Tag: Herbal Remedies for Chronic Kidney Disease

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.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease? – Treatment through Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) also known as chronic kidney failure, involves progressive loss of kidney functions over time. Because of slow damage to the kidney over a long period of time, the word chronic is used. The main function of the kidney is to remove the waste product and toxins from the body and retain protein, nutrients in blood. But in severe conditions, wrestling from various kidney disorders, the kidneys may stop working. It is the last stage of kidney disease. In this article we are going to discuss chronic kidney disease, its symptoms, cause and how Ayurvedic herbal medicines are helpful in Chronic Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION

Kidneys are the pair of bean shaped organs located in the abdomen towards the back, behind the belly, below the ribs. Gradual disturbance in kidney functions due to various kidney disorders, persistently raised blood pressure & diabetic conditions are the common causes for CKD. It is rarely reversible and leads to progressive decline in renal function. Renal mass is reduced which may lead to hypertrophy of the remaining nephrons with hyper filtration. And the glomerular filtration rate of these nephrons is at extraordinary levels. This transformation places a burden on remaining nephrons which may lead to interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, advising that hyper filtration may worsen renal function. Chronic kidney disease is categorized in five different stages. The end stage of all the kidney diseases is CKD.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Now let’s know about a brief about Chronic kidney disease.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS

Some  clinical features of Chronic Kidney Disease are

  1. Loss of appetite
  2. Nausea and Vomiting
  3. Swelling in body parts due to water retention specifically in feet, hands, ankles etc.
  4. Puffiness in the face and inflammation around eyes mostly in the morning.
  5. Insomnia (Sleeping difficulty)
  6. Chest pain
  7.  Muscle cramps
  8. Shortness in breath on exertion
  9. Raised blood pressure
  10. Itching and dry skin
  11. Tiredness and fatigue
  12. Abnormal urination specifically nocturia (need to pass urine multiple times during night hours)
  13. Erectile dysfunction in males.

CAUSES

Some common cause of Chronic Kidney disease are

1. Type 1 or type 2 diabetes

High blood sugar level is responsible for the destruction of blood vessels that are present in the kidney. Due to this, damaged blood vessels are unable to perform their work efficiently which ultimately results in gradual loss of kidney functions & leading to CKD.

2. High blood pressure

Due to high blood pressure arteries around the kidney become narrow and weak.  These affected arteries can’t supply enough blood to the kidney which may lead to chronic kidney disease.

3. Interstitial Nephritis

In Interstitial Nephritis, renal tubules (kidney’s filter) become swollen. It is caused by the long term use of some medicines such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

4. Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease may reduce the kidney functions and lead to kidney failure. It is caused due to genetic inheritance i.e. mutation in genes such as PKD1,PKD2 etc.

5. Pyelonephritis

This is an inflammatory disease of the kidney caused as a result of an infection mostly bacterial infection and that may lead to damage to the kidney permanently. In the urinary tract, prolonged obstruction may occur due to enlarged prostate, kidney stones, cancer etc.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

All the kidney and urinary system related disorders lead to general conditions Mutravastrotodusti as mentioned in Ayurveda that means the vitiation of micro-channels of urine. The chronology of disease starts with Nidan (Causative factors and risk factors consumption) i.e. best explained by this shloka given by Acharya Charka in “Prameha chikitsa”.

अस्यासुखं स्वप्न सुखं दधिनि ग्राम्योदकानुपरसाः पयांसि।
नवानंपानं गुडवैकृत्तं च प्रमेहहेतु कफकृच्च सर्वम।। (चरक
चिकित्सा स्थान 6/4)

This means that the person who enjoys too much in food and indulged in taste (i.e. more use of junk and fast foods), who sleeps to much (even during day hours), excessive consumption of curd, contaminated water, non-vegetarian items, consume more sweet products and similar kapha increasing diet will end up in various diseases.

Over consumption of these Nidan (causative factors) will lead to Mandagni which will result in Ama (endotoxins) formation, that ama is considered as the cause of many diseases. This Ama blocks the various srotas (micro environment channels) of body tissues, specifically Medovaha srotas in this case (fat tissue channel). Ama vitiates the medovaha stotras and the kidney are the basic seat of meda (fat tissue) according to Ayurveda, which will affect the kidney functioning. As already discussed, the main function of the kidney is urine formation and maintaining balance of water and electrolyte, but if this problem persist this will lead to vitiation of urinary micro channels (Mutravahastrotadusti) and results in various kidney & urinary system diseases like nephritic syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, obstructive uropathy, glomerulonephritis that ultimately end in Chronic Kidney Disease.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR CKD

Kidney damage is measured using some markers that either one or more of these markers may be present for more than 3 months is required for diagnosis of CKD. These include:

  1. Presence of albumin in urine (Albuminuria) (ACR ≥ 30 mg/g)
  2. Sedimental deformities of urine.
  3. Tubular diseases or other kidney disorders that create water & electrolyte imbalance.
  4. Histology suggests some deformity.
  5. Structural abnormality seen by imaging techniques.
  6. Reduced GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) (GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 squared meter)

Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease

Mainstay in managing patient with CKD with Ayurvedic aspect include:

  1. Nidana parivarjana
  2. Shodhan Chikitsa
  3. Shaman Chikitsa

1. Nidana Parivarjana

It is the avoidance of all the nidan i.e. risk/causative factors mentioned for disease. It can also be understood as  detection of diseased conditions  in early stages & then preventing its further progression.

2. Shodhan Chikitsa(Purification methods)

The detoxification procedure is done by examining the condition, strength & body built of the person. The suitable patient for the procedure must be advised for Virechana (therapeutic purgation) as it removes all the toxins (causative factors) from the body even at cellular levels. Also, raktmokshan (bloodletting) is also considered as a useful detoxification method in early phases of the disease.

3. Shaman chikitsa

The main Shaman chikitsa is based on preventing the diseased condition from deteriorating further by giving the drugs/herbs that have great role in improving renal functions & aids in managing the condition along with some herbal based diuretics for both kidneys & systemic wellbeing.

HERBAL MEDICINES PROVIDED BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides 100% vegetarian formulation and formulated by our experts Ayurvedic Doctors, to prop up the health of kidneys. The main role of these herbal medicines is to treat the root cause of chronic kidney disease and prevent the disease from further progression. Herbal remedies are the finest and safest way for managing patients with kidney issues. Our experts proposed herbal drugs for chronic kidney disease under the name of Revive Kidney for Advanced stages

  1. Phyllanthus niruri capsules
  2. Punarnava capsules
  3. Varunadi vati
  4. Rencure formula capsules
  5. Nephralka capsules
  6. Echinacea capsules
  7. Mutrakrichantak churna
  8. Tribulus Power Capules

Revive Kidney Pack for Advance Stages

Herbal Remedies for Chronic Kidney Disease

Product Description

1. Phyllanthus niruri

Phyllanthus niruri (Bhoomi amla) also known as “stone breaker”. It is the most active ingredient used in herbal therapy for kidney stones and also very much beneficial in maintaining or even improving the functioning of kidneys. It is also used to boost up the removal of potassium and magnesium from the body along with urine, thus reducing electrolyte load on kidneys. The standardized extract of this herb is available with us in the form of capsules.

Dosage: 1 capsule, twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Punarnava capsules

The basic constituent of these capsules Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is used for the treatment of chronic kidney failure because of its antitoxic and rejuvenation properties. It is useful in the elimination of various contaminants from blood due to its diuretic properties (Mutravirechan).

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Varunadi vati

It is the combination of many herbal ingredients such as Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris), Varun (Crataeva Nurvala) etc. It is useful to improve the flow rate of urine. These herbs are well known since ancient times for improving various kidney & urinary tract ailments.

Dosage: 2 tablets , twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Rencure formula capsules

Various herbal ingredients used in the preparation of this product are: Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Palash (Butea Monosperma) etc. It is one of the best herbal diuretics. These capsules also give relief from painful micturition.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Nephralka Capsules

Herbal ingredients, Revandchini (Rheum Emodi), Mooli Satva (Raphanus Sativus) etc. are used in the reduction of urinary calculi. All the herbal ingredients which are used in Nephralka capsules lead to healthy kidney functions.

Dosage: 1 capsule, twice daily with plain water after meals.

6 Echinacea Capsules

Echinacea capsules (Andrographis paniculata) is a very useful plant which is used in the treatment of many kinds of disease, especially kidney and urinary systems. It also helps to maintain functions of the kidney and urinary system.

Dosage: 1 capsule, twice daily with plain water after meals.

7. Mutrakrichantak churna

Mutrakrichantak churna is the combination of several herbal medications such as; Shigru (Moringa Oleifera), Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck) etc. Main property of this churna is antioxidant and it is useful in the reduction of toxicity level of the kidneys. It is also used to reduce renal injury and maintain renal function.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily with water.

For better results: Boil 1 teaspoon in 300-400 ml of water until it remains 50-60ml. filter the preparation and drink. Drink this preparation twice a day after 45-60 minutes of breakfast and dinner.

8. Tribulus Power Capules

This is a single herb formulation. It is made from the extracts of Gokshura (Tribulus terresteris). This is also known as Gokharu. This herb is very useful in water retention. It improves the function of liver and kidneys. This Ayurvedic herb is very beneficial in increasing the level of albumin in the body. It is very helpful in enhancing sexual power. It improves the strength of the body by eliminating the toxins from the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

CONCLUSION

At the end of this article we can see that in modern medicine there is no any kind of specific treatment for chronic kidney disease, they only give medications to lower down the symptoms of disease and start dialysis and finally recommend for kidney transplant which have various kinds of life-threatening side effects. In Ayurveda, herbal remedies are prescribed that are 100% pure, safe, and effective with no or very less side effects. Herbal remedies are used to target the main cause of chronic kidney disease & manage the condition.