Kidneys

Herb Class with Jo Francks

 2/29/16

Kidneys

The two kidneys are located in the back of the abdominal cavity, outside the abdominal wall, on either side of the spine. Each is about the size of a fist. The right kidney sits just below the liver, and the left kidney sits just below the spleen, at about the level of vertebrae T12 through L3. The right kidney is usually a little lower than the left in order to accommodate the liver. The adrenal glands are located on the top of each kidney.

The kidneys filter and regulate the water content of the blood. About 200 quarts of blood are filtered daily. And of that, approximately 2 quarts of toxins and excess water are removed and sent to the bladder in the form of urine. In order to do their job well, the kidneys require consumption of adequate water each day, as food and drink.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys regulate the entire body, including the bladder, uterus, prostate, pancreas, spleen. lymphatic system, heart, ligaments, blood pressure, sex drive, ears, scalp, left side lower back muscles, left side upper back muscles, left shoulder and elbow, both calves, thighs, biceps, triceps, forearms, wrists, knees, ankles, and all fingers and toes, The liver regulates the right shoulder, and the right pectoral and trapezius muscles. An indicator of an imbalance in the kidneys is a half-moon of puffiness, redness, excessive wrinkles, or dark coloration under each eye. The area under the left eye relates to the left kidney, and the area under the right eye corresponds to the right kidney. Regardless of your age, the area under the eyes should be smooth and blemish free.

In addition to daily emotional stress, substances like caffeine, medications, preservatives, food coloring, and other food additives can all be stressors on the kidneys and the adrenals. (The New Human, Richard Gordon)

To prevent problems in the kidneys plenty of water should be consumed on a daily basis. Drink at least 2 quarts a day. A mild kidney cleanse can be done for a week by juicing a lemon into a quart of distilled water. Drink this first thing in the morning. Parsley tea can be taken throughout the day during the week of the cleanse. Capsules can be substituted for the tea if desired.

Herbs for the kidneys

Parsley	Dr. Christopher's Kidney formula	Herbs to dissolve stones
Juniper berries	Dr. Christopher's Bladder formula	Uva Ursi
Buchu leaves		Gravel root
Marshmallow root		Hydrangea root
Dandelion leaves		Apple cider vinegar
Uva ursi		Lemon juice
Burdock seeds and root
Cleavers

When herbs are combined into formulas they sometimes work better that trying to figure out what individual herbs to use. Dr. C’s kidney formula works to get rid of infection, dissolve stones, cleanse the urinary tract, and strengthen the urinary tract. It should be taken at the first sign of any problem in the urinary tract or for water retention.

When working with someone who has a UTI, I recommend they use the Kidney formula 2 capsules every hour for a day and a half, then take the formula 5 or 6 times a day for the next day, then 2 capsules 3 times a day for 2 weeks. If this doesn’t clear up the infection I add a supplement called D-Manos and that usually works. Along with this protocol the person should only drink distilled water, lemon juice, cranberry and apple juice as their beverages. Avoid all dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, meat. sugar and processed foods while trying to clear up a UTI.

There are many other aids for the kidneys and many herbs that are diuretic and kidney aids.

Kidney stones can be treated the same as above adding apple cider vinegar in water every hour along with a tincture of hydrangea root every hour for the first day then cut back as the symptoms are relieved. There are products available for kidney stones that contain hydrangea, gravel root and marshmallow root which are very effective. The key is to be aggressive. Taking an herbal product once a day when you are trying to clear up an aggressive condition will not do a thing for you. It takes commitment and perseverance.