Apr 29 , 2025
It’s as if the earth has just opened up beneath you when you or someone you love has chronic kidney disease (CKD). The endless doctor visits, the drugs, the looming threat of dialysis; it can be too much. In the quest for hope, many look to alternative systems such as Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system practiced for millennia. The question remains: Does Ayurveda help in chronic kidney disease recovery? So, let’s consider this with an open mind, a compassionate heart, and a clear eye on what’s possible.
First, let’s acquaint ourselves with what CKD is. It’s a progressive condition in which your kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and extra fluids out of your blood. Over time, this can result in serious complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or even kidney failure. It’s a challenging diagnosis because it’s progressive, which means that it tends to get worse as time goes on, and conventional medicine lacks a “cure” for it; just ways to manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.
That’s where Ayurveda comes in. When you’re dealing with a chronic illness, the notion of a natural, holistic system that claims to restore balance to the body is extremely reassuring. But before we explore Ayurveda’s possibilities, let’s take the approach that is hopeful but realistic.
Translated as “the science of life,” Ayurveda centers around balance. It treats the body like an interconnected system regulated by three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and disease emerges when these energies fall out of sync. Concerning kidney health, Ayurveda sees kidney disorders as an imbalance of the Kapha dosha that is responsible for fluid balance, and sometimes the Pitta relevant to metabolism and inflammation. Ayurvedic practitioners often focus on detoxifying the body, strengthening digestion (or “agni”), and supporting the kidneys through diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes. Common recommendations include:
These approaches sound promising, and they’re rooted in a philosophy that treats the whole person, not just the disease. But can they cure CKD?
Here’s where we need to tread carefully. Ayurveda has a lot of anecdotal success stories, and many people report feeling better, more energized, less bloated, or even seeing improved lab results after following an Ayurvedic regimen. But when it comes to rigorous scientific evidence, the picture is less clear.
There have been some small studies on Ayurvedic herbs for kidney health. For instance, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that punarnava showed potential in reducing proteinuria (excess protein in urine, a marker of kidney damage) in animal models. Other studies have explored gokshura’s anti-inflammatory effects. However, these studies are often small, preliminary, or conducted on animals, not humans. Large-scale, randomized controlled trials, the gold standard for proving a treatment works, are largely absent.
This doesn’t mean Ayurveda is ineffective. It just implies that we don’t yet have the kind of evidence that can confidently claim it “cures” CKD. What we do know is that some Ayurvedic practices, like reducing salt intake or managing stress, align with conventional medical advice for CKD and can support overall health.
It’s also important to acknowledge potential risks. Ayurvedic treatments aren’t regulated the same way pharmaceuticals are in many countries, so the quality and safety of herbal supplements can vary. Some herbs may interact with medications or even strain the kidneys if used improperly. For example, certain Ayurvedic formulations have been found to contain heavy metals like lead or mercury, which can be harmful, especially for someone with compromised kidneys.
Then there’s the emotional risk. Putting all your hope in a “cure” that doesn’t deliver can be devastating. CKD is a complex disease, and no single system, whether conventional or alternative, has all the answers.
So, where does this leave us? I believe the truth lies in a middle path. Ayurveda can be a powerful complement to conventional treatment, but it’s not a replacement. Here’s how you might approach it:
Living with CKD is more than just managing lab results; it’s about finding hope, purpose, and peace. Ayurveda’s holistic approach can offer emotional and spiritual comfort, which is no small thing. Feeling empowered to take charge of your diet, stress, and lifestyle can make a real difference in your overall CKD journey. If you’re exploring a chronic kidney disease cure through Ayurveda, listen to your body, lean on your healthcare team, and keep your heart open to what feels right for you. Healing is a journey, and you deserve to walk it with compassion and clarity.
Karma Ayurveda, established in 1937, is an Ayurvedic hospital with a rich legacy of over eight decades. Led by Dr Puneet Dhawan, the fifth generation... Read More