Can boiling Chinese chives in water nourish the kidneys?
Aug 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, boiling Chinese chives (garlic chives) in water may have a limited nourishing effect on the kidneys. Chinese chives are warm in nature and pungent in taste; in traditional dietary health concepts, they are believed to have certain kidney-nourishing properties. Drinking water boiled with Chinese chives is therefore often associated with kidney health benefits. Some nutrients found in Chinese chives, such as vitamins and minerals, are helpful for maintaining normal bodily functions.
Generally speaking, leek boiled water may have some effect on kidney health, but its efficacy is limited. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Leek is considered warm in nature and pungent in taste in traditional dietary health concepts, and is believed to possess certain kidney-nourishing properties. Drinking leek boiled water is therefore often associated with kidney benefits. Some nutrients in leeks, such as vitamins and minerals, help maintain normal physiological functions of the body. From this perspective, leek boiled water may help maintain overall health to a certain extent and indirectly support kidney function. However, this effect is relatively mild, and simply consuming leek boiled water alone is unlikely to produce significant kidney benefits or be considered a primary method for addressing kidney deficiency.
When consuming leek boiled water, it is important to control the quantity to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by excessive intake. Individuals with a naturally "heaty" constitution should consume it cautiously to avoid exacerbating internal heatiness. If significant symptoms of kidney deficiency are present, it is advisable to seek timely medical consultation and incorporate professional diagnosis and treatment for proper management.
