🌿 January and February are the months for strengthening the kidneys and bladder in the annual health care programme💪

The kidneys are one of the key organs in our body, the kidney and bladder play a crucial role in the body’s waste disposal system. “”Their function is closely linked to the nervous system and the reproductive system. “¹ The kidneys filter blood, remove waste products and excess fluid to produce urine, maintain electrolyte balance and regulate blood pressure. The bladder stores urine until it is voluntarily discharged through the urethra.

Did you know that fluid intake affects the quality of kidney health and function? Too much or too little fluid, alcohol, antibiotics and diuretics weaken the kidneys. Our emotions, such as fear and constant worry, also affect its healthy functioning.

Follow the annual health care programme and learn about traditional Ayurvedic healing.

What happens when toxins build up in the kidneys and urinary tract ?

When the kidneys cannot filter the blood properly, toxins get trapped. They can cause urinary infections, kidney stones, lumbago and prostate enlargement. Intermittent diuretics can help cleanse the kidneys, but this is preferable during the warm season. Excessive diuretics tend to weaken the body and aggravate vata (air energy). Whilst excessive water consumption aggravates kapha (water). So what can we do during the cold winter season ?

Herbal remedies for kidney and bladder health

Traditionally, Ayurveda uses natural herbs and spices to support the health of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract. One of the easiest ways to cleanse the kidneys is to drink a glass of water with fresh lemon juice after waking up, before your first pee.² Water carries vital energy, prana, so its quality is important. If you can, store it in a copper container overnight, and transfer it from one glass to another a few times before drinking, enriching it with fresh air.

Shilajit

One of the best kidney tonics in Ayurveda is Shilajit. A natural substance formed over centuries by the decomposition of plant matter in the Himalayas and Altai mountains. Abundant in fulvic acid, minerals and other bioactive compounds. It is a widely used herbal remedy in Ayurvedic medicine. Known for its antiseptic, stone-dissolving and tumour-reducing properties, it is also known as a general rejuvenator (rasayana). It stimulates the kidneys and bladder and is an excellent natural treatment for urinary tract disorders of all three doshas.

Coriander, fennel and lemongrass may also be used to treat urinary tract infections in general. Ayurveda also recommends Gotu Kola (centella asiatica) for pain relief and Gokshura.³

Treatment of urinary tract infections by dosha imbalance:

• Vata: chronic, moderate. Strengthening herbs are recommended such as Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Bala
• Kapha: caused by kidney mucous. Use spices in abundance: long pepper, cinnamon, parsley. Trikatu and Shilajit are the most useful herbs, as both have kapha-reducing properties.
• Pitta: acute infection, stinging, coupled with burning sensation, blood in urine: avoid spices except coriander. Cranberries and pomegranate may be useful, if fruit is not available, consume as tea.

Treatment of kidney stones by doshas:

Shilajit stimulates kidney function and has tumour-reducing and stone-dissolving properties. Useful for all three doshas.

• Vata: coarse, dry, dark (black, brown) stones (phosphates). They cause great pain in the thigh and abdomen area. Diuretics are helpful, and herbal remedies include castor oil or Triphala (mild laxative). Avoid light, dry foods.
• Kapha: soft, smooth, white-coloured stones (made of calcium). They are easily eliminated with abundant, light-white urine. Diuretics help, consume bitter and pungent flavours, bearberry, long pepper. It is best to avoid fatty, oily and dairy foods.
• Pitta: Sharp, yellow or red-coloured stones (oxalate). They cause bloodstained and pus-filled urine. Urine is dark yellow or reddish with a burning sensation. Cooling diuretics such as corn will help. Spices include coriander and bitter herbs. Best to avoid potatoes, tomatoes and onions.

Be proactive to restore and preserve the health of your kidneys and bladder by choosing natural remedies!

Ayurveda, the power of nature

_{References: Dr. David Frawley Ayurvedic healing^1,3} , _{Bhaktikutir.hu²}

Tags: ayurveda, annual health care program