6. Aloe Vera Juice
Native to Africa, the aloe vera plant is recognized for its extensive healing properties. Its leaves contain a nutrient-rich gel that protects kidney tissue (9). The most common way to use it is by drinking aloe vera.
Better yet, aloe vera is a very easy plant to care for, requiring little water and plenty of water. Keeping your own aloe vera plant at home will ensure you can reap its benefits 365 days of the year.
How to make the ultimate aloe vera drink:
- Break off a few leaves from the plant. Wash them and pat dry.
- Use a sharp knife to peel away the plant leaf rind then the yellow layer beneath the rind and throw away.
- Scoop up the gel with a spoon, discarding any gel that looks greenish.
- Add the gel to 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice and 2 tablespoons of honey and blend.
- Drink immediately.
7. Uva Ursi
Uva ursi (arctostaphylos uva ursi), also known as bearberry, is a herb that is common across the northern hemisphere. It’s been used for centuries as a home remedy for kidney problems (10). This is because the herb naturally increases your need to urinate and prevents small stones from growing larger.
Here’s how to use it:
- Put 1 tablespoon of uva ursi leaves into a pan filled with two cups of water.
- Simmer for about half an hour or until there’s only half of the water left.
- Strain and cool before drinking.
- Drink half a cup twice a day.