Stinging Nettle seed (Urtica dioica)*

A rich source of essential fatty acids. In old herbals, Stinging Nettle seed was also recommended for goitre, tuberculosis and malarial fevers.

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus)*

Used in TCM as a superior tonic remedy. It has immune amphoteric, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. It is frequently used as a “Fu Zheng herb” to strengthen the immune system and reduce side-effects of chemotherapy. Because it is an immune amphoteric it can also be used to regenerate a disordered immune system and treat autoimmune disorders (including those that affect the kidney) and allergies (Matkovic, et al 2010).

Processed Rehmannia root (Rehmannia glutinosa)*

or Shi Di Huang is used as a blood (xue) tonic and is part of the classic Women's Four Herb Tea as well as other important Chinese formulas. It is useful for deficient blood patterns with pale skin, insomnia, dizziness, irregular menses and palpitations.

Stinging Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)*

A nutrient rich herb used for increasing bone density and stimulating bone healing. Stinging Nettle is also indicated for skin that is 'papery' and tears easily and brittle finger nails.

Cordyceps mycelium (Cordyceps sinensis)*

Now grown on organic soybeans, originally this fungus grew on caterpillars. Once a rare and costly herb, it is now widely available and used by athletes to improve performance and to strengthen the lungs and immune system. Cordyceps is also used to calm anxiety.

Bibliography:

Ahmed MS, Hou SH, Battaglia MC, et al. Treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy with the herb Astragalus membranaceus. Am J Kidney Dis. 2007 Dec;50(6):1028-32.

Bensky, D. and Clavey et al. Chinese Herbal Medicine - Materia Medica, Seattle, 3rd ed, 2004.

Ding C, Tian PX, Xue W, et al. Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis in long term treatment of renal transplant patients. Fron Biosci (Elite Ed). 2011 Jan 1;3:301-7.

Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal, New York, 1992 reprint.

Kang DG, Sohn EJ, Moon MK, et al. Rehmannia glutinose ameliorates renal function in the ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Sep;28(9):1662-7.

Lee BC, Choi JB, Cho HJ, et al. Rehmannia glutinosa ameliorates the progressive renal failure induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Feb 25;122(1):131-5.

Li Y, Xue WJ, Tian PX, et al. Clinical application of Cordyceps sinensis on immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation. Transplant Proc. 2009 Jun;41(5):1565-9.

Matkovic Z, Zivovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2010 Feb;24(2):175-81.

Sheng B, He D, Zhao J, et al. The protective effects of the traditional Chinese herbs against renal damage induced by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: a clinical study. Urol Res. 2011 Apr;39(2):89-97.

Treasure J. Urtica semen reduces serum creatinine levels. J Am Herbalists Guild. 2003.4(2):22-5.

Yokozawa T, Kim HY, Yamabe N. Amelioration of diabetic nephropathy by dried Rehmannia Radix (Di Huang) extract. Am J Chin Med. 2004;32(6):829-39.

Zhang Z, Wang X, Zhang Y, et al. Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on renal function of patients with chronic allograft nephropathy. Urol Int. 2011;86(3):298-301.