Urinary system

Question 1

1. Bearberry, Uva ursi

Answer 1

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Ericaeae
Leaf

Actions:
Urinary antiseptic, astringent, antiinflammatory

Indications:
Inflammatory or infectious conditions of the lower urinary tract, particularly cystitis
Cystitis in combo w dandelion root or leaf
Urinary stones

Contraindications:
Kidney disorders
Not suitable for prolonged use
should not be given w products that will lead to the production of acidic urine (reduces antobacterial effect), works best w alkaline pH - use buffered forms of vit C (not ascorbic acid)
Pregnancy & lactation

Question 2

2. Couch grass

Answer 2

Agropyron repens
Graminae
Rhizome

Actions:
soothing diuretic, urinary demulcent

Indications:
Inlfammation & infection of the urinary tract, preventing kidney gravel
Prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia
Gout, rheumatism, jaundice

Contraindications:
Take w lots of fluids - reduce microorganisms in urinary tract - but should not be undertaken if oedma from impaired cardiac or renal function exists

Question 3

3. Buchu

Answer 3

Barosma betulina
Rutaceae
Leaf

Actions:
Urinary antiseptic, mild diuretic

Indications:
UTI’s, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis

Contraindications:
?pregnancy (only for Buchu substitutions)

Question 4

4. Crateva

Answer 4

Crateva nurvala
Capparidaceae
Bark

Actions:
Antilithic, bladder tonic, antiinflammatory

Indications:
Chronic & acute urinary infections, hypotonic, atonic or neurogenic bladder, incontinence & enuresis
Prevention & tx of kidney, ureter, bladder stones
Other urinary system disorders

Contraindications:
None known

Question 5

5. Horsetail

Answer 5

Equisteum arvense
Equisetaceae
Aerial parts

Actions:
Diuretic, astringent, styptic

Indications:
Post-traumatic & static oedema, bacterial & inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, renal gravel
Nocturnal enuresis, renal colic, enlarged prostate, prostatitis
Haemorrhage, haematemesis

Contraindications:
No irrigation therapy if oedema resulting from impaired cardiac or renal function

Question 6

6. Gravel root, Queen of the meadow

Answer 6

Eupatorium purpureum
Compostitae
Rhizome & roots

Actions:
Antilithic, diuretic, antirheumatic

Indications:
Urinary calculus, cystitis, dysuria, urethritis
Prostatitis, rheumatism & gout
*Renal or vesicular calculi

Contraindications:
None known

Question 7

7. Juniper

Answer 7

Juniperus spp.
Cupressaceae
Berries

Actions:
Diuretic, anti-rheumatic, urinary antiseptic, carminative, stomachic

Indications:
Cystitis (acute & chronic), urethritis, urinary stones, gout, arthritis, rheumatism

Contraindications:
Pregnancy (volatile oil may stimulate uterine ms - emmenagogue)
Caution in renal disease (VO irritating)
Caution w diuretics - may potentiate effects

Question 8

8. Dandelion (leaf)

Answer 8

Taraxicum officinale
Compostitae
Leaf

Actions:
Diuretic, chleretic, bitter tonic, antirheumatic, mild laxative

Indications:
Cystitis (combo wuva ursi), oedema
Restoration of hepatic & biliary function, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, flatulence, bloating, stimulate diuresis
Oliguria, jaundice, gallstones, constipation, muscular rheumatism, chronic skin diseases

Contraindications:
Closure of bile ducts, cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction
Known allergy

Question 9

9. Corn silk

Answer 9

Zea Mays
Gramineae
style, stigma

Actions:
Diuretic, antilithic, urniary demulcent

Indications:
Cystitis, urethritis, bedwetting, bladder disorders in children
Urinary calculi, prostatitis
stimulating diuresis, improving renal function

Contraindications:
None known