Lower Urinary Tract Herbs Flashcards
Diuretic
increases production and elimination of urine
Astringents
Have a tonifying effect on mucous membranes
Causes tissue to contract and decreases secretions
Antimicrobial
Helps destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms
Demulcents
Soothing and protect irritated tissue, high in mucilage
Antilithic
Prevents formation of stones in renal pelvis
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Specific indications: relaxed urinary tract w/ pain and bloody or mucous secretions
chronic irritation of the bladder w/ pain and catarrhal discharge
What is the main constituent found in arctostaphylos uva-ursi?
Arbutin
Uva ursi cautions
Avoid during pregnancy
The conversion of arbutin to hydroquinone produces hydroquinone which is potentially toxic
Chimaphila umbellata
Astringent, alterative, tonic, diuretic, antiseptic
Acts upon kidneys to improve water excretion, renal tract in general to remove “congealed fluids” such as pus and upon lymphatic/glandular system to remove stagnant lymph and swollen glands
Vaccinum macrocarpon
Urinary antibacterial, antioxidant
Vaccinum macrocarpon cautions
May enhance warfarin action
High in oxalates –> may cause or worsen kidney stones
Generally safe in pregnancy
Juniperus communis
Diuretic and urinary anti-microbial, carminative, antispasmodic, tussive
Zea mays
Demulcent, diuretic, anodyne
UTI inflammation, stones, edema, euresis, prostatitis
Children’s herb for gently, soothing diuretic
Zea mays contraindications
Hypoglycemic effect
may antagonize effects of prothrombopenic anticoagulants like coumadin b/c of vit K content
Equisetum arvense
Hemostatic, diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory
Specific indications: cystic irritation, tenesmic urging to urinate, nocturnal urinal incontinence, renal calculi
Solidago spp
Anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, astringent, diaphoretic, carminative, urinary antiseptic
Indicated for irrigation of the urinary tract & as an adjuvant in bacterial infxns of the urinary tract
Common herbs for BPH
Serenoa repens Uritica dioica Solidago Prunus africanium Chimapilla umb Galium
Serenoa repens
Anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory, endocrine agent, spasmolytic, possibly anti-androgenic
Indications: BPH (well supported!)
- male pattern baldness
- chronic prostatitis
- spasms in urethra
- prostate cancer
- underweight, depleted persons w/ poor appetite
Urtica dioica
Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, prostate tonic
Epilobium parviflorum
Specific for enlarged prostate
Weak inhibition of 5 alpha reductase
