Medicinal Plants

KIDNEY PROBLEMS - 20
 Kidney Problems
• There are many disorders that affect the
kidneys. High blood pressure could cause
damage to the nephrons (the functional unit
of the kidneys). Acute or chronic renal failure
(ARF/CKD) is another serious and even life-
threatening disorder of the kidneys. Many
people suffer from congenital kidney
abnormalities. Diabetes mellitus and other
diseases can give rise to kidney disease.
Position of the Kidneys
Renal System
Human Kidney
Dissected Kidney
• The general symptoms of kidney problems
are: chills, fever, low back pain, bladder
irritation, pain on urination and edema.
Kidney stones are usually felt as a dull,
intermittent low backache, or as pain in the
testicles, groin or legs. The pain often gets
worse with activity. When the stones move
into the ureter, there can be hemorrhaging,
severe pain, paleness, nausea and vomiting.
 Recommendations for Kidney
Problems and Kidney Stones
• The fresh juice of Purslane is good for treating
kidney problems and anuria (difficulty with
urination). Prepare an infusion or decoction
with 50 to 100 grams of the plant in 1 liter of
water. Drink 4 to 5 cups a day.
Common Name: Purslane
Botanical Name: Portulaca oleracea
 Brief Description of the Plant
• Purslane is a widely branched, glabrous,
succulent, annual herb. The stem is often
yellow and purplish in color; the leaves are
fleshy, oblong and obtuse. The yellow five-
petal flowers are very small, growing in
clusters They open in sunlight. It is found in
gardens and in open waste lands.
•
 Other Medicinal Uses of the Plant
• Used for liver problems.
• Bladder problems.
• Scurvy.
• Promotes lactation (milk flow) in nursing
mothers.
• Relieves dry coughs.
• Relieves shortness of breath.
• Cures inflamed eyes.
• Mouth sores.
• Swollen gums.
• Fastens loose teeth.
• Relieves pain from burns.
• Speeds up the healing of wounds.
• Promotes menstrual flow.
• Expels intestinal worms.
• Helps digestion.
Alternate Plant Sources and How to Use Them to
Control Kidney Problems and Kidney Stones

• Century Plant (Agave americana) - The powder

of the dry leaves of the plant, in water, is
recommended for kidney disease. The
recommended dose is one teaspoon of powder a
day.
• Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) - The juice of the
ripe fruit helps to dissolve kidney and bladder
stones.
• Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) - The
infusion of the leaves is used for kidney
problems.
• Banana (Musa paradisiaca) - The Banana
plant’s pith found in the center of the erect
stem can be cooked and eaten to take care of
inflamed kidneys and kidney stones.
Century Plant (Agave americana)
Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris)
Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)
Banana (Musa paradisiaca)