Urinary Tract Herbs (Final)

Question 1

Diuretics (ind.)

Answer 1

Edema, HTN, acute infxn

Question 2

Astringent (ind.)

Answer 2

UTIs, tighten up edematous tissue (inflammed, edematous tissue more prone to infxn)

Question 3

Demulcent (ind.)

Answer 3

Soothes irritated tissue

Question 4

Anti-inflammatory (ind.)

Answer 4

Reduce inflammation and infection

Question 5

T or F: The use of herbs is indicated in acute cystitis.

Answer 5

True

If it is a simple cystitis, herbal tx is ok. If it is more (like pyelo), use abx.

Question 6

What is the best form to take herbs for a strong diuretic effect?

Answer 6

As a tea

Question 7

T or F: Kidney infections can be tx with herbs

Answer 7

False. Use abx.

Question 8

T or F: Tannin-rich herbs do not combine well with alkaloidal herbs.

Answer 8

True

Tannins precipitate alkaloids, and will cause them to form a sludge

Question 9

T or F: Herbs with irritating essential oils or resins may aggravate kidney conditions long term.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What is the best long term diuretic?

Answer 10

Straight H2O

Question 11

Diuretic herbs

Answer 11

Equisetum arvense.
Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Juniperis communis
Zea mays

Question 12

Arctostaphylos uva ursi

Answer 12

Uva ursi (bearberry)
Anti-septic
Diuretic

Question 13

What is the active glycoside in uva ursi? What does it do?

Answer 13

Arbutin, effective urinary abx (only if taken in large doses and urine is alkaline)

Question 14

Chimaphila umbellata

Answer 14

Pipsissewa
Antimicrobial 
Lymphagogue
Alterative, tonic, astringent
Tx for pelvic congestion, BPH

Question 15

Compare and contrast uva ursi with chimaphila umbellata.

Answer 15

Chimaphila can be used for longer periods dt lower tannin content.
Both have alterative and lymphatic effect, but chimaphila more so.

Question 16

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Answer 16

Cranberry
Urinary anti-bacterial
Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory
Acidifies urine, decrease stone formation (maybe)
Inhibits bacterial adhesion to urinary tract

Question 17

T or F: White (unripe) cranberry has equal medicinal value to red cranberry.

Answer 17

False

It is unlikely to have medicinal action because it does not have the high levels of anthrocyanadins (color).

Question 18

Juniperus communis

Answer 18

Juniper
Diuretic, anti-microbial, carminative, anti-spasmodic
Tx chronic congestion of GU

Question 19

Zea mays

Answer 19

Corn silk
Diuretic, demulcent, vulnerary, anodyne
Tx UTI, stones, edema, enuresis, prostatitis
Good for children (soothing, gentle diuretic)

Question 20

Zea mays is a ____ -sparing diuretic.

Answer 20

Potassium

Question 21

Equisetum arvense

Answer 21

Horsetail
Hemostatic, diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory
Tx cystic irritation, renal calculi, chronic infections with residual matter
Renal cleanser!

Question 22

Solidago spp.

Answer 22

Goldenrod
Demulcent, anti-inflammatory
Irrigates urinary tract, esp in infections and inflammation