Non Functioning Kidney - #3399

Ah, you're exploring Ayurveda as a supportive path—that's a thoughtful consideration alongside conventional medicine. For your father, who’s dealing with a non-functioning kidney, Ayurveda can offer some options to support his overall health and that of his remaining kidney. First off, though, I just gotta say: priority one is to have regular follow-ups with the allopathic doctor, especially with the idea of surgery on the table. Safety first. Now, diving into the world of Ayurveda, gokshura and punarnava are indeed the herbs that often come up for kidney health. Both can be quite useful. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is traditionally believed to support kidney function and is typically used to soothe urinary tract and reduce water retention. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is known for its diuretic properties, can reduce swelling (not an issue here but still). These herbs aim to support renal function and help in maintaining fluid balance, which can be helpful for the working kidney. For supporting the digestive health and reducing the workload on kidneys, Ayurveda suggests strengthening agni, the digestive fire. Have you considered light meals that are easy to digest and konsiderate on kidneys, like kitchari? And drink plenty of warm water. This can help in naturally detoxifying without overstressing the kidneys. Avoid processed foods, too much salt, or high-protein diet—it’s fascinating how those small dietary tweaks can make a difference! As for detoxification, some folks think of panchakarma, but it's intense and should only be done under expert supervision, if at all suitable for his condition. Rasayana therapies: rejuvenation treatments are often useful for long-term health maintenance. High blood pressure, as you mentioned, can strain the kidneys further! Yoga and pranayama like nadi shodhana might be beneficial to help manage stress and lower blood pressure. But the thing is, with Ayurveda, it's all about personalized treatment, which requires a deep understanding of his prakriti and vikrati (imbalances). It would be prudent to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner directly—isn't it amazing how everyone has their own unique constitution? Ultimately, Ayurveda can surely be a complementary approach, but it shouldn't delay any critical medical interventions. I hope this gives you a starting point—may this journey bring health and solace to your father.