Lower Urinary Tract Herbs

Question 1

Diuretic

Answer 1

increases production and elimination of urine

Question 2

Astringents

Answer 2

Have a tonifying effect on mucous membranes

Causes tissue to contract and decreases secretions

Question 3

Antimicrobial

Answer 3

Helps destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms

Question 4

Demulcents

Answer 4

Soothing and protect irritated tissue, high in mucilage

Question 5

Antilithic

Answer 5

Prevents formation of stones in renal pelvis

Question 6

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Answer 6

Specific indications: relaxed urinary tract w/ pain and bloody or mucous secretions
chronic irritation of the bladder w/ pain and catarrhal discharge

Question 7

What is the main constituent found in arctostaphylos uva-ursi?

Answer 7

Arbutin

Question 8

Uva ursi cautions

Answer 8

Avoid during pregnancy

The conversion of arbutin to hydroquinone produces hydroquinone which is potentially toxic

Question 9

Chimaphila umbellata

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Vaccinum macrocarpon

Answer 10

Urinary antibacterial, antioxidant

Question 11

Vaccinum macrocarpon cautions

Answer 11

May enhance warfarin action
High in oxalates –> may cause or worsen kidney stones

Generally safe in pregnancy

Question 12

Juniperus communis

Answer 12

Diuretic and urinary anti-microbial, carminative, antispasmodic, tussive

Question 13

Zea mays

Answer 13

Demulcent, diuretic, anodyne

UTI inflammation, stones, edema, euresis, prostatitis
Children’s herb for gently, soothing diuretic

Question 14

Zea mays contraindications

Answer 14

Hypoglycemic effect

may antagonize effects of prothrombopenic anticoagulants like coumadin b/c of vit K content

Question 15

Equisetum arvense

Answer 15

Hemostatic, diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory

Specific indications: cystic irritation, tenesmic urging to urinate, nocturnal urinal incontinence, renal calculi

Question 16

Solidago spp

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Common herbs for BPH

Answer 17

Serenoa repens
Uritica dioica
Solidago
Prunus africanium
Chimapilla umb
Galium

Question 18

Serenoa repens

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Urtica dioica

Answer 19

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, prostate tonic

Question 20

Epilobium parviflorum

Answer 20

Specific for enlarged prostate

Weak inhibition of 5 alpha reductase