Category: Kidney Health

Ayurvedic Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease with Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

A healthy human body consists of two kidneys that filter your blood. Each of our kidneys consists of millions of nephrons which removes toxins and excessive fluid from the blood. The most common wastes are ammonia, urea (nitrogen waste), creatinine (muscle waste), excessive amounts of salts etc. which are then excreted out in urine. A nephron consists of glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule (here blood gets filtered) and tubules (where extra water and ions are reabsorbed by body if required). A healthy kidney filters about 1100-1200 ml/min of blood to generate about 125ml/min of filtrate in Bowman’s capsule. When the renal filtration rate falls and the kidneys are unable to filter out the metabolic waste from the body the chronic kidney disease develops. Let’s discuss!!

Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease, Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease, Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ayurvedic Overview, Ayurvedic Herbs, Herbal Remedies for Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD Ayurvedic Treatment

INTRODUCTION

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function efficiently. This damage happens slowly, often over many years, and it can lead to serious life-threatening complications if left untreated. Early stages may have no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, people experience fatigue, Pedal edema, High blood pressure, and trouble in urination. Major risk factors are diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity and Certain infections. If left untreated, CKD can eventually lead to kidney failure, where dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed. Regular check-ups can help detect CKD early and slow its progress.

CAUSES

Major two causes of CKD are:

  1. Diabetes Mellitus: Patients with prolonged history of diabetes often land in CKD as a result of poorly managed blood sugar levels. The first sign of diabetes affecting kidneys is protein in urine. The healthy kidneys will not filter out albumin as it is essential for the body. But when renal damage begins, the patient loses protein through urine. As a result, patients will lose weight.
  2. Hypertension: In patients with prolonged history of increased hypertension, it can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, making it difficult for them to remove toxins and extra fluid from your body. This extra fluid can raise your blood pressure even more, causing a hopeless cycle. Taking care of your blood pressure can help protect your kidneys and break this cycle.

Other causes include:

  • Certain infections like untreated & long-lasting UTIs, sepsis
  • Congenital conditions like hydronephrosis, renal and urinary tract abnormalities
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Drug toxicity
  • Heavy metal poisoning like lead poisoning
  • Glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus: this disease affects whole body but when it affects kidneys it is called lupus nephritis
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
  • Renal stones

SYMPTOMS

CKD doesn’t produce any early symptoms, but if they are present, they may include:

  • Foamy urine
  • Urinating (peeing) more often or less often than usual
  • Itchy / dry skin
  • Feeling tired
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss without trying to lose weight (due to proteinuria)

Advanced CKD symptoms are seen as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Pedal edema or edema in legs, arms, ankles
  • Puffy eyes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anemia
  • Muscle cramps
  • Ammonia breath (urine-like or “fishy” breath)
  • Skin darkening
  • Numbness
  • Ascites

STAGES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

  • Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR (> 90 mL/min)
  • Stage 2: Mild reduction in GFR (60-89 mL/min)
  • Stage 3a: Moderate reduction in GFR (45-59 mL/min)
  • Stage 3b: Moderate reduction in GFR (30-44 mL/min)
  • Stage 4: Severe reduction in GFR (15-29 mL/min)
  • Stage 5: This is diagnosed as End-stage kidney disease (GFR < 15 mL/min).

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Blood Tests: KFT is a key diagnostic test in CKD to determine the creatinine levels in the body. On the basis of creatinine levels along with your age, size, gender; your eGFR levels are calculated. For males, the creatinine levels should be 0.7 mg/dL to 1.3 mg/dL and for females, it should be 0.6 mg/dL to 1.1 mg/dL.
  2. A/G Ratio Test: The albumin & globulin are two essential proteins in the body. Their higher ratio indicates protein loss through urine and progression of CKD.
  3. ABG Analysis: for monitoring blood electrolyte levels.
  4. Urine Analysis: Physical examination of urine is done to check for pus cells.
  5. IMAGING examinations: USG, CT SCAN can be done to study the damage done to renal parenchyma.

TREATMENT

Since it is a progressive disease, only symptomatic treatment can be given to manage it.

  1. Oral glycemic drugs or insulin therapy can be given to regulate blood sugar levels.
  2. Antihypertensives which are renal safe can be given for BP regulation.
  3. Sodium bicarbonate to deal with acidosis.
  4. Once creatinine levels are >3 mg/dL, dialysis is advised. The frequency of dialysis will depend on the health of kidneys.
  5. After a certain time, when dialysis cannot be carried forward and kidneys are failing, then renal transplant is the only option.

To not land in this situation, timely intervention and disease management is essential to stop the ongoing renal damage. With the help of Ayurveda and timely intervention, the damage done to the kidneys can be stopped. Mind it, the damage once done to the kidneys is not at all reversible but its progression can be stopped. With the help of Ayurveda, the frequency of dialysis in many patients can be decreased and the progression towards renal failure can be stopped.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

In Ayurveda, we can correlate CKD with “Mutrakricha” i.e., retention of urine. Acharya Charaka (Ancient Vaidya of medicine) has explained about 8 types of mutra-kricha.

Among the many nidanas (causes); ativyayama (overexertion), teekshna aushad (strong medications), rooksha Madhya (drying variety of alcohol like gin, vodka), Anupa matsya (Kapha dominated non-veg food), Adhyashana (consuming food before the digestion of previous meal), Ajeerna (Indigestion).

This disease manifests due to the above-mentioned nidanas (causes) causing the production of Ama (toxin buildup in the stomach) in the body which leads to “stroto-avrodh” (obstruction) which causes Vata dosha to get vitiated. If this vitiated vata causes kha-vaigunyata in the basti (urinary bladder) it may result in acute or chronic kidney disease.

Acharya Charaka has mentioned that foamy urine and edema is due to vitiated kapha dosha. Since the imbalance of doshas is causing kha-vaigunyata of the basti marma, uttarbasti (oil-based enema given through the ureter) can be given to achieve the equilibrium in basti marma.

AYURVEDIC HERBS BENEFICIAL IN CKD

  • Varuna: The extract from the bark of the varuna which is enriched with alkaloids like rutin, quercetin and varunol is known for its diuretic and lithotriptic properties. Varun chhal (bark) is used for lowering creatinine levels. It does this by increasing your urine output, which helps in lowering the creatinine levels. Varuna helps in balancing vitiated kapha and vata doshas due to its Ushna veerya (hot potency), tikta rasa (bitter) and kashaya rasa (astringent properties).
  • Punarnava: It is a potent diuretic and anti-inflammatory with Tikta rasa (bitter), kashaya rasa (astringent). The whole plant is used from its roots to the flower, but the extracts from roots are most potent. The leaves from punarnava are consumed as a vegetable to reduce edema. Its anti-diuretic effect helps in decreasing water retention in the body and retaining the electrolyte balance. It is an excellent blood purifier and also helpful in increasing Hb count.
  • Gokshura Gokshura is a potent mutual (diuretic) herb. It is tridosha shamak (balances all three doshas) but since it is rich in madhur rasa (sweet) and is of sheet veerya (cool potency) it works on vitiated pitta dosha. Also known as trikantaka, this herb is pramehhara i.e. it is helpful in reducing blood sugar levels. Thus, helpful in chronic kidney disease.
  • Palash: This plant is commonly known as flame tree. It is helpful in reducing inflammation and eliminating toxins, thus improving kidney function. As a result, it is useful in treating chronic kidney failure and uremia. It is both kapha and pitta dosha shamak as the bark of the plant is of Ushna veerya (hot potency) and root is sheet in veerya (cool potency). The flowers of Palaash improve kidney function, reduce inflammation & improves the elimination of toxins. It also assists in the drainage of excess uric acid from the blood.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of above-mentioned ayurvedic herbs for the management of chronic kidney disease. With the use of above-mentioned herbs, Planet Ayurveda has compiled the “Revive Kidneys Pack”. This pack includes Mutrakrichantak churna, Rencure formula, Varunadi vati, Punaranava Mandur, and Chandanadi vati. All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100% natural, vegetarian, additive-free, chemical & preservative-free, and without any side effects.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease, Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease, Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ayurvedic Overview, Ayurvedic Herbs, Herbal Remedies for Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD Ayurvedic Treatment

1. MUTRAKRICHANTAK CHURNA

This churna is prepared using standardized extract from varuna (Crataeva nurvala), bhumi-amlaki (Phyllanthus niruri), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). It can balance out all the tridoshas. Since these herbs have a mutual (diuretic) effect, it helps in lowering the raised creatinine levels and thus improves glomerular filtration of blood in kidneys. It has also proven to reduce burning moisture.

Dosage: Since it is available in churna form, 1 teaspoonful with water is recommended for the best results. Boil 1 teaspoonful in 400ml water until it remains 50-60ml. Filter the preparation with a regular tea strainer and drink. You should use this twice a day, 45 min. after breakfast and 45 min. after dinner. Prepare fresh every time.

2. RENCURE FORMULA

It is available in capsule form. It contains ayurvedic herbs such as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crateava nurvula), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Palaash (Butea monosperma), and Kasni (Cichorium intybus). The aqueous extract of Kaasni is efficient in lowering serum creatinine and serum urea levels. The diuretic properties help to remove the toxins from the body.

Dosage: 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

3. VARUNADI VATI

Varunadi vati is available in tablet form which is prepared using the standardized extract from varuna (Crataeva nurvala), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), and shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). The extract quercetin from varuna and punarnava helps in repairing the renal damage caused by heavy metal toxicities. It is also helpful in decreasing water retention, thus reducing edema.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

4. PUNARNAVA MANDUR

It is a classical medicine available in capsule form, prepared from the standardized extract of punarnava and loh bhasma (Iron ash) after following proper purification methods. It is helpful in correcting iron deficiency anemia, blood purification, etc. It reduces water retention in the body due to its Shothahara (Anti Inflammatory) properties, thus also indicated to use in ascites. Since the CKD patients suffer from low levels of Hb in advanced conditions, it is recommended for them.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

5. CHANDANADI VATI

Chandanadi vati is available in tablet form and is prepared using standardized extract of Chandan (Santalum album), elaychi (Ellectaria cardamom), kabab-chini (Piper cubeba), amlaki (Phyllanthus emblica), and similar herbs. It is helpful in removing excessive kapha dosha, aama (toxins) from the body. Amlaki in it helps in balancing tridoshas as it cleanses the bladder and relieves the burning sensation. Chandan balances excess heat due to its sheet veerya (cool potency). Ela reduces inflammation and kabab-chini is known for its anti-microbial properties.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

Chronic Kidney Disease is a slow progressive disease characterized by gradual loss of kidney function. Early detection and proper management are crucial in slowing the progression and reducing complications. Key factors contributing to CKD include hypertension, diabetes, and genetic predispositions, among others but effective management involves controlling underlying health conditions, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and medical interventions such as medications or dialysis. The modern biomedicine gives minimal importance to the factors of causation and is more oriented in treating the presenting features or as you say symptoms. The etiology at times may have a decisive role in the management of CKD especially in cases where the patient is treated from one side but continues with etiological factors as said in Ayurveda “nidansevan”. Therefore, to manage the CKD “Nidan-parivarjan” is essential which means cessation of etiological factors. It is essential to address the disease early to prevent further complications, such as kidney failure. Regular monitoring, patient education, and a collaborative approach between healthcare providers and patients are fundamental in managing CKD effectively.

UTI Ayurvedic Treatment, Kinds, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

Abstract

Urinary Tract Infection is a significant infectious problem managed in the general medical practice. Women are affected more than men. One woman in the five develops Urinary tract infection (UTI) at least during her lifetime. UTIs are not common in men, but lead to serious problems when they occur. The symptoms of urinary tract infections are similar to Mutrakriccha as in Ayurveda. There are various herbs in Ayurveda with varied action specifically aimed at mitigating urinary system disorders. An herb having various phytochemicals and secondary metabolites that naturally boosts the body to combat diseases. As most of the Uropathogenic bacteria are now antibiotic resistant. In this case Planet Ayurveda introduces UTi care pack, offer unique, natural treatment for urinary tract infections.

Urinary Tract Infection

Introduction

Urinary tract infection refers to an infection related to the urinary system that includes kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra. UTIs are the second most common infectious disease in the world affecting 90% of the world population throughout their lifespan. Women are more prone to UTI, even though they have anatomically and physiologically normal urine tract. UTIs are also known as Fearnes syndrome is a microbial infection that affects any part of the urinary system. Usually urine is sterile, free from microbes but contains fluids, salts and waste products. In 80% of UTIs caused by Escherichia coli, which is naturally present in the colon near anus followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Mycoplasma hominis and many others. An infection occurs when bacteria or fungi get into the bladder and start to grow. The infection frequently begins at the opening of urethra where excretion of urine takes place.

Kinds of Urinary tract Infections

  1. Urethritis – Infection of urethra
  2. Cystitis – Infection of urinary bladder
  3. Pyelonephritis – Infection of kidney
  4. Uretitis – Infection of ureters
  5. Vaginitis – Infection of vagina

Causes

People having following reasons are more prone to urinary tract infections

  1. Sexually active with an infected person.
  2. Vesicoureteral Reflux
  3. Kidney stones
  4. Dehydration
  5. Diabetes
  6. Constipation
  7. Using dirty sanitary pads
  8. Holding urine more than four or six hours
  9. Using spermicide for diaphragms.
  10. Using urinary catheter

Symptoms

There are specific symptoms for various kinds of UTIs

Area infected Symptoms
Urethritis(Infection of Urethra)
  • Burning sensation during urinating
  • Discharge from urethral opening or vagina
  • Difficulty during urinating
  • Pain during sex
Cystitis(Infection of Urinary bladder)
  • Blood during urination
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Pain in the pubic area, lower back
  • Itching during urination
  • Fever
Pyelonephritis(Infection of Kidney)
  • Impaired renal function
  • Upper back and side pain
  • Acute kidney failure
  • Shaking and chills
Vaginitis(Infection of vagina)
  • Change in color, odor from vagina
  • Irritation in vagina
  • Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Pain during urination

Diagnosis

  1. Physical parameters for Urine examination : Color, turbidity, smell, foam in urine sample.
  2. Microscopy : Microcopy examination of urine, presence of leukocytes, pus cells, bacteria, erythrocytes.
  3. Microbial testing : Microbial identification of urine sample by culturing on Macconkey media, Hicrome media, SDA media.
  4. Imaging testing : An ultrasound and CT scan of the urinary tract area.

Treatment

UTIs are mostly treated by these Antibiotics- Cephalexin, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Fosfomycin and many others.

Ayurveda concept

Ayurveda is an ancient healing science present in nature. The line of treatment in Ayurveda is mainly based on Dosha Chikitsa (treatment). Urinary tract infections come under Mutravaha Srotas in Ayurveda. The formation and excretion of Mutra (urine) is the chain mechanism of Mutravha Srotas where functions of all other organs are related to each other. Many urinary disorders are manifested if pathology arises in any part of the Mutravaha Srotas. These are Mutrakriccha (Dysuria), Mutraghata (Severe obstruction in urination), Ashmari (renal stone), Prameha (frequent urge to urine), Mutrakshaya (lack of urine production), and Mutravriddhi (accumulation of excessive fluids). The disease Mutrakriccha has involved vitiation of Pitta Dosha along with vitiation of Vata Dosha. There are various herbs in Ayurveda that are involved in the flushing out of the toxins (Ama), cleaning out the blockage of urinary passage and tones the kidney (vrikka) function.

Herbal remedies for urinary tract infection by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a trustworthy manufacturer of herbal items and ayurvedic medicine in India with GMP certification. It is one of India’s top producers and suppliers of ayurvedic medications. All products are 100% pure and herbal. Planet Ayurveda formulates a complete pack “UTi care pack” for healing urinary tract infections. This pack includes 5 different herbal products which are very effective in UTIs. These products are 100% pure, herbal with no added preservatives or additives. These products are effective in various types of UTIs without leaving any harmful effect on the body. These products are:

  1. Punarnava Capsule
  2. Gokshuradi Guggul
  3. Varunadi Vati
  4. Chandanadi vati
  5. Reno plan syrup


Uti Care Pack

Products Description

1. Punarnava capsule

An herbal capsule made up of only Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) plant extract. It has many phytochemicals like alkaloids which helps in the removal of renal stones and is used as yonishool (infection of vagina). Punarnava is a potent herb that has Antibacterial, Anti- inflammatory and Diuretics effects and is highly effective for cystitis.

Dosage : 1 – 2 capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meal.

2. Gokshuradi Guggul

A poly herbal tablets consists of 9 herbs such as Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) , Guggul (Commiphora mukul), black pepper (Piper nigrum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Amla (Emblica officinalis) and many more. This herbal tablet having Antibacterial properties against various gram positive bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and gram negative bacteria like Acientobacter baumanii, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, pseudomonas aeruginosa by modulating enzymes functions present in the bacteria. These tablets also show Anti-inflammatory activity that reduces the pain in the urinary tract during urination.

Dosage : 1 – 2 tablets 2 – 3 times a day, before and after food or as directed by Ayurvedic Doctor.

3. Varunadi Vati

A polyherbal tablet especially formulated for UTIs and Kidney stone (Mutrashmari) by Planet Ayurveda. It consists of 4 medicinal herbs in a specific concentration which alleviates the effects of each other. These herbs are Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). These tablets possess Diuretic (Mutravirechaniya) property which helps to reduce the deposition of the fluid in the body. This product has beneficial effects on the neurogenic bladder and decreases the residual urine volume. It improves the overall health of the genitourinary tract, strengthening and tone the kidneys, bladder and reproductive organs. Also, shows an Anti-inflammatory, pain relieving property and Antibacterial property.

Dosage : 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

4. Chandanadi Vati

A polyherbal tablet formulated to balance the Pitta dosha in the body that leads to UTIs. It is a unique formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda for improving the metabolism of kidney and urogenital tract. It consists of Safed chandan (Santalum album), Kababchini (Piper cubeba), Safed Ral (Shorea robusta), Rasaut (Berberis aristata) and many more. These tablets are used to treat UTIs and Liver disease due to its Antifungal and Antibacterial properties against Multi drug resistance organisms (MDRO) that are resistant to traditional Antibiotics and against different kinds of Uropathogenic bacteria. These tablets are used in the retention of urine, incontinence of urine and in the healing of gastrointestinal ulcers and the wounds of the urinary tract. These tablets also improve Gut bacterial health, used as Antacid by making urine alkaline and helps in breaking and dissolving stones in the urinary tract.

Dosage : 1 – 2 tablets twice or thrice daily by lukewarm water.

5. Reno Plan Syrup

A unique poly herbal formulation consists of Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus Niruri), Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris), Trapush (Cucumis Sativus), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) and many more. This formulation is helpful in the management of the urinary infections and proper functioning of kidneys by balancing Pitta. This syrup used to heal dysuria, irritation of the urinary tract, reduces specific gravity of urine. Also, shows the Antimicrobial properties, relieving the symptoms of burning urination and soothing effect on urinary bladder (Basti),

Dosage : 1-2 teaspoons twice a day or as prescribed by an Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections can readily be treated by medicinal herbs as mentioned in Ayurveda. Modern Science focuses more on the symptoms without knowing the primary reason of the disease that leads to resistance of Antibiotics in bacteria which is a new hot topic nowadays. Although, In Ayurveda, identify the problem by understanding the root cause of the disease and heal by medicinal herbs without leaving any side effects on the body. By using the Ayurvedic Practices Planet Ayurveda formulates various products by using antimicrobial herbs especially for UTI in the form of UTi care pack which provides a complete solution in one go.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.