Urinary Tract Herbs (Final) Flashcards
(22 cards)
Diuretics (ind.)
Edema, HTN, acute infxn
Astringent (ind.)
UTIs, tighten up edematous tissue (inflammed, edematous tissue more prone to infxn)
Demulcent (ind.)
Soothes irritated tissue
Anti-inflammatory (ind.)
Reduce inflammation and infection
T or F: The use of herbs is indicated in acute cystitis.
True
If it is a simple cystitis, herbal tx is ok. If it is more (like pyelo), use abx.
What is the best form to take herbs for a strong diuretic effect?
As a tea
T or F: Kidney infections can be tx with herbs
False. Use abx.
T or F: Tannin-rich herbs do not combine well with alkaloidal herbs.
True
Tannins precipitate alkaloids, and will cause them to form a sludge
T or F: Herbs with irritating essential oils or resins may aggravate kidney conditions long term.
True
What is the best long term diuretic?
Straight H2O
Diuretic herbs
Equisetum arvense.
Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Juniperis communis
Zea mays
Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Uva ursi (bearberry)
Anti-septic
Diuretic
What is the active glycoside in uva ursi? What does it do?
Arbutin, effective urinary abx (only if taken in large doses and urine is alkaline)
Chimaphila umbellata
Pipsissewa Antimicrobial Lymphagogue Alterative, tonic, astringent Tx for pelvic congestion, BPH
Compare and contrast uva ursi with chimaphila umbellata.
Chimaphila can be used for longer periods dt lower tannin content.
Both have alterative and lymphatic effect, but chimaphila more so.
Vaccinium macrocarpon
Cranberry
Urinary anti-bacterial
Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory
Acidifies urine, decrease stone formation (maybe)
Inhibits bacterial adhesion to urinary tract
T or F: White (unripe) cranberry has equal medicinal value to red cranberry.
False
It is unlikely to have medicinal action because it does not have the high levels of anthrocyanadins (color).
Juniperus communis
Juniper
Diuretic, anti-microbial, carminative, anti-spasmodic
Tx chronic congestion of GU
Zea mays
Corn silk
Diuretic, demulcent, vulnerary, anodyne
Tx UTI, stones, edema, enuresis, prostatitis
Good for children (soothing, gentle diuretic)
Zea mays is a ____ -sparing diuretic.
Potassium
Equisetum arvense
Horsetail
Hemostatic, diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory
Tx cystic irritation, renal calculi, chronic infections with residual matter
Renal cleanser!
Solidago spp.
Goldenrod
Demulcent, anti-inflammatory
Irrigates urinary tract, esp in infections and inflammation
