Kidney Blockage
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Peggy
Posted on: November 02, 2004

About 8 years ago, it was discovered that I had a blockage at where the kidney meets the bladder. I had been in pain since I was 16 years old (I am now 39). About 7 years ago, I had surgery to correct it but it did not work. January 19, 2004 I had a second surgery to repair it once again, but I am sure it has not fixed it.

I have constant lower back pain where my kidney is and the pain is so extreme it takes my breath away. I have tried every kind of pain medication from Advil and Tylenol to Percacet and Demerol. Nothing works!!

The blockage is actually tissue that is preventing the drainage to my bladder. Any ideas as to what of if there is any herb that would help with the pain?

I urge you to continue follow-up to determine what can be done to cure the problem. If your original problem of tissue blockage still exists, then your doctor should have suggestions for your next step. Your doctor should be able to suggest what is causing the pain. When you learn what is causing the pain, I recommend that you visit a qualified medical or clinical herbalist who has experience in urinary tract problems.

Stress aggravates kidney problems, so must be avoided. If you regard yourself as easily stressed, use calming herbs like passionflower or St. John’s wort.

If your pain is caused by inflamed tissue that has not healed after the operation, then the following herbs can help.

Use a castor oil pack over your kidneys every night to break up any scarring and to promote healing.

Slippery elm bark: take 2 tablespoons mixed in a little water, 4 times daily. This is mucilaginous and therefore soothing. This herb can be taken as often as you like. It is a safe food, like porridge. There are no negative side effects.

Marshmallow root tea (unless increased liquids increases your pain): Steep 2 tablespoons of the powdered root in 4 cups of cold water overnight. Strain. Drink one cup, 4 times daily. Keep unused portion in the refrigerator for the day, until used. Marshmallow root contains soothing mucilage, and helps to heal inflamed tissue.

Lobelia is a strong antispasmodic that can calm irritability and pain spasms. It is taken in tincture form, 3-5 drops, three times daily. It must not be taken in cases of heart or nerve disease, shock or paralysis. Large doses cause vomiting.

Eleutherococcus (formerly called Siberian ginseng) increases the blood supply to the kidney to improve healing.

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