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Botanical Medicine 3
By Monica Hsu
Last updated, 2011
Female Reproductive Herbs: Phytoestrogenic Herbs
• Medicago sativa (alfalfa)
• Trifolium pratense (red clover)
• Pueraria montana (kudzu)
• Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)
• Humulus lupulus (hops)
Female Reproductive Herbs: Rebalance Hormones
• Actaea racemosa (black cohosh, black snakeroot,
Macrotys) (used to be Cimicifuga racemosa)
• Angelica sinensis (dong quai, dan gui)
• Vitex agnus-castus (chaste berry, monk’s pepper)
Uterine Tonics
• Mitchella repens (partridge berry)
• Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohosh)
• Dioscorea villosa (wild yam)
• Rubus ideaus (raspberry, red raspberry leaf)
• Chamaelirium luteum (aka Helonias,
false unicorn root, fairy wand)
• Aletris farinose (true unicorn root, blazing star)
• Leonurus cardiaca (motherwort)
Antispasmodics
• Viburnum opulus (cramp bark)
• Anemone pulsatilla (windflower, pasque flower)
Hemostatics
• Alchemilla vulgaris (lady’s mantle)
• Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd’s purse)
• Trillium spp. (T. pendulum, T. erectum, T. sessile)
(bethroot, birthroot)
• Erigeron / Cinnamon Compound
Herbs for Low Libido
• Tribulus terrestris (puncture vine)
• Turnera diffusa (damiana)
Herbs for Men’s Health
• Vitex agnus-castus (chaste berry, monk’s pepper)
• Turnera diffusa (damiana)
• Serenoa repens (saw palmetto)
• Urtica dioica (nettle, stinging nettle)
• Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin)
• Smilax officinalis (sarsaparilla)
• Prunus africanum (pgeum, bitter almond)
Urinary Herbs: Herbs that Nourish and Increase Function
• Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)
• Urtica dioica (stinging nettle)
• Equisteum spp. (horsetail)
• Petroselinum crispum (parsley)
• Apium graveolens (celery)
• Parietaria diffusa (pellitory-of-the-wall)
Urinary Herbs: Herbs that Fight Infection and
Increase Function
• Arctostaphylos uva ursi (uva ursi, bearberry)
• Juniperus communis (juniper)
• Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)
• Chimaphila umbellata (pipsissewa)
• Agropyron repens (aka Elymus repens) (quackgrass)
• Barosma betulina (aka Agathosma betulina) (buchu)
• Usnea barbata, Usnea plicata (old man’s beard,
Spanish moss)
• Thymus vulgaris (thyme)
• Solidago canadensis (goldenrod)
Urinary Herbs: Herbs that Soothe
• Zea mays (aka Maydis stigmata) (corn silk) – cooling
• Althea officinalis (marshmallow)
Urinary Herbs: Herbs Helpful for Urinary Stones
• Hydrangea arborescens (seven barks)
• Collinsonia canadensis (stone root)
• Eupatorium purpureum (gravel root, queen of the meadow)
Urinary Herbs: Other Helpful Herbs
• Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
• Berberine containing plants
Female Reproductive Herbs: Phytoestrogenic Herbs
Medicago sativa (alfalfa)
Fabaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Alkaloids
- Nutritive tonic
- Phytoestrogenic - Phytoestrogen
compounds:
- Anti-tumor
isoflavones
- Vit A, C, K
- Ca, K, Fe, Mg
- Saponins
- Coumarins
- Porphyrins
Indications
- Insufficient nutrition, tendency toward emaciation, organ
weakness: high nutritional value (good source of vitamins and
minerals) with tonifying property
- Gynecologic conditions: isoflavones are estrogenic and
antibacterial against gram-ve bacteria, also stimulate appetite
and enhance overall nutrition
- Restorative tonic: restore the strength and tone of the
digestive, kidney, mammary, ovarian and uterine tissue
by Monica Hsu
Safety
Parts Used
- Drug interaction:
- Aerial
↑ rate of metabolism
of xenobiotics in liver,
↓ anticoagulant
activity of warfarin due
to high vit K content
- Caution with SLE
Trifolium pratense (red clover)
Fabaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety
- Very gentle herb for long-term use
- A blood thinner:
- Isoflavone
- Alterative
caution when taking
- Phytoestrogenic - Alterative and nutritive properties (high mineral salt content)
aglycones
- Nutritive
- “Cyst former”: ovarian cysts, dermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts,
anticoagulant drugs
- Flavonoids
- Lymphatic
uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, etc.
- Phenolic
- Antispasmodic - ↑ lymph flow in head and neck
glycosides
- Expectorant
- Coumarins
- Improve mental functioning
- Sedative
- Cyanogenic
- Strong phytoestrogenic actions: for menopausal women
- Blood thinner
glycosides
- Eliminative properties as a lymphatic and expectorant: utilized
- Silica, calcium,
in skin and joint diseases
and other
- Antitumor property
mineral salts
Parts Used
- Flower
head
Pueraria montana (kudzu)
- A pest plant, but one of the highest sources of phytoestrogens
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)
- Grow well in the Northwest
- Contain phytoestrogen
- Can be used to improve the flavor of other phytoestrogens
K+
- May raise blood pressure in those that are deficient
Humulus lupulus (hops)
Cannabinaceae family
Constituents Actions
- Bitter
- Sedative
substances - Hypnotic
- Flavonoids - Phytoestogen
- Essential oil - GI tonic
- Aromatic bitter
- Anaphrodisiac
- Antimicrobial
- Antispasmodic
- Astringent
Indications
- Potent phytoestrogen
- Calms restlessness and anxiety
- Hypnotic and sedative: insomnia (put dry plants in pillow with
lavender), especially with a racing mind
- Can dose in the form of beer, it is complexed with B vitamins,
particularly B-6
- Aromatase inhibitor: ↓ effect of androgens, useful for PCOS
- Very bitter: useful for hypochlorhydria, IBS, “nervous bowels”
- Promote lactation
- Sexual anxiety in young people
Safety
- Contraindication:
depression
- Potentiate effects of
alcohol and other
sedatives
Parts Used
- Strobile (a
cone-like
structure)
Female Reproductive Herbs: Rebalance Hormones
by Monica Hsu
Actaea racemosa (black cohosh, black snakeroot, Macrotys) (used to be Cimicifuga racemosa)
Ranunculaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety
Parts Used
- Triterpene
- Antispasmodic
- Not just a women’s herb, also used for musculoskeletal issues with - Pregnancy
- Root
- Weakly estrogenic depression in both genders
glycosides
- May cause
- Rhizome
principally
- Emmenagogue
headaches
- For men: low back pain, knee pain, ↓ libido, stress and tension
xylosides
- Antirheumatic
- Hormonal imbalances accompanied by depression, aches, and
- Isoflavones
- Uterine tonic
pains, esp. low back pain or headache associated with menses or
- Alkaloids
- Antiinflammatory
immediately prior to menses
- Menopause, menstrual irregularities, fibroids, ovarian cysts
(by vasodilation and move stasis)
- Ovarian neuralgia: an aching in the region of the ovaries
- When the Actea picture is predominant, be sure to address any
pelvis circulation issues that might exist
- Mechanisms of action unclear: may or may not bind to estrogen
receptors, may ↓ LH
- Actea racemosa: official medicinal species – there are local species
- Remifemin
Most commonly encountered form of black cohosh
For hot flashes and menopause
Dose: 40 drops BID or 2 tablets BID (24.8-42.7 mg dried herb standardized to triterpene glycosides: 27-deoxyactein, 1 mg per tablet)
Angelica sinensis (dong quai, dan gui)
Apiaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Volatile oil
- Uterine stimulant - A blood mover and blood builder in Chinese medicine, a restorative
- Furanocoumarin and tonifier
herb for the vital energy for women: useful for hormone irregularities
glycosides
- Emmenagogue
associated with scanty flow or short periods, anemia, adrenal
- ↑ pelvic
fatigue (exhausted), ↓ libido
circulation
- Avoid use with heavy menstrual bleeding (but ok to use if have
anemia), when there are signs of heat (bright copious blood),
hyperthyroidism, once pregnancy has been established
- Tonic for women
Safety
Parts Used
- Photosensitivity - Root
- Avoid high dose
when taking
anticoagulants
Vitex agnus-castus (chaste berry, monk’s pepper)
Verbenaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety
- Flavonoids
- Pituitary tonic
- Caution with
- Used to balance libido, for late bloomers
- Iridoid
- Domanine agonist - Indicated if have disruption or suppression of the hypothalamicpregnancy
glycosides
- Galactagogue
pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis): re-regulate menstruation
- Volatile oil
- Emmenagogue
Normal period thrown off due to stress
- 3-ketosteroids - FSH antagonist
To get the menses to return after getting off OCPs
- LJ agonist
Infertility after coming off OCPs
- Prolactin
Perimenopausal women who have been skipping periods or
antagonist
having too frequent periods
- Hepatoprotective
Superwoman who has irregular periods. Ex. running women.
- Antiseptic
They have to slow down, just giving the herb will not give
- Anaphordisiac
satisfactory results
(when there is an
Progesterone deficiency
excess)
- Inhibit prolactin synthesis and release in vitro (pituitary cell cultures)
and in vivo by binding to dopamine receptors (D2) on pituitary gland
↓ prolactin ↑ corpus luteum growth, ↑ progesterone
- Use of vitex when someone is currently on OCPs or HRT
Trying to stimulate what you are suppressing with exogenous
hormones don’t recommend using this herb at these times
Parts Used
- Berries
Uterine Tonics
by Monica Hsu
Mitchella repens (partridge berry)
Rubiaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety Parts Used
- Tannins
- Parturient
- A gentle uterine tonic and partus prepator with antispasmodic and anti- Herba
inflammatory properties
- Saponins
- Uterine tonic
- Mitchella repens works by tonifying the mucus membrane layer of the female
- Bitter principle - Partus
reproductive tract rather than just the musculature. Rubus ideaus works on the
- Alkaloids
preparatory
- Mucilage
- Emmenagogue musculature. So the combination works well for gentle tonifying
- Diuretic
- Antispasmodic property is due to its effect on ↓ irritability of mucus membrane
- Vaginal atrophy and discharge
Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohosh)
Berberidaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- More intense than Mitchella repens: a true emmenagogue / abortifacient
- Alkaloid
- Uterine tonic
- Saponin
- Emmenagogue - Oxytotic effect is due in part to the constituent caulosaponin
glycosides
- Oxytocic
- Antispasmodic property used for menstrual cramping
- Partus
- Antiinflammatory property used for rheumatic pains
preparatory
- Antispasmodic
- Antiinflammatory
- Diuretic
Dioscorea villosa (wild yam)
Dioscoreaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Steroidal
- Antispasmodic - Does not contain or bioconvert progesterone
saponins
- Antiinflammatory - May influence progesterone production: controversial
- Antirheumatic
- Antispasmodic property, particularly for smooth muscle
- Cholagogue
Used for menstrual cramping (dose 3 days prior to period), spastic colon,
- Diaphoretic
prior to colonoscopy, biliary colic
- Some vasodilatory effect: used in hypertension formula
- Constituents include steroidal saponins, dioscin and diosgenin
Used to make synthetic hormones in labs
Have some cholesterol lowering effects
Safety Parts Used
- Root
Safety Parts Used
- Root
Rubus ideaus (raspberry, red raspberry leaf)
Rosaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety Parts Used
- Tannins
- Astringent
- Classic uterine tonic
- Leaves
- Alkaloid:
- Uterine tonic
- Fragarine: an alkaloid, abundant in the leaf, has a specific relaxing and
- Fruit
fragrine
- Facilitates
tonifying action on the pelvic and uterine muscles
- Minerals
parturition
- Extremely safe: used in all phases of the woman’s reproductive cycle, allowed
without hesitation in the first trimester of pregnancy
- Infertility, difficulty carrying
- Makes an excellent tea
- High mineral content
- Note. strawberry leaves may be used interchangeably with Rubus ideaus
Chamaelirium luteum (aka Helonias, false unicorn root, fairy wand)
Liliaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety Parts Used
- Steroidal
- Uterine tonic
- A premier uterine tonic & hormone balancing herb: ovarian amphoteric
- Root
sapponins
- Much endangered species: rarely used
- To “reestablish vigor”: when depletion in the system is secondary to overuse –
useful for both genders
- Prolapse & discharge from lack of tone, spermatorrhea, nocturnal emissions
- To maintain a pregnancy threatened by miscarriage
Aletris farinose (true unicorn root, blazing star)
Liliaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety Parts Used
- Bitter principle - Uterine tonic - Used as a substitute for Chamaelirium luteum, now endangered itself
- Root
- Resin
- Ovarian tonic - When there is a pelvic heaviness, as if “everything is falling out”
- Polysaccharides - Male
- Also a digestive tonic
reproductive - Some question if Aletris farinose actually is useful for the reproductive system,
or if it became identified and confused with Chamaelirium luteum, which was
tonic
sometimes referred to as true unicorn root
Leonurus cardiaca (motherwort)
Lamiaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety Parts Used
- Herba
- Iridoid
- Cardioprotective - Not a strong uterine tonic
- Cardioregulating - Indicated when there are hormonal changes with weakness, anxiety,
glycosides
insomnia, and heart palpitations
- Tannins
- Antianginal
- “Empty-nest syndrome”: perimenopausal women with preventricular
- Alkaloids
- Relaxant
contractions (PVCs) or younger women who develop PVCs when their job
- Bitter
- Nervine
becomes their whole life and they are afraid of failure (“what will I be if I don’t
glycosides
- Antispasmodic
- Antihypertensive have this identity…?”) – can also be used for men who are experiencing these
- Mild uterine
change of life questions as well
stimulant and
- Bitterness from lack of appreciation is associated with the emotional picture:
tonic
herb tastes very bitter, and when you harvest it the seed pods “bite” you a bit
- Used for hyperthyroidism with Lycopus and Lithosperma (the 3 “L”s)
- Contain leonurine (an alkaloid): partly responsible for the relaxant effects
- Can be used with Viburnum to ↓ hypertension in perimenopausal women
Antispasmodics
Viburnum opulus (cramp bark)
Caprifoliaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Bitter
- Spasmolytic
compound
- Sedative nervine
- Glycoside
- Astringent
- Anti-asthmatic
- Tonic
- Diuretic
- Alterative
- Hypotensive
- Carminative
- Antiinflammatory
Indications
Safety
- Used for both skeletal and smooth muscle spasms
- Combine well with Dioscorea villosa
- Mostly used in formulas for acute dysmenorrhea, during the time of
pain or in anticipation of the pain
- Prevent miscarriage
- Topical for musculoskeletal pain, esp. if combined with lobelia oil
and driven in with gentle heat (hydrocollator or heating pad)
- ↓ hypertension: combine with Viscum, Achillea, Scutellaria, Tilia,
Leonurus
- Restore sympathetic and parasympathetic balance in voluntary and
involuntary muscle spasms
Anemone pulsatilla (windflower, pasque flower)
Ranunculaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Lactone
- Nervine
- Useful in very small amounts in dysmenorrhea or ovarian pain when
glycoside in
- Anti-spasmodic
there is a lot of emotional drama with the pain (“hysteria”)
fresh plant can - Alterative
- Also for those who hold their tension, fear or sadness in their pelvis
cause
- Sedative
- For women with a history of sexual abuse or shame that have
blistering and - Analgesic
reproductive or menstrual issues
burning of skin - Antiinflammatory - Anyone with pain (both gender) associated with hysteria
dried plant
- Use small dose: a 1:10 tincture is generally used with a 0.9-3 ml
does not have
max per day
this effect
Parts Used
- Dried bark
cortex
Safety
Parts Used
- Can have some - Herba
irritating and
toxic effects
Hemostatics
by Monica Hsu
Alchemilla vulgaris (lady’s mantle)
Rosaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety
Parts Used
- Tannins
- Astringent
- An herb of the alchemists: thought to have magical properties as
- Tannin rich
- Herba
herbs are
- Anti-hemorrhagic evidenced by the silver drops of water that collect on its leaves
- Antiinflammatory - Uterine tonic property: useful in prolapse and repeated miscarriage contraindicated
- Uterine tonic
- Astringent property (high tannin content): help prevent or treat
in constipation,
- Emmmenagogue heavy menstrual bleeding (hemostatic), tonifying
iron deficiency
- Vulnerary
- Some feel this herb is progestereogenic, but there’s no research
anemia and
- Diuretic
malnutrition
Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd’s purse)
Cruciferae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Flavonoids
- Anti-hemorrhagic - A common weed in the Northwest, grows in everyone’s yards
- Fumaric and - Urinary antiseptic - Used to stop acute menorrhagia or metrorrhagia
bursic acids
- Antipyretic
- Useful in endometriosis
- Uterine stimulant - Antiinflammatory property
- Choline
- Acetylcholine - Emmenagogue
- Diuretic
- Histamine
- Tyramine
bases
- Oxalates
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Safety
-
Parts Used
- Aerial parts
Trillium spp. (T. pendulum, T. erectum, T. sessile) (bethroot, birthroot)
Liliaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Steroidal
- Uterine tonic
- Somewhat endangered species
saponins
- Astringent
- Used to stop acute menorrhagia and metrorrhagia
- Tannins
- Hemostatic
Safety
-
Parts Used
- Bulb
- Rhizome
Erigeron / Cinnamon Compound
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Most reliable way to relieve acute, heavy bleeding (flooding)
- Available from HerbPharm
Safety
-
Parts Used
-
Safety
-
Parts Used
-
Safety
- None
Parts Used
- Leaves
- Flowers
Herbs for Low Libido
Tribulus terrestris (puncture vine)
Zygophyllaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Steroidal
- ↑ blood flow to penis and clitoris
saponin
- ↑ serum testosterone, DHT, and DHEA: indicated for women or
- Protodioscin
men with low testosterone
- For someone with depression and fatigue, no interest in sex
Turnera diffusa (damiana)
Turneraceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Volatile oil
- Nerve tonic and
- Resin
trophorestorative
- Tannin
- Anti-depressant
- Bitter
- Urinary antiseptic
compound
- Laxative
(damianian)
- Aphrodisiac
- Flavonoids
- Hydroquinone
- Arbutin
Indications
- Used traditionally as an aphrodisiac
- A gentle, but effective sexual tonic
- Stimulating nervine: wake up feeling energize, but does not work if
on a lot of other stimulants, help those that are depleted
- Good for minor depression
- Not too sustainable: native to southwest US in desert
Herbs for Men’s Health
by Monica Hsu
Vitex agnus-castus (chaste berry, monk’s pepper)
- For both genders
- Good for balancing testosterone
- See under “Female Reproductive Herbs: Rebalance Hormones”
Turnera diffusa (damiana)
- For both genders
- See under “Herbs for Low Libido”
Serenoa repens (saw palmetto)
Arecaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Fatty acids
- Inflammation
- Sterols
modulating
- Flavonoids
- Spasmolytic
- Phytoestrogen
- Testosterone
inhibiting
Indications
- Prostate disorders: BPH, non-infectious prostitis
- Urinary tract smooth muscle spasm
- Diseases accompanied by excessive testosterone levels:
androgenetic alopecia, PCOS
- Incredibly sustainable
- Very safe, considered as food
Safety
- None
Parts Used
- Berry (fruit)
Urtica dioica (nettle, stinging nettle)
Urticaceae family
- See under “Urinary Herbs: Herbs that Nourish and Increase Function”
Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin)
Cucurbitaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- ω-6 and ω-3 FAs - Antiparasitic
- Inflammation
- Amino acids
modulating
- Zinc
Smilax officinalis (sarsaparilla)
Smilacaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Steroidal saponins - Hormone
- Flavonoids
modulator
- Safrole
- Inflammation
modulator
- Alterative
- Absorption
enhancer
- Emulsifier
Indications
Safety
- BPH
- Caution in
patients with
- GI parasites
diverticulosis
- Kidney stone
- Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, fully ripe, safe
- Dose: 1 dose = 1 handful, 1-2 handfuls a day in conjunction with
other antiparasitic remedies
Parts Used
- Seeds
- Oil
Indications
Safety
Parts Used
- Many Smilax spp. growing in southeast US
- Extremely safe - Bark of
- Contain saponins: hormone modulator – useful for hormonal
- Occasionally
root
imbalance, especially estrogen dominance or low testosterone
nausea: take
(often used primarily in second half of menstrual cycle)
with food
- Chronic rheumatic diseases
- Gout
- Chronic skin diseases
- Synergizer in formulas to improve absorption & mixing, emulsifier
Prunus africanum (pgeum, bitter almond)
Rosaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety
- Lipid-soluble
- Antiinflammatory - Not sustainable: only come from Cameroon Africa
pentacyclic
- Decongestant
- How to harvest the bark: take branches that are fallen or small
triterpenes
strips that don’t damage the tree
- Medicinal use similar to Serenoa repens, so don’t use it in the US
- Sterolic triterpenes
- FAs
- Esters of ferulic
acid
Parts Used
- Bark
Urinary Herbs: Herbs that Nourish and Increase Function
by Monica Hsu
Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)
Asteraceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety
- Sesquiterpene - Diuretic
- Leaves are extremely nutritive (great food for the kidneys):
- None
+
+
lactone
- Depurative
contain high amounts of minerals (K , also some Na ), vit C
- Saponins
- Tonic
(feeds the adrenals), β-carotene – these are also present in root
- Minerals
- Bitter
- Root: cholagogue (strongly moves bile)
+
+
- Leaves: K sparing diuretic herb (also spare some Na )
- Dependent edema, hypertension, CHF, rheumatic conditions with
lots of heat and swelling joints, detox, any healing conditions
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle)
Urticaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Polysaccharides - Tonic
- Lectins
- Antiinflammatory
- Flavonoid
- Diuretic
glycosides
- Astringent
- Caffeic malic
- Expectorant
acid
- Anti-allergic
- Minerals
- Anti-rheumatic
- Vitamins
- Protein
Indications
Safety
- Hypersensitivity
- Specificity for urinary tract
- Leaves: inflammation modulator – food & environmental allergies can develop
Fresh leaf applied topically is a potent counterirritant
Diuretic: aquaretic – lose water without losing minerals
Nutritive (rich source of minerals): eaten as food – ex. steam
fresh leaves, juice, tea
- Seeds: kidney protective, diuretic
- Root: used for BPH, even root can sting
- Good for kidney stones and irritation by flushing the system
- Good for musculoskeletal conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis (see flagellation of limbs), puffy and red joints
- Sustainable, local
- Herb can be freeze-dried
- Tincture: use glycerite to maintain nutritive properties
Equisteum spp. (horsetail)
Equisetaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Silica
- Diuretic
- Connective tissue tonic: used to strengthen hair and nails
+
- K salts
- Connective
- Good for someone that needs strength and structure, ↑ vitality
- Flavonoids
tissue tonic
- Rich source of silica: silica is very important for kidney structure
- Antiinflammatory
Use water preparation to get silica out, not alcohol
- Antimicrobial
- Diuretic: aquaretic
- Antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer properties
- Rheumatic conditions, interstitial cystitis, bladder irritation,
bed wetting, urinary prolapse
- Use organic source because the plant concentrates whatever is
in the soil (ex. heavy metals)
Petroselinum crispum (parsley)
Apiaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Volatile oil
- Stimulating
- Leaves: diuretic, more nutritive
- Flavonoids
diuretic
- Seeds: diuretic, but more irritating due to ↑ essential oil content
- Vitamins
- Carminative
Used when a strong stimulus is needed for micturation
- Minerals
- Emmenagogue
Note that Apiaceae family has ↑ essential oil content that act
- Expectorant
as stimulant diuretics (the oil is excreted by the kidneys)
- Antiinflammatory - Root: diuretic, more cooling
spasmolytic
- Useful for bladder incontinence in perimenopause due to its
- Vasodilatory
diuretic and phytoestrogenic properties
- Hypotensive
- Incontinence due to inflammation of irritated tissue
Apium graveolens (celery)
Umbelliferaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Furanocoumarins - Diuretic
- Phenylpropanoids - Inflammation
modulating
Indications
- Celery acts similarly to, but less strongly, than parsley seed
- Diuretic, inflammation modulator, renal detoxifier
- Gout, UTI, kidney stone passage and prevention, hypertension
- Arthritis
Parts Used
- Leaf
- Root
Parts Used
- Leaf
- Seed
- Root
Safety
Parts Used
- Entire plant
- Do not use for
above
long term
(maximum of 3-6 ground
weeks): don’t
want to overdose
silica
Safety
- Seed should not
be used during
acute kidney
conditions
Parts Used
- Aerial parts
- Seeds
- Root
Safety
Parts Used
- Contraindication: - Seeds
known allergy to
any part of celery
Parietaria diffusa (pellitory-of-the-wall)
Urticaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Flavonoids
- Diuretic
- "Silybum of the kidneys": kidney trophorestorative
- Glucoproteins - Demulcent
(protect and nourish kidneys), can use for long term
- Bitter
- Anti-lithic
- Diuretic, demulcent, and laxative properties
- Tannins
- Good for diabetes, hypertension, acute UTI, kidney stones
Safety
-
Parts Used
- Aerial parts
Urinary Herbs: Herbs that Fight Infection and Increase Function
Arctostaphylos uva ursi (uva ursi, bearberry)
Ericaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
Safety
Parts Used
- Hydroquinone - Antibacterial
- Can use cranberry or huckleberry leaves instead (same family)
- Contraindication: - Leaves
pregnancy
glycosides
- Astringent
- Hydroquinone glycosides, quinones: antiseptic
- Tannin
- Antiinflammatory - Acute UTI: use no more than 3-14 days – use more only if patient
- Flavonoids
- Diuretic
has high fever (104°F) and is peeing out blood
- Resin
- Tonic
- Use after CHO or alcohol binge that results in alkaline urine
- Acids
- Oxytocic
- Also can be used as a sitz bath for chronic UTI, birth recuperation
- Allantoin
(combine with goldenseal)
- Volatile oil
- All forms of preparation work well: standard extract, tincture, tea
Juniperus communis (juniper)
Cupressaceae family
Constituents
Actions
- Volatile oil
- Stimulating
- Tannins
diuretic
- Antiseptic
- Carminative
- Antiinflammatory
- Bitter
Indications
Safety
- Stimulating diuretic: work by irritation
- Do not use for
- Great antiseptic due to high amount of essential oil
long term (no
- Antiinflammatory and bitter properties
more than 2-4
- Musculoskeletal conditions: arthritis, rheumatic edema
weeks)
- Spring tonic to get kidney back in shape: start by eating 1 berry a - Overdose proteinuria
day, then 2/day, 3/day … for 21 days, then ↓ 1 berry a day
Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)
Ericaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Hippuric acid
- Bacteriostatic - ↓ ability of bacteria to adhere to tissues: used for UTI, oral
- Proanthocyanadins
infections
- Vit C
- Acute UTI: drink cranberry juice cocktail
- Flavonoids
Note: need to drink lots of cranberry juice to acidify urine
- Combine with Arctostaphylos uva ursi: great for UTI
- Possible interaction with Coumadin
- Lose some constituents if harvested in water
- Juice works just fine, but can use standardized extract
Chimaphila umbellata (pipsissewa)
Ericaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Less tannins then Arctostaphylos uva ursi: less irritating
- Arbutin
- Astringent
- Tannin
- Alterative
- Antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic properties
- Chimaphilin
- Tonic
- Used long term for kidney tonification
- Diuretic
- If a person gets stomach ache from drinking black tea, give this
herb instead of Arctostaphylos uva ursi
- Antiseptic
Agropyron repens (aka Elymus repens) (quackgrass)
Graminaceae family
Constituents
Actions
Indications
- Saponins
- Diuretic
- Saponins in GI tract: irritating laxative
- Mucilage
- Demulcent
- Saponins in urinary tract: irritating/stimulating diuretics
- Silicic acid and - Anti-microbial
- Mucilage: soothing for urinary system
silicates
- Expectorant
- Silica: for structural problems
- Antimicrobial action: useful for UTI
- Use when there is mucus in urine and frequent urination
Parts Used
- Berries
Safety
- None
Parts Used
- Fruit
Safety
-
Parts Used
- Leaves
Safety
- None
Parts Used
- Rhizome