Herbal Medicine II - The Urinary System

Question 1

The Urinary System

Answer 1

Fluids are eliminated via the kidneys and bladder, bringing certain plant chemicals into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the urinary system as urine is passed:
* In order to encourage this process treatments are best administered as herbal teas that provide lots of fluid for the system.
* Tinctures can be used with extra water, but remember alcohol is ‘heating’ so may aggravate ‘hot’(burning) conditions such as cystitis.

Question 2

Anti-lithic:

Answer 2

Anti-lithic: Prevents and treats kidney stones.
* Celery seed helps dissolve kidney stones.
* ½ – 1 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 3

Diuretic:

Answer 3

Diuretic: Increases urine elimination.
* Dandelion leaf is a powerful herbal diuretic, known in France as ‘pis-en-lit’ (pee in the bed), so don’t drink it in the evening! The name dandelion comes from French ‘dent de lion’ (lion’s teeth) due to the jagged tooth-like leaf edge.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 4

Urinary antiseptic:

Answer 4

Urinary antiseptic: Combats urinary tract infections.
* Buchu leaf a delicious tasting herb containing volatile oils that kill urinary bacteria.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 5

Urinary demulcent:

Answer 5

Urinary demulcent: Heals the urinary tract.
* Corn silk (the red fibres around sweet corn), provides mucilage which soothes, heals and counteracts burning sensations in urinary tract infections (UTIs).
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 6

Formula for urinary tract infections.

Answer 6

• 1 part buchu leaf urinary antiseptic.
• 1 part corn silk urinary demulcent.
• ½ part yarrow leaf diuretic, urinary antiseptic.
• Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
• Note: Herbs are very effective against urinary tract infections, however in kidney infections (fever, back pain, malaise) see your GP.