Renal insufficiency or kidney disease has become a cause of concern with every passing day, worldwide. Blockage of srotas, i.e. minute channels in the body, results in kidney disease. The flow of urine into and out of the kidney occurs through Mutravaha srotas and the blockage in these srotas result in improper functioning of the kidneys. In case of blockage in the srotas through which fluid comes into the kidneys, there occurs shrinkage of kidneys and fluids are not accepted by the kidneys. While if the blockage is in outward srotas, from where the urine flows outside, then swelling occurs. Toxins starts to accumulate in the body when kidneys are not able to clear them from the blood and body. Imbalance of electrolytes and red blood cells production is also hampered. Usually, this occurs in a small time period and the signs and symptoms are lately identified.
There can be various causes which are responsible for damaging the kidneys and altering its functions. Some of them are listed below:
- Not going to urinate when the urge is there
- Drinking less than 3 litres of water or drinking more than 5 litres of water
- Too much salt intake
- Consuming excessive amounts of pain killers, drugs, antibiotics every then and now
- Eating too much mutton
- Negligence in the treatment of high BP
- Negligence in the treatment of sugar
- Negligence Treating Prostate Problems
- Negligence in the treatment of thyroid
- Negligence in the treatment of skin diseases
- Other long-term diseases such as heart, liver, jaundice, paralysis, TB and psoriasis etc
- Addiction to alcohol, ganja, opium, charas, other tobacco products etc
- Consuming excessive amounts of cold drinks
- Drinking cold water from the fridge
- Not taking deep sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours
- Stone, a cyst in kidneys and polycystic kidney
- Lack of vitamins and minerals
- High protein intake
- Excessive intake of coffee
Many of these things are the daily routine of many of us which eventually leads to damage of kidneys and kidney disease. Ayurveda describes that Channels of fat tissues, i.e. madovaha srotas’s roots are kidneys and rakta and meda dhatus, i.e. blood and fat tissues, are the main components of kidneys. Hence any diseases affecting or arising from these dhatus can cause kidney disease, as we can see in the case of diabetes (Madhumeha).
Kidney disease can manifest itself through various signs and symptoms:
- Swelling on the eyes on waking up in the morning
- Swelling on face
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Less urination
- Urination in drops
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty in breathing from walking a little
- Itching on the body
- Tingling in the body
- Early tiredness
- Burning sensation while passing urine
- Pus in urine
- Blood in urine
- Protein and albumin in the urine
- Strong odour from urine
- Bad breath
- White foam in urine
- Change in the colour of urine
- White sedimentation can be seen in urine if left for sometime
- The taste of the mouth change
- Irritability
Ayurveda comes with a different and specific approach to chronic kidney disease. As discussed above, the cause lies with the rakta or meda dhatu which eventually vitiates the Vata, Pitta or Kapha dosha resulting in disease. Hence pacification of these doshas helps to treat the disease.
It can be attained by the use of natural herbs which have an effective impact on kidneys and treats chronic kidney disease naturally.
1. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
Its anti-inflammatory property owes to its curative effect on kidney disease. By reducing the accumulation of the fluid this herb helps to treat swelling around the feet and joints. Punarnava also maintains a healthy fluid balance in the body. This beautiful herb aids healthy urine flow and revitalizes the body.
2. Varun (Crataeva nurvala)
Its powerful effects on kidneys help to drive out all the ailments from it. Along with improving the urinary function it also provides strength to the prostate gland. Varun consists of a chemical compound lupeol which deactivates the glycolate oxidase enzyme and prevents the accumulation of oxalate in the body thus preventing stone formation in kidneys. Other than this, it also helps to treat other health ailments like intestinal bleeding, intestinal worms, and chronic migraines.
3. Kaasni (Cichorium intybus)
All kinds of kidney disorders can be treated by Kaasni herb. Anti-inflammatory action of this herb helps in preventing and relieving the inflammation in the kidneys. Respiratory troubles, chronic constipation, and low hemoglobin can also be treated by Cichorium.
4. Palaash (Butea monosperma)
Butea is considered as one of the best herb to improve the renal functioning. Decreased liver functioning which can be the cause of damage of the kidneys is boosted up effectively by Palaash. Its antiseptic action eliminates the intestinal worms and parasites. Chewing leaves of Butea can help to treat digestive ailments, cold and sore throat.
5. Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris)
It is a cooling herb which relieves inflammation and treats chronic kidney disease naturally. Gokshur combats renal infections and enhances the immunity of the body.
Along with the use of these herbs, few dietary and lifestyle changes also help to combat the renal insufficiency to a great extent.
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol level in control as these are the causes of damaging the kidneys
- Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking
- Decrease or restrict the consumption of sodium by decreasing the use of salt in foods
- Avoid seafood as they also are a rich source of sodium
- Low potassium intake should be done in case of kidney disease. Hence restrict the consumption of cabbage, carrots, apples etc
- Low protein consumption, take less of vegetables, fruits, and cereals which have a high protein content
- Oily, fried, and fatty food should not be taken