Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment in Ayurveda: Natural Healing Guide

November 15, 2025 · by · in

Abstract

One of the most important organs of our body that we are going to discuss today is the kidney. Normal kidney function involves filtering blood to remove waste products like urea and creatinine, regulating the body’s fluid, electrolyte, and mineral balance, controlling blood pressure, and producing essential hormones like erythropoietin and renin. So when there is damage to the kidneys these functions are impaired and long term damage to kidneys leads to CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease). It is more common among adults than children. In the U.S., 1 in every 7 people suffers from CKD. So, let’s discuss CKD and its ayurvedic perspective in detail.

Introduction to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD means kidneys get damaged over time and are unable to perform the basic functions. This is a common problem in old age. People with diabetes and hypertension are mostly at risk. CKD also increases the risk of other health problems like heart disease and stroke. CKD is divided into 5 stages based on the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate (normal=90ml/min/1.73  m2):

  1. Stage 1- In this stage eGFR is normal and there is mild damage to the kidneys but their work is not impaired. In some cases mild protein traces are found in urine.
  2. Stage 2- In this stage, eGFR range is 60-89 ml/min/1.73  m2 and there is mild damage to kidneys. Kidneys still work normally.
  3. Stage 3- In this stage, eGFR range is 30-59 ml/min/1.73  m2 and kidneys are mild to moderately damaged and are not able to do its work properly. This results in building of toxins in our body that leads to various health issues like high blood pressure, weakness, tiredness, swelling etc. This stage is further divided in two stages 3a (eGFR=45-59 ml/min/1.73  m2) and 3b (eGFR=30-44 ml/min/1.73  m2).
  4. Stage 4- In this stage, eGFR range is 15-29 ml/min/1.73  m2 and kidneys are moderate to severely damaged. Kidney’s functions are highly impaired resulting in other health concerns. This is the last stage before kidney failure.
  5. Stage 5– In this stage, eGFR is less than 15 ml/min/1.73  m2 and kidneys are severely damaged and are on the verge of failure. The person feels extremely sick and the kidneys are unable to function properly.

The goal at each stage of CKD is to take steps to slow down the damage to your kidneys and keep your kidneys working as long as possible.

Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease

  • Age (above 60 years)
  • Diabetes and hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking
  • Past history of acute kidney disease

Other possible causes are-

  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease
  • Auto-immune diseases
  • Urinary tract obstructions etc

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

In advanced stages, symptoms include-

  • Tiredness and unexplained fatigue
  • Swelling in hands, feet or ankles
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weight loss and poor appetite
  • Muscle cramps
  • Persistent itching
  • Blood in urine
  • Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease

It can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests like:

  • eGFR (Estimate Glomerular filtration rate)
  • uACR ( urine albumin to creatinine ratio)
  • Urine examination
  • Scans like ultrasound, CT-scan, MRI

Modern Medical Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease

In modern science, CKD treatment includes-

  • Treatment of the underlying causes using
    • Diuretics
    • Antihypertensives
    • Statins etc
  • Iron supplements and multivitamins.
  • In advanced stages, dialysis or kidney transplant.

Ayurvedic overview on Chronic Kidney Disease

In Ayurveda, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)  is included in Vrikka Vikara (Vrikka= kidney ; vikara= disease) and is a disorder of mutravaha strotas (excretory system). In this though all the doshas (trienergy) and dhatus (body tissues) are involved, vata is the predominant dosha involved affecting mainly rakta (blood) and meda (fat) dhatu (body tissue). Vata dosha causes degenerative changes in the structure and kapha dosha is responsible for obstruction in the micro channels leading to further renal impairment. It results in the following symptoms-

  • Mutra alpata (Reduced urination)
  • Mutra krichata (Painful urination)
  • Shotha (Generalized swelling)
  • Pandu (Anemia)
  • Klama (Fatigue)
  • Shwas (Breathlessness)
  • Udara Roga (Ascites/abdominal distension)
  • Hridya Roga (Heart problems)

As far as treatment is concerned, the holistic ayurvedic approach aims to reduce symptoms, slow its progression, and potentially decrease the need for hemodialysis. It addresses underlying dosha (trienergy) and dhatu (tissue) imbalances and supporting kidney health, ayurvedic treatment offers promising alternatives for CKD management.

Some of the herbal drugs used in the treatment are Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Palasha (Butea monosperma), Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabinum) etc.

Some of the classical formulations used are Chandraprabha vati, Gokshuradi guggulu, Punarnavadi mandoor, Lauhasava, Varunadi kwatha, Shothari mandoor, etc.

Shodhana therapy (detoxification procedures)- Procedures like virechana (purgation) and basti (enema therapy) can be used to eliminate vitiated doshas.

Do’s and Don’t’s

  • Consume light, easily digestible food
  • Restrict salt, excess water
  • Avoid non-veg, excess dairy, fried and heavy foods
  • Avoid sour and fermented foods
  • Regular exercise

Herbal remedies for Chronic Kidney Disease by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a globally recognized GMP certified ayurvedic company. Its products are completely natural, 100% pure, and free from side effects ensuring safe usage. It is formulated by experienced MD ayurveda doctors, all medicines are prepared without any chemicals, additives, or preservatives, maintaining the highest standard of herbal purity and effectiveness. Planet Ayurveda provides an excellent range of herbal remedies and products for kidney diseases. It includes the Revive Kidney Pack for the ayurvedic management of CKD. The Revive Kidney Pack consists of – 

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna

This is a powder formulation of Planet Ayurveda which consists of Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata).  The punarnavine, lupeol, Phyllanthin, etc. helps to enhance filtration and reduce inflammation in the urinary tract. It helps to pacify the vata and pitta doshas in the urinary tract. The Tikta rasa (bitter taste) helps to balance pitta dosha and the ushana virya (hot potency) helps in pacifying kapha dosha. Thus it helps in supporting renal tissue rejuvenation and prevents recurrence of urinary pathologies. 

Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals. 

2. Rencure Formula

This is a capsule formulation that consists of Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Palash (Butea monosperma), Kasni (Cichorium intybus) and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris). Its  active constituents like punarnavine, protodioscin and boeravinones enhance renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate thus promoting urine output and reducing fluid retention. It is  shothghana (anti-inflammatory), rakta shodhak (blood purifier) and nephroprotective.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day after meals. 

3. Varunadi vati

This is a tablet formulation consisting of Varun (Cretaeva nurvala) Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), etc. Its active constituents punarnavine and boeravinones increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and cleans Mutravaha Srotas and revitalizes Rasa  (nutritious fluid) and Meda Dhatu (fat body tissue), ensuring proper tissue nutrition and detoxification.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with plain water, after meals

4. Punarnava Mandur

This is a tablet formulation that consists Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Chavya (Piper chaba), Mandur bhasma (Ferric Oxide calx), etc. It removes the ama (metabolic toxins) and thus promotes digestion and  metabolism. It enhances hemoglobin levels and reduces water retention in the body.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

5. Chandanadi Vati

This is a tablet formulation of Safed Chandan (Santalum album), Gandhabiroja (gum resin of Pinus longifolia), Rasaut (Berberis aristata), Kapur (Cinnamomum camphora), Gairik (Red oxide of iron), Pashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata) choti elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum); etc. It acts as mutual (diuretic), pittashamak (pitta energy pacifier) and dahashamak ( pacifies burning sensation). Vitamin C, flavonoids, and tinosporin protect against oxidative renal damage and strengthen nephron function. It pacifies pitta and kapha dosha and is beneficial for overall metabolism. 

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice a day with lukewarm water.

Conclusion

CKD thus is progressive disease of the excretory system that affects the functions of the kidneys and is potentially life threatening in the advanced stages. In ayurveda, it is a disease of mutravaha strotas (excretory system). Ayurveda perceives CKD not merely as a structural disorder but as a systemic metabolic imbalance that emphasises detoxification, tissue rejuvenation, dietary discipline (Pathya-Apathya) and lifestyle correction for long-term renal preservation. With proper management under classical principles, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive, preventive, and regenerative approach toward maintaining renal health and improving the quality of life of CKD patients. Following the principles of Ayurveda, the root cause is treated by balancing the vitiated doshas, shodhana (detoxification) and shaman (pacifying) therapies and by following proper diet and lifestyle changes.

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Dr. Vikram Chauhan

MD-Ayurveda at Planet Ayurveda
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurvedic Medicine) is an expert Ayurveda consultant in Chandigarh (India). He has vast experience of herbs and their applied uses. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from various ailments, throughout the world. He is CEO and Founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda in Chandigarh, India. He researched age old formulas from ancient Ayurvedic text books to restore health and save human beings from the worst side-effects of chemical-based treatments.
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