URINARY SYSTEM

Herbs for the Urinary System

Considering the importance of the kidneys, it is not surprising
that nature is abundant in herbs that can aid their functions.
Looking at the role of the kidneys in a holistic context,
it is obvious that the proper funtion of any part of the body
is dependent on the effective ilimination of waste products and toxins.
As our diet tends to include unnatural and harmful
chemicals, and as our lifestyle is largely out of harmony with our
outer environment and the needs of the inner environment,
the role of the kidneys becomes even more important.
Herbs that aid the kidneys are not only useful  for urinary problems
but may be relevant to aid the body's cleansing mechanism
in treating the whole body, no matter what the problem.

DIURETICS
In a strict sense, a diuretic is a plant that increases
the excretion and flow of urine.
However, the term tends to be used more generally for any herb
that acts on the kidney or the bladder.
The list of diuretics is enormous, but perhaps the most
effective and valuable diuretic recommended for general use
is the root or leaf of DANDELION.
Not only is it as effective as synthetic diuretics, it contains
a high percentage of potassium, an element that is often washed
out of the body by the use of synthetic diuretics.
This has potentially dangerous consequences unless a potassium
supplement  is given to replace the loss.
This process is not only avoided with DANDELION, but there
is an actual INCREASE in the potassium level because
of the high percentage it contains.
DANDELION is a LIVER TONIC and a plant of many uses.
One more general diuretic worth mentioning is CLEAVERS.
It's simple diuretic action combined with alterative properties can
safely benefit most conditions.

URINARY ANTISEPTICS
The antiseptic action of some diuretic herbs is usually due to a content
if volitile oils or glycosides which are excreted throught  the kidney tubules,
thus acting directly on the microbes.
Typical examples are;
BEARBERRY
BIRCH
BOLDO
BUCHU
CELERY SEED
COUCHGRASS
JUNIPER
YARROW

General antimicrobials such as ECHINACEA and WILD INDIGO ROOT
will lend their properties to any diuretic.
ANGELICA ROOT and GOLDEN ROD,
though primarily respiratory in their actions, are urinary antiseptics.
Usually the kidneys and bladder take care of themselves by flushing
through the normal volume of urine.
These herbs can aid that natural process when infections persist.

URINARY DEMULCENTS
In some conditions, the tissue of the urinary membranes needs
to be soothed if it is irritated because of an infection or friction
as from a kidney stone.
Herbs such as; CORN SILK, COUCHGRASS, or MARSHMALLOW LEAF
supply a demulcent action and can be used together with other remedies.

URINARY ASTRINGENTS:
Whilst blood in the urine is a symptom that needs professional
attention and diagnosis, it can be treated with the aid of astringents
if it turns out to be caused by a minor problem.
Astringents will stop hemorrhaging in the kidneys, bladder,
urethra or ureters and will aid the healing of lesions.
The best urinary astringents are BETH ROOT,
BURR-MARIGOLD, HORSETAIL and PLANTAIN.

TORMENTIL is another good astringent which is mildly
antiseptic and vulnerary at the same time.

ANTI-LITHICS
(lithic = stone)
Another important property of some diuretics is their ability
to prevent the formation or aid in the removal of calculi
(stones in the urinary system.)

There are many herbs with the reputation of being anti-lithics,
but perhaps the most effective ones;
GRAVEL ROOT
HYDRANGEA
PARSLEY PIERT
PELLITORY OF THE WALL
STONE ROOT

Vegetables such as; lovage, asparagus and artichoke
Good preventatives of stone formation.



"The New Holistic Herbal"
by David Hoffman



Always try one new herb or supplement at a time.