can ayurvedic medicine damage kidney - #24056

It's understandable to have concerns about your health, especially when you're experiencing unexpected symptoms. Ayurveda, while being a natural system of medicine, does have its complexities and needs to be practiced with caution. There are indeed certain herbs that, if misused or inappropriately dosed, can potentially affect kidney function. It's crucial to ensure that the herbs you're taking do not have nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) potential, especially if you've started experiencing such specific symptoms. Many Ayurvedic treatments rely on a balanced approach to your individual constitution, or prakriti, and imbalances causing your symptoms. It's possible that the herbs prescribed to you might not fully align with your personal dosha or your existing medical conditions. For instance, some herbs like aristolochia have been associated with nephrotoxic effects, although they should be avoided entirely. If your practitioner isn't following these guidelines strictly, there might be risk of adverse effects. This doesn’t mean Ayurveda is inherently unsafe for the kidneys. When properly applied, Ayurvedic treatments can be quite beneficial and complementary to standard medical approaches. My suggestion would be to review the herbs you’re taking with your doctor, perhaps involving an Ayurvedic physician with a good understanding of both fields. They can more accurately assess whether there's a potential risk given the herbs involved. It's important to monitor your kidney function regularly through appropriate medical tests like blood serum creatinine or GFR measurements if you're dealing with such symptoms. While herbs and natural supplements are a cornerstone of Ayurveda, kidney health should not be compromised. Make sure your doctor is fully aware of everything you're taking; transparency here is key. While your worries are justified, your proactive approach in seeking out answers indicates you're on the right path. Focus on maintaining a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and perhaps engage with practices like yoga which are gentler on the body yet have profound systemic benefits. Ayurveda’s strength lies in its holistic view, so incorporating less problematic elements while working with a qualified physician can bring great peace of mind and health balance.