Lesson 6: Specific herbs for the urinary and renal systems

Question 1

What are Diuretics?

Answer 1

Diuretics promote urination. Herbal diuretic remedies are applied to conditions such as skin disorders, rheumatism and gout. In this application, unwanted metabolites and waste products (such as uric acid in the case of gout) are flushed out of the body, providing symptomatic relief.

Question 2

Name 6 herbs that have diuretic actions?

Answer 2

1. gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum) 2. juniper (Juniperus communis) 3. corn silk (Zea mays) 4. parsley (Petroselinum crispum) 5. couch grass (Elytrygia repens) 6. celery seed (Apium graveolens)

Question 3

What are aquaretics?

Answer 3

The excretion of water with minimal electrolyte loss. Their action can be understood by encouragement of blood flow to the kidneys, acting on the glomerulus in the filtration process within the nephron.

Question 4

Name 3 herbs with aquaretic actions?

Answer 4

1. horsetail (Equisetum arvense) 2. birch (Betula spp.) 3. nettle tops (Urtica dioica)

Question 5

When are diuretics contraindicated in the treatment of hypertension?

Answer 5

Contraindicated in renal failure and diabetes because of the increased fluid volume and work rate they place on the kidneys.

Question 6

What are Urinary antiseptics?

Answer 6

Urinary antiseptics perform a significant role in controlling UTI. Infections can commence in the urethra (urethritis), travel upwards to the bladder (cystitis), and even onwards to the kidneys (acute pyelonephritis).

Question 7

Name 5 herbs that have Urinary antiseptic actions?

Answer 7

1. bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 2. buchu (Barosma betulina) 3. barberry (Berberis vulgaris) 4. golden rod (Solidago virgaurea) 5. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Question 8

What are Urinary demulcents?

Answer 8

Urinary demulcents should be considered when burning is experienced with urination. For UTI and the abrasive nature of passing kidney stones, herbal demulcents perform a key role in relevant treatments.

Question 9

Name 3 herbs that have Urinary demulcent actions?

Answer 9

1. Marshmallow leaf (Althaea officinalis) 2. corn silk (Zea mays) 3. couch grass (Elytrygia repens)

Question 10

What are Bladder tonics?

Answer 10

Bladder tonifying effects are generally used to tonify the bladder after irritation and infection. They are also helpful at reducing incontinence.

Question 11

Name 1 herb with Bladder tonic actions?

Answer 11

1. Crataeva (Crataeva nurvala)

Question 12

What are Anti-lithics?

Answer 12

Believed to reduce the formation of calculi (stones) in the urinary tract. In the first instance of this occurring in a client they should seek medical assistance, although after this event herbal medicines in this class are excellent at preventing the recurrence of such conditions.

Question 13

Name 4 herbs that have Anti-lithic actions?

Answer 13

1. Crataeva (Crataeva nurvala) 2. Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) 3. horsetail (Equisetum arvense) 4. golden rod (SolidagoN

Question 14

What are Renal tonics and protectives?

Answer 14

Used to improve the tone and function of the kidneys.

Question 15

Name 3 herbs that have renal tonic and protective actions?

Answer 15

1. Golden rod (Solidago) 2. Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) 3. Rhemania (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Question 16

What actions does Celery seed (Apium graveolens) have?

Answer 16

1. Diuretic, 2. Hypotensive 3. Spasmolytic, 4. Anti-rheumatic, 5. Sedative, 6. Anti-inflammatory. 7. Anti-fungal. 8. Anti-bacterial.

Question 17

What actions does Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) have?

Answer 17

1. Antibacterial, 2. Astringent 3. Anti-inflammatory action on the genitourinary tract

Question 18

What actions does Buchu (Barosma betulina) have?

Answer 18

1. Urinary antiseptic 2. Mild diuretic

Question 19

What actions does Crateva (Crataeva nurvala) have?

Answer 19

1. Antilithic, 2. Bladder tonic, 3. Anti- inflammatory, 4. Anti-septic 5. Immune stimulants

Question 20

Name a herbal action that reduces pain and inflammation in an infected urethra?

Answer 20

Urinary anti-inflammatory

Question 21

What are Urinary anti-inflammatories?

Answer 21

UTI symptoms commence with burning in the urethra with urination, with cystitis infections resulting in frequent painful urination, lower abdomen discomfort and pelvic pressure.

Question 22

Name 3 herbs with anti-inflammatorie actions?

Answer 22

1. Couch grass (Elytrygia repens) 2. Golden rod (Solidago virgaurea) 3. shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoritis)

Question 23

Name a herbal action that is useful when a burning pain is experienced on urination?

Answer 23

Urinary demulcent

Question 24

Name a herbal action to improve the tone and function of the kidneys?

Answer 24

Renal tonics and protectives

Question 25

Name a herbal action that can reduce the formation of calculi (stones) in the urinary tract?

Answer 25

Anti-lithic

Question 26

Name a herbal action that assists in controlling urinary tract infections?

Answer 26

Urinary antiseptic

Question 27

Name a herbal action that can assist the work of the kidneys?

Answer 27

Diuretic

Question 28

Identify this herb and it parts used?

Answer 28

Buchu (Barosma betulina)

Leaf

Question 29

Identify this herb and it parts used?

Answer 29

Celery seed (Apium graveolens)

Dried, ripe fruit- referred to as seeds

Question 30

Identify this herb and it parts used?

Answer 30

Crateva (Crataeva nurvala)

Bark or root bark

Question 31

Identify this herb and it parts used?

Answer 31

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Dried leaves

Question 32

Which herb is both a urinary antiseptic and mild diuretic?

Answer 32

Buchu (Barosma betulina)

Question 33

Which herb contains both luteolin and limolene?

Answer 33

Celery seed (Apium graveolens)

Question 34

Which herb has an antibacterial, astringent and anti-inflammatory action on the genitourinary tract?

Answer 34

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)