Centipeda minima, commonly known as "Sneezeweed" or "Small Centipeda," has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian systems for a variety of ailments, most notably for conditions affecting the respiratory tract and inflammation. Its use for kidney infections specifically stems from traditional herbal practices rather than modern scientific validation. In TCM, it is believed to "clear heat" and "detoxify," which are concepts loosely associated with treating infections and inflammatory processes in the body, including those of the urinary tract and kidneys.

However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence directly linking Centipeda minima with efficacy in treating kidney infections (such as pyelonephritis). The available pharmacological studies have focused on its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, but these are mostly in vitro or animal studies and do not directly address kidney infections in humans. There are no high-quality clinical trials or well-documented case series supporting its use for this condition.

In summary, the use of Centipeda minima for kidney infection is primarily justified by tradition, with limited anecdotal and theoretical support rather than scientific evidence. It should not be considered a proven or primary treatment for kidney infections.