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HERBAL TREATMENT FOR KIDNEY AND BLADDER

Bed Wetting

For enuresis, or bed wetting, especially in children:

2 parts Cramp Bark

1 part Stinging Nettle herb

1 part St John’s Wort herb

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

Combined decoction and infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð 3 times per day, the last dose taken before retiring

Note that with children, dosage should be adjusted according to age and weight.

Fluid Retention

For fluid retention or oedema:

1 part Cleavers herb

1 part Dandelion root or leaves

2 parts Marshmallow root Infusion: 3 cups per day

2 parts Couchgrass rhizomes

1 part Plantain leaves

2 parts Burdock root

2 parts Marshmallow root Infusion: 3 cups per day

Serious or persistent cases of fluid retention may be associated with kidney or heart function, and should receive professional attention. More minor or temporary cases, however, may benefit from the use of diuretic formulas such as those given above.

Kidney and Bladder Problems

A kidney and bladder tonic:

2 parts Cleavers herb

2 parts Plantain leaves

5 parts Dandelion root

1 part Parsley root

2 parts Burdock root

2 parts      Marshmallow root

1 part Ginger root    

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day

The above formula is a good tonic for the entire urogenital system, and will also serve as an all-purpose diuretic.

For kidney and bladder infections:

2 parts Plantain leaves

2 parts Burdock root

1 part Marshmallow root

Infusion: 1/2 cup every 2 hours for acute conditions, otherwise 3 cups per day

 

Externally, apply a hot Ginger compress over the lower abdomen. Ensure an adequate fluid intake and for 2-3 days take warm soups and broths as the main part of the diet.

Prostatitis

8 parts Couchgrass rhizomes

1 part Parsley root

2 parts Marshmallow root

1 part Ginger root

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day until relief is obtained

 

Urethritis

2 parts Couchgrass rhizomes

2 parts Plantain leaves

1 part Meadowsweet herb

1 part Cleavers herb

2 parts Burdock root

2 parts Marshmallow root

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð every 2-4 hours for acute conditions, otherwise 3 cups per day

1 part Cleavers herb

4 parts Marshmallow root

Infusion: 3 cups per day

 

1 part Blackberry leaves

2 parts Burdock root or leaves

Infusion: 3 cups per day

Essentially herbs with diuretic, antiseptic and demulcent properties are used to treat urinary tract problems. Other herbs with these properties may be combined to treat the problem if the above herbs are not on hand.

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Tags: Herbal

HERBAL TREATMENT: ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATISM AND GOUT

General formulas for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and gout:

3 parts Celery seed

3 parts Stinging Nettle herb

3 parts Elder flowers

3 parts Yarrow herb

3 parts Meadowsweet herb

3 parts Burdock root

3 parts Dandelion root

1 part Cleavers herb

1 part Liquorice root

1 part Angelica root

1 part Cayenne Pepper

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day

1 part Celery seed

3 parts Burdock root

5 parts Dandelion root

1 part Ginger root

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day

In the above formulas, Celery seed and Nettle have an alkalizing effect and help to clear out excess acid in the system. Celery seed also has a diuretic effect and Nettle contains tonic quantities of iron and other useful minerals and vitamins. Elder flowers, Yarrow and Meadowsweet have diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Burdock has diuretic and demulcent properties, and long-term alterative effects. Dandelion, high in minerals and vitamins, is tonic to the liver and blood. It also has a laxative and diuretic effect. Cleavers and Liquorice have diuretic and laxative properties that promote elimination. Angelica, Ginger and Cayenne Pepper provide warming antispasmodic properties and a stimulus to peripheral circulation.

As with all herbal treatment for chronic ailments, these remedies should be persisted with for 2 or 3 weeks before any noticeable effects can be expected. Chronic ailments of long standing may require extended treatment, sometimes amounting to several months overall. The above remedies may be taken for extended periods where necessary provided suitable breaks in treatment are observed (e.g. an alternating pattern of 3-6 weeks of taking herbs, followed by 2-3 weeks during which treatment is suspended).

For internal treatment of painful, stiff or swollen joints:

Meadowsweet herb

Infusion: 3-4 cups per day as the sole course of treatment for 3 weeks, the first cupful taken first thing in the morning before eating

For external treatment of painful, stiff or swollen joints, and for rheumatic pain in general: place 50-60 grams of dried Mullein leaves and St John’s Wort herb (equal parts of both) in 500 ml of vinegar, cover and heat gently for 30 minutes. Applied directly as a hot compress it will ease the pain and, in almost every case, reduce the swelling.

Hot poultices, compresses or rubbing oils prepared from herbs such as Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, Angelica, Fennel and Chamomile are also useful.

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Tags: Herbal

HERBS: PLANTAIN

 

Plantago spp.

(P. major, P. lanceolata)

Action: Vulnerary, diuretic, astringent, emollient, expectorant, haemostatic, antipyretic, antibacterial.

Systems Affected: General effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

Plantain grows as a weed throughout temperate zones of the world, and is particularly widespread in Australia. There are several species of Plantain, two of the more common ones being the Greater or Common Plantain (Plantago major) and Soldier or Ribwort Plantain (P. lanceolata).

Essentially all the plantains have similar properties and can be used for medicinal treatment, although the American herbalist Michael Tierra adds the observation that ‘the wider the leaf the more pronounced the diuretic effect’. Greater Plantain is perhaps most commonly used by herbalists.

Plantain has cooling, soothing and astringent properties. Internally it influences the entire mucous membrane and so is used to treat a wide variety of ailments: diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, infections and inflammations, ulcers, kidney and bladder problems, aching in the lumbar region, scanty and scalding urine, excessive menstrual discharge, bronchitis, bronchial catarrh and coughs. It is particularly useful in cystitis and for haemorrhoids with bleeding and irritation.

Plantain seeds (particularly those of P. psyllium, which are known commercially as Psyllium seeds) are a useful bulk laxative; 15 grams or so are taken with a cup of hot water.

Externally the plant is one of the best remedies for cuts and wounds, skin infections, boils and inflammations. For this purpose it is often used in compresses and ointments, alone or in combination with other herbs such as Chickweed, Comfrey, Marigold and St John’s Wort. Used fresh, the leaves can be applied bruised or chopped in the form of a poultice.

Plantain is well known for relieving the pain of insect bites and stings, nettle rash etc. It provides relief as an application to burns and scalds, and will stay the bleeding of minor wounds. It is particularly effective as an external application in blood poisoning.

Long held in high regard as a healing herb in Europe, India and China, modern research has shown that Plantain has an antibacterial action which destroys a wide range of micro-organisms, and that it stimulates the healing process (epithelisation).

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Tags: Herbal

HERBS: ELDER FLOWERS

Sambucus nigra

Action: Diaphoretic, anticatarrhal, alterative, emollient.

Systems Affected: Circulation, lungs, skin.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowers, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

The Elder is a shrub or tree growing up to 10 meters in height. Native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, it is introduced elsewhere. The tree has many uses, and a great wealth of folklore, romance and superstition has attached to the plant throughout history. The hollowed stems provide the pan-pipes and flutes used by the ancient Greeks and by modern English children; the fresh leaves, crushed, were used to repel insects and vermin; the leaves, roots and bark provide a range of blacks, greens, blues and violets for dyeing cloth; the flowers and berries are utilized in home-made pies, conserves, jams and drinks, including the well-known elderberry wine. The tree was associated with magic, and spirits were said to reside in it; in some parts of Europe old people still doff their caps at the plant and refuse to burn it.

From the time of Hippocrates the plant has been highly esteemed for its healing properties. Various parts of the plant are used medicinally but only the flowers should be considered safe for general use; without proper knowledge and preparation the bark, leaves and berries can be nauseating and even toxic.

The white flowers are picked in full bloom during mid-summer and dried in the shade (below 30°C) as rapidly as possible in order to prevent them from turning black. Correctly dried, they turn a brownish-yellow.

An infusion of the flowers is used for treating sinusitis, chronic nasal and bronchial catarrh, bronchitis, eruptive disorders such as measles and scarlet fever, rheumatism and gout.

Elder flowers are mostly used, however, in combination with Peppermint, forming a time-honoured infusion which is invaluable in treating colds, flu and fever.

Externally Elder flowers (and also the bark or leaves) are used as a soothing wash or ointment for mild burns, rashes and skin ailments. An infusion of the flowers is used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis, as a gargle for throat infections and as an inhalant for head colds.

The infusion also has its cosmetic uses, providing a mild astringent and toning lotion for the skin. Dabbed regularly on the face, neck and hands, and on rough patches at the elbows, knees and feet, it improves skin tone and function.

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Tags: Herbal

HERBS: ALOE VERA

Action: Vulnerary, demulcent, emollient, laxative.

Systems Affected: Skin, stomach, intestines.

Preparation and Dosage: Fresh gel expressed from leaves applied locally. (Internal use of plant not recommended.)

Native to the dry, sunny parts of southern and eastern Africa, Aloe Vera is now cultivated commercially as a medicinal plant and also grown as a house plant or garden ornamental.

The fresh gel of the leaves has both soothing and healing properties, and is widely honored for its capacity to heal even the severest burns and irritated skin rashes.

When the soft pulpy leaves are cut or broken open, the clear juice or gel flows freely arid should be applied to the affected area as quickly as possible.

Individual drops of the gel can be used to provide relief from the irritation and itching of mosquito and other insect bites.

For tender rashes and ulcerated sores, the healing gel can be used to saturate a piece of clean gauze or cotton which is then applied to the skin.

The gel is excellent for sunburn, and other uses include windburn, chafing, ‘detergent hands’, acne, eczema, pruritis, athlete’s foot, bruises, blisters, nettle rash and joint aches.

Because of its intensely bitter taste, extract of Aloes has been used to wean children and to discourage them from thumb-sucking and fingernail-biting, a practice which seems more punitive than therapeutic.

The plant also has an important history as a crude drug dating back to the time of the ancient Greeks. Traded throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe, the dried extract was valued for its laxative or purgative action. It is still included in many commercial laxative preparations, but it is, however, extremely powerful in effect, with the potential for doing more harm than good, and is not recommended for general use internally. Excessive or prolonged use of Aloes extract irritates the digestive tract and may induce haemorrhoids.

Cautionary Notes: Aloe Vera gel needs to be stabilized in order to retain its active properties, and is available in commercial preparations in this form. For burns, however, make sure the preparation does not contain lanolin, as this will intensify the burn.

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Tags: Herbal