Der gantzen Artzenei, Dryander, 1542

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The Kidneys are of course recognised in all Traditions, and they are generally regarded as eliminating excess fluid via urination, and from the Humoral perspective, under the Controls of the Water Element while governing over Phlegm Humor.

The Kidneys are also important for Reproduction as well as associated with the Adrenal glands. In TCM the Kidneys are the source for both Yin and Yang within the body, the Yin pertaining to the Sperm, the Yang to the Sex Drive from a Reproductive viewpoint.

The Kidney also govern the action of the Retentive Faculty of the Lower Abdomen which holds Food, Urine and Feces until they are ready to be expelled. So for example Diarrhea with undigested food is often looked at as a condiion of Kidney (Yang) deficiency. This same mechanism helps a pregnant woman hold the Fetus until ready to be birthed, which is why Kidney deficiency is often asociated with threatened or actual Miscarriage.

The Urinary system may generally be affected with Cold and Damp, or Heat and Damp:

1. Cold-Damp: copious, pale urine, clear or whitish, feels the Cold, slow or deep pulse, aching back
2. Heat-Damp: yellow, burning urine, strong-smelling, fast or big pulse

Obstruction of Urine may cause Dysuria, Strangury or Dripping Urine. It can be associated with Damp, Heat, obstruction from swelling of the Prostate or Stones etc. Diuretic herbs which are opposed to the cause are prescribed (for example Warming medicines when Cold and Damp are the cause). Chronic cases often require Blood-moving medicines in adition to Diuretics.

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Primary Western Herbs for Kidney diseases

Primary Tibetan Herbs for Kidney diseases

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See NEPHRITIC MEDICINES to see primary Heating and Cooling Herbs and formulas for the Kidney

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Kidney Heat–Cool the Kidneys

Kidney Heat, or ‘Kidney Fever’, indicates an excess of Heat in the Kidneys. There may be Fever, Kidney area pain, burning and high-colored urine. The pulse may be big or fast. It is associated with conditions such as Urinary Tract Infection, Nephritis, Glomerulonephritis.

Simples

Compounds:

Nephritis:
1. Tansy with Uva Ursi, Dandelion, Wild Carrot, Marshmallow root, Pellitory of the Wall (Model Botanic Guide to Health)
2. China root, Scorzonera, Marshmallow, Licorice, Aniseed (½ oz.), Agrimony, Ground Ivy, Scordium, Nettle (1 handful), Figs (6), Raisins (1 oz.), St. Johns wort, Elder flower (1 pugil); form a Decoction. (Gazophylacium Medico-Physicum, Woyts, 1746)

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Kidney Cold–Kidney Yang deficiency

Kidney Cold is the same as Kidney Yang deficiency. Yang Deficiency implies a deeper level of Cold, but in essence the are the same.

Symptoms include Cold pain in the lower back. copious pale urine, feeling cold, cold feet, pale face, pale tongue with white coat and a slow pulse.

Simples

Compounds

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Kidney Yin Deficiency–Dryness of the Kidneys

Simples

Compounds

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Kidney Pain

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Kidney Abscess and Ulcer

1. China root, Comfrey, Parsley herb, Veronica, St. Johns wort

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Chronic Kidney Disease

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Kidneys, to Purge

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Research:

1. Food strategies of renal atrophy based on Avicenna and conventional medicine