Last Updated: January 02, 2023
Medically reviewed by NKF Patient Education Team
Herbs are savory plants used for flavoring food. Popular culinary herbs include basil, bay leaf, chervil, chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, dill, parsley, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, and mint.
Why are herbs a superfood?
- They give flavor to food without the addition of salt
- Herbs can be purchased dry or fresh and are budget friendly
- You can easily grow them in a pot indoors or in your garden
- There are many varieties of herbs which can be purchased as a single herb or as part of a blend
- You can drink herbs as tea*
*Some herbal teas can interfere with actions of medicines. Check with your kidney dietitian or doctor for specifics on herbal teas.
Herbs and kidney disease
Herbs are beneficial for people in all stages of kidney disease including:
- CKD/Transplant
- Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
- Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis
- Kidney Stones
Some herbal teas can interfere with actions of medicines. Check with your kidney dietitian or doctor for specifics on herbal teas.
Herb types
| Name | Use with: |
|---|---|
| Basil | Beef, pork, most vegetables |
| Bay Leaf | Beef, pork, most vegetables |
| Cilantro | Chicken, seafood |
| Dill | Beef, chicken, green beans, cabbage, carrots, peas, dips |
| Marjoram | Beef, chicken, pork, green beans, cauliflower, eggplant |
| Mint | Lamb, iced tea |
| Rosemary | Chicken, pork, cauliflower, peas, marinades, risotto |
| Thyme | Beef, chicken, pork, fish, green beans, beets, carrots |
| Tarragon | Fish, asparagus, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, marinades |
Want to save this information for later?
Download the National Kidney Foundation’s Fact Sheet: Kidney-Friendly Superfoods: Herbs
*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.
