects, endorsed for infections and kidney stones.
  • How to Use: Take as a tea ( but similar to goldenrod). Drink extra water.

—–Cranberry**

  • What It Is: Juice or berries from the American cranberry, great for preventing urinary tract undisturbed infections (UTIs).
  • *How It Helps: Stops bacteria (like E. coli) from sticking to the urinary tract, reducing infection risk (~20–30% less bacteria in urine, *Journal of Urology Not by acidifying urine, but by blocking bacterial adhesion with proanthocyanidins.
  • Why It’s Good: Proven in studies (e.g., 300 mL/day reduced bacteria in older women).
  • How to Use: Drink 1/2 glass cranberry juice cocktail daily for prevention, 1/2 liter to 1 liter for treatment, or take 6 capsules of dried cranberry powder.
  • Caution: High oxalate content in cranberry tablets may increase kidney stone risk Avoid if prone to stones#

Herbs for Prostate Health (BPH)

  1. Saw Palmetto
  • What It Is: Fruit extract from a small palm, used for early-stage BPH (enlarged prostate).
  • *How It Helps: Increases urine flow, reduces nighttime urination (~88% patient satisfaction in studies, *Phytotherapy Research Works by relaxing prostate muscles and reducing inflammation, not shrinking the prostate.
  • Why It’s Good: Effective in studies with over 2,000 men, with only ~5% side effects (mild stomach upset).
  • How to Use: 1–2 g/day or 320 mg of a lipophilic extract (not tea, as active parts don’t dissolve in water).
  1. Nettle Root
  • What It Is: Root of stinging nettle, used for BPH urinary issues.
  • *How It Helps: Improves urine flow (~10–20% improvement, *Journal of Herbal Medicine
    possibly by affecting testosterone or binding proteins.
  • Why It’s Good: Minimal side effects (mild stomach upset, ~3%), can be taken as tea (4–6 g/day).
  1. Pygeum
  • What It Is: Bark extract from an African tree, used for mild to moderate BPH.
  • *How It Helps: Reduces BPH symptoms (~20% improvement, *Journal of Urology, 2023), by lowering prostate cholesterol and inflammation.
  • Why It’s Good: Well-tolerated, backed by 26 trials with over 600 patients.
  • How to Use: 100–200 mg/day of lipophilic extract.

Key Takeaways:

  • Best for UTIs/Kidney Stones: Goldenrod and cranberry are top choices for safety and effectiveness. Bearberry works but needs careful use.
  • Best for BPH: Saw palmetto and pygeum are well-studied for early BPH; nettle root is a milder option.
  • Safety First: These herbs can irritate kidneys or interact with medications (e.g., cranberry with warfarin). Always consult a doctor

Recommendations:

  • Try goldenrod or cranberry for UTIs (tea or juice, low doses), saw palmetto for BPH (320 mg/day).
  • Start with small amounts, monitor effects, and consult a doctor for safety.

One of the best supplements for BPH : https://il.iherb.com/pr/swanson-prostate-essentials-plus-90-veggie-capsules/117848

Solidago drops[also available in Israel, ask for the M.T]
https://il.iherb.com/pr/nature-s-answer-goldenseal-root-standardized-fluid-extract-alcohol-free-1-000-mg-1-fl-oz-30-ml/5195

Did not discuss mannose here, which many of you are familiar with