17 Trusted Home Remedies for Kidney Infection

Updated: 6/25/2019

Overview

Kidneys, which are considered as vital organs in the body, perform the excretion function, which means that they flush the waste out of the body. However, due to unhealthy eating habits or other body infections, the function of kidneys is disturbed, which leads to unbearable infection and pain in the kidneys. This article will provide you with 17 natural home remedies for kidney infection: causes, symptoms, prevention, treatment you should know.

• Top 27 Natural Home Remedies For Kidney Failure
• 25 Natural Home Remedies for Bladder Infection Pain

What Causes Kidney Infection?

Kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infections. The most common cause of kidney infections is bacteria called E.coli. Through the tube which carries urine from the body (known as urethra), bacteria will enter the urinary tract and then multiply and travel to the kidneys. ^[1]

Kidney infection usually starts with a bladder infection, which spreads to your kidneys. ^[2]

However, other bacteria may cause kidney infections, as well as infections elsewhere in the body can also result in a kidney infection. For example, if a  heart valve or artificial joint is infected, it may spread to the kidneys.

What Is The Symptoms Of Kidneys Infection?

It is stated that females have more tendency to suffer from kidney infection compared to males.^[3] Below are some signs of a kidney infection:

• Side (flank), back, or groin pain.
• Lower back pain in your body may also indicate a kidney infection. Not all back pain is due to a kidney infection, but it is one possibility. A kidney infection can be described as flank pain ^[4], which occurs on only one side and results in  severe and sharp pain developing between the buttock and the lowest rib. The pain can also extend to the hips and the groin area.

Other symptoms of kidney infection may include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Strong urge to urinate
• Weakness or feeling frequent fatigue
• Pain or burning with urination
• Blood or pus in your urine (also known as hematuria) ^[5]
• Urine which is cloudy or smells bad

It is highly recommended that if you doubt whether your back pain is caused by a kidney infection, you should consult the doctor as it may be an underlying serious health issue that requires immediate medical attention.

When To See A Doctor?

Kidney infections can be dangerous if left untreated. It may result in serious complications such as kidney failure, kidney scarring, chronic kidney disease or even high blood pressure. Do make an appointment with a doctor if you have the above stated symptoms.

However, along with some special medical treatments, you can also utilize some natural treatments as additional therapy to speed up your healing process of kidney infection.

Top 17 Natural Home Remedies For Kidney Infection Pain Treatment

In this article, AllRemedies will introduce to you top 17 natural home remedies for kidney infection and pain that may somehow help you relieve the kidney disease. We sincerely hope that these home solutions can work well with your condition and bring your healthy body back immediately.

There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon, a citrus fruit containing acetic acid, may help break up & dissolve kidney stones.

Lemon, a citrus fruit containing acetic acid, may help break up and dissolve kidney stones^[6]. Use fresh lemons rather than artificial lemon drinks. Listed are instructions to use lemon juice as a remedy for kidney infections.

Method 1: Lemon Juice

• Cut a lemon in half and then squeeze out its juice
• Add the juice to the water and stir well
• Drink this liquid on an empty stomach in the morning
• Repeat this remedy once daily to get relief from kidney infection & pain
• Be sure to brush your teeth after drinking the lemon juice so as not to wear away tooth enamel

Process 2: Lemon Juice & Olive Oil

• Mix 4 tsp of lemon juice and 4 tsp of olive oil
• Consume the mixture
• Repeat this remedy once a day

2. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root acts as a medicinal herb, which may help to relieve kidney infection & pain and remove the stones out of the kidneys. Its diuretic enables to help intensify the urine output and treat the burning sensation or pain. Moreover, its mucilage probably soothes and prevents the irritated and inflamed tissues of the body. ^[7] 

Method 1:

Directions:

• Prepare 4 tsp of marshmallow root, 1 liter of water, a mason jar that holds 32 ounces jar or 1-liter capacity and 1 tsp of honey or stevia powder (optional)
• Put the marshmallow root in the mason jar
• Pour the water into the jar to fill it, then cover the jar
• Let it soak overnight or at least 4-5 hours in the refrigerator
• Strain the water to extract out the liquid. The liquid is pale, golden, thick and viscous
• Add the honey or stevia powder
• Stir the mixture well
• Consume the mixture throughout the day to relieve the kidney pain
• Do this remedy regularly

Method 2:

Directions:

• Prepare 1 tsp of marshmallow root, 1 cup of hot water, 1 pot, 1 tsp of honey or stevia powder
• Add the marshmallow root into the pot
• Pour the hot water into it,,then cover it
• Let it steep in 10-15 minutes
• Strain the tea
• Add honey or stevia into the strained liquid and stir well
• Consume the mixture
• Repeat this remedy 2-4 times daily till you completely relieve the pain

3. Parsley

Parsley acts as a diuretic that raises the urine output and flushes toxins out of your system. ^{[8a] [8b]} With the approval of many medical herbalists, parsley is the best medicine to treat bladder and kidney problems.  Parsley extract may be used for bladder and kidney stones because it decreases the number of calcium oxalate deposits^[9]. Drinking parsley juice may lessen pain and swelling inflammation triggered by the kidney infection. Parsley is a rich source of antioxidants ^[10], which help prevent cellular damage from free radicals^[11]. Moreover, parsley is highly rich in vitamins and minerals, which may decrease the toxic effect of ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical found in polyester and antifreeze. ^[12]

Directions:

• Prepare 1 big bunch of fresh parsley (both its stems and roots), 4 cups of water and a pan
• Wash the parsley and then chop it finely to get 4 tsp of minced parsley
• Pour the water into the pan and boil it
• Turn off the flame
• Add the chopped parsley into it
• Cover and let it steep in 20 minutes
• Strain the tea and consume 1 cup of the strained liquid (drink it either in cold or hot)
• Repeat this remedy 4 times a week

Avoid the parsley tea during pregnancy as it may result in unwanted side effects..

4. Watermelon Seeds

Studies show that watermelon is a major source of vitamin B1, B6 and some necessary minerals such as potassium and magnesium. ^[13] Watermelon juice are composed of the diuretic properties that may help to relieve kidney pain^[14]. It is interesting that watermelon seeds are also beneficial in kidney problems. ^[15] Here is the direction to make watermelon seed tea that may help you relieve kidney infection safely and effectively at home.

Directions:

• Prepare 1 tsp of watermelon seeds, 2 cups of water, 1 vessel and 1 strainer
• Boil the water and then keep it aside
• Place the seeds in the vessel
• Pour the boiling water into the vessel
• Let it steep in some minutes
• Let it cool down
• Strain the tea with the strainer
• Consume the tea
• Repeat this solution once a day

5. Celery Seeds

Celery (Apium Graveolens) contains chlorophyll, which helps clean the blood. Celery has been used as a diuretic and for reducing blood pressure. ^[16] Celery seed tea has the ability to fight kidney infection and relieve kidney pain effectively^[17]. Celery seeds are also rich in essential minerals, including calcium, manganese, and iron ^[18].

Directions:

• Prepare 1 tsp of celery seeds and 1 cup of hot water
• Ground the seeds and put them in a cup
• Pour the hot water into it
• Mix them well
• Let it cool somewhat
• Strain the tea and consume this liquid
• Repeat this remedy three times a week
• Be noted that celery may cause some delay in menstruation.

6. Corn Silk

Corn silk is commonly used to treat urinary tract infection, including kidney infection ^[19]. It may soothe urinary tubules and decrease irritation. Corn silk is also a source of protein, essential vitamins, calcium, potassium and magnesium. It has shown that corn silk has the ability to reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation and improve relaxation.^[20] 

Directions:

• Prepare 1 tsp of dried corn silk, 2 cups of boiling water, 1 pan and 1 strainer
• Pour the dried corn silk into the pan
• Add the boiling water into it and cover
• Let it steep in 5-10 minutes
• Strain the tea by the strainer
• Consume the liquid
• Repeat this solution 2-4 times a week

7. Basil

Basil essential oil show an excellent antimicrobial activity. This may fight against bacteria and fungi and plays an important role in treating urinary tract infections.^[21] Moreover, basil oil may release headaches, coughs, diarrhea and constipation ^[22]. Basil oil is also used as a natural remedy for insect bites or wasp stings ^[23].

Directions:

• Put some drops of basil essential oil to the diffuser
• Relax and inhale the oil into the body

8. Nettle

Nettle acts as an effective diuretic with the purpose of increasing the urine output and preventing  kidney stones and infection. It can ease the pain and cleanse the urinary tract infections.^[24] Research also shows that nettle extract may prevent inflammation which causes some seasonal allergies. ^[25]

Directions:

• Prepare 2-3 tsp of dried nettle leaves, 1 cup of hot water and 1 teapot
• Put the leaves into the teapot and then pour the hot water into
• Cover it carefully and let it steep in 10-15 minutes
• Strain the tea, then consume the tea
• Repeat this solution twice daily to relieve your kidney pain or joints.

9. Uva Ursi Or Bearberry

Uva ursi has been conventionally utilized to treat urinary tract infections. According to a study, uva ursi or bearberry contains diuretic, urinary antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit inflammation effectively.^[26] Besides, bearberry extract has been reported to be a natural food antioxidant. ^[27]

Directions:

• Prepare 1 tsp of uva ursi leaves, 2 cups of water and 1 pan
• Add the leaves and water in the pan
• Let it simmer in 30-40 minutes, then turn off the heat
• Strain the tea and consume a cup of this tea
• Repeat this remedy twice daily

Be noted that nursing and pregnant women should not drink uva ursi herbal tea

10. Pomegranate & Lemon Juice

Pomegranate is one of the healthiest fruits in the world. Pomegranate has an antimicrobial effect that prevents urinary tract infections^[28]. Moreover, pomegranate extract has been linked to reducing proliferation of breast cancer cells through a chemical called ellagitannin. ^[29] Pomegranate is also rich in important vitamins and minerals, which benefit human health ^[30]

Directions:

• Prepare 1 pomegranate, ½ cup of water, a bowl, a food processor and 1 tsp of lemon juice
• Cut the pomegranate into two pieces
• Take out all the seeds into the bowl
• Place all the seeds into the food processor and grind in a short period of time
• Filter to take out its fresh juice
• Add the pomegranate juice and lemon juice into water and stir well
• Consume this liquid once daily to treat your disease.

11. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is one of the good home remedies for kidney infection and pain ^[31] because it may treat urinary tract infections and prevent recurrence^[32]. Moreover, cranberries include protective effects against cancer and vascular diseases ^[33]. Cranberries are also full of fiber, vitamin C and manganese.^[34]

Directions:

• Prepare 1 quart of water, 1 pound of fresh cranberries, ½ tsp of honey or stevia powder and 1 pot
• Place the cranberries into the water in the pot and put on the stove. You can use a microwave.
• Let it cook until cranberries pop.
• Let it cool and filter it
• Add the honey or stevia powder into it and mix them well
• Consume 1 cup of this liquid daily to treat kidney problems.

12. Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that help treat kidney infection and prevent its recurrence. Live bacteria present in yogurt may inhibit adherence of the bacteria to epithelial cells of the urinary tract. ^{[35] [36]} Additionally, yogurt may help to boost the immune system and contains preventive effects on cancer, gastrointestinal disorder, and asthma. ^[37]

Directions:

• Eat 2-3 cups of plain yogurt every day, preferably organic and grass-fed

13. Garlic

Garlic has been claimed to help treat urinary tract infections, including kidney infection ^[38]. Garlic may fight sickness and the common cold ^[39]. In addition, garlic has a significant influence on lowering blood pressure or hypertension^[40]

• All you need is to add garlic to your daily diet
• If you cannot tolerate fresh garlic, enteric garlic pills will also do the trick

14. Apples

According to a research, aloe vera is used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of kidney^[41]. Besides, vitamin C in lemons may inhibit bacteria which causes kidney infections. ^[42] The combination of aloe vera and lemon is also a potent option.

Directions:

• Prepare 1 aloe vera leaf, 8 oz cup of water, ½ tsp of lemon juice and ½ tsp of honey or stevia powder
• Peel the leaf till you see the inner part and take it out
• Extract the gel
• Mix the aloe vera gel, lemon juice and honey or stevia powder
• Consume the mixture
• Repeat this remedy twice daily

15. Turmeric

Turmeric may aid to alleviate kidney infection because of its antibacterial effects ^[43]. Moreover, curcumin in turmeric is highly rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties ^[44], which bring a number of healthy advantages. Curcumin also may have a positive effect on cardiovascular diseases ^[45].

• Consume pure turmeric powder with with some fat such as coconut oil or mix it with food that contains some fat. Other options include turmeric supplements that are in a liposomal form.

16. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is used to treat kidney infection and pain because it increases the acidity of urine, which prevents bacteria from developing. ^[46] Additionally, strong antioxidants in vitamin C are beneficial for skin health, reduce wrinkles and photodamage. ^[47]

• Consume vitamin C-rich foods such as kiwi, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, sprouts and strawberries.
• Alternatively, you can take vitamin C supplements once daily

17. Water

Drinking water may help to avoid kidney infection by flushing toxins, bacteria or other impurities out of the urethra^[48]. Several studies indicate that drinking water may ease migraine in those who are dehydrated ^[49].

• Whenever you have kidney pain, you should immediately consume water to relieve the pain.

The above-mentioned home remedies for kidney infection and pain may help you deal with the problems you are suffering from. However, they are from nature; therefore,  follow the treatments continuously for 1-2 months for positive results. Moreover, this article is informational, not educational or medical purposes.  Always consult a doctor before using these remedies in case there is an allergic response.

If you have other useful treatments or any questions and comments, please feel free to leave them below and we will try to reply to you as soon as possible. Last but not least, we hope these 17 best home remedies for kidney infection and pain somehow may help you to treat the kidney infection. To get more information related to effective natural remedies for health problems, go to our main Home Remedies page.

• 43 Natural Home Remedies for Kidney Stones Pain
• 7 Tips How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Kidney Stones Treatment