Herbs for Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease progresses over time and when it develops to end stage, life will be threatened severely. Western medicines are the most commonly used medicines for Chronic Kidney Disease patients. They help to slow down illness progression, but long-term usage of it will cause many dead side effects. Therefore, many Chronic Kidney Disease patients wonder if there are herbs that can be used by them to improve kidney condition.
As a matter of fact, there are indeed some herbs that have been proven to be good for kidney and with the help of these herbs, kidney condition can be improved successfully. In general, medicines can be used by Chronic Kidney Disease patients include:
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herb that may help treat kidney failure. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health problems, including liver problems, elevated cholesterol levels, certain types of cancer and kidney failure. The seeds of the plants are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that milk thistle is an antioxidant that helps your kidneys function better and protects them from the damaging effects of numerous health complications. Before taking milk thistle to help treat your kidney failure, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Rehmannia - Rehmannia glutinosa (Scrophulariaceae)
A perennial with large sticky leaves and purple flowers, rehmannia is the most important herb for kidney and adrenal health in Chinese medicine (where it is called di huang) . Rehmannia root is used medicinally and it contains phytosterols and antioxidants (including rehmannin), along with iridoid glycosides (including catapol). Rehmannia is primarily used as a kidney tonic and also to detoxify the liver and to treat hepatitis. Rehmannia treats autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. Rehmannia helps treat hair loss, respiratory disorders, menopause and other hormone related disorders. Rehmannia has diuretic properties.
Couch grass
Couch grass is a diuretic and the mucilage helps soothe an inflamed and irritated urinary tract. It also helps heal the urinary tract.

Couch grass increases the amount of urine by the osmotic process. It has some active constituents with an antibiotic effect, and can be used in gout and rheumatism. It is also used in cystitis, prostatitis, nephritis, calculus (stones), urethritis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Horsetail
Horsetail is high in silica, and is used as an astringent in the genito-urinary tract. It is also a diuretic. It has been found to reduce the levels of lead in the body, and there is "evidence of an anti-rheumatic effect and a positive effect on lipid [fat] metabolism". (Fisher and Painter)
The increased volume of urine helps flush out irritants and infectious agents. The astringent action may help with bladder tone and the reduction of prostate enlargement. The high levels of silica help with tissue repair.

Horsetail is used in cystitis, prostatitis, prostatic enlargement, incontinence, edema with menopause or arthritis, and urethritis. It helps prevent damage to the ureters, bladder, and urethra, and the prostate.