Kidney Health and Ayurveda

By Vaidya Vishwanath December 29, 2022

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine.

Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. Urine flows from each of the kidneys to the bladder through two thin tubes of muscle called ureters. The bladder stores the urine until we are ready to expel it. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder make up our urinary system.

While the kidneys continually filter blood by removing waste and excess water they also remove acid which is produced by the cells. The kidneys play a key role of balancing water, salts, and minerals, such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Without this balance, the nerves, muscles, and tissues in our bodies would not function normally.

The kidneys also produce certain hormones that regulate blood volume by controlling the volume of water, they produce red blood cells in the bone marrow and convert vitamin D to the active form of 1,25-dihyroxyvitamin D. This is especially important for strong and healthy bones.

Kidney Health and Ayurveda

Vrikka is the Ayurvedic word for the kidneys which are formed by the rakta (blood) and medha dhatu (fat tissue) combined. Ayurveda sees vrikka as the source for the medovaha srotas (fat tissue channel) and relies on a downward flow from apana vayu (downward moving vata). Apana Vayu is responsible for regulating kidney function and helps to eliminate urine and stool in the downward direction. When Apana vayu is vitiated then symptoms of constipation and obstruction of urine can develop.

Any health disorder related to blood and fat may affect the functioning of the kidneys. An example of this would be prameha or diabetes, as well as obesity.

Symptoms Related to Kidney Problems

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Generalized pain
• Muscle twitches or cramping
• Varying quantities of urine output
• Frothy urine due to excess protein
• Edema (swelling) in the ankles and feet
• Puffiness in the face
• Constant body itching
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in the urine

Ayurveda uses several safe and effective herbs that help support the function of the kidneys. These herbs aim to balance the doshas and support kidney function by strengthening the kidneys.

Herbal Support for Kidney Health

1. Varanadi Kwatham
2. Varanadi Ghritam
3. Chandraprabha Vatika
4. Sukumara Kwatham
5. Sukumara Ghritam
6. Punarnavadi Kwatham
7. Punarnava Asavam

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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