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Kidney/Bladder Tincture Support

Description

A kidney/ bladder tincture contains proprietary herbal blend to support the kidneys and bladder. This particular tincture should focus on one particular body system, but also contains synergistic herbs that are designed to integratively support the other organ systems as well.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Urinary tract infections - Kidney problems

Clinical Applications/Research

Nettles

Nettle is a helpful remedy for ailments of the urinary tract. Nettle is used for a wide variety of ailments and acts as a tonic and general detoxifying agent for the whole body. Nettle herb is known to have mainly diuretic properties. The German Commission E monograph supports nettles urinary tract benefits by listing nettle for “irrigation in inflammation of the urinary tract and in the prevention and treatment of kidney gravel.”

Gravel Root

Gravel Root is used primarily for kidney stones or gravel. It has also been used for urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis. Gravel Roots action is listed as a diuretic and anti-rheumatic. It has been shown to play a useful role in the systemic treatment of gout and rheumatism.

Fo-ti Root

For centuries, Fo-Ti has been used as a tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Within that culture, it has been regarded as a stellar rejuvenating and restorative plant that retards aging and increases longevity. Fo-Ti is used today for this purpose by millions of Chinese. It is also used to enhance liver and kidney function, as well as cleanse the blood. It is believed that the older the root, the greater the invigorating power (Kee Chang Huang, The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. New York: CRC Press, 1999, p121; Burnham TH, et al, Fo-Ti. Facts and Comparisons: The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis: Wolters Kluwer company).

Red Clover

Red Clover became popular in the nineteenth century as a “blood purifier”. Many people believed that toxins in the blood were the root cause of disease and if the blood was purified, illness would resolve. For this reason, many popular natural detoxification treatments, including the Hoxsey Formula, contain Red Clover as one of the primary ingredients. Red Clover has also been suggested in skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Dandelion Leaf

Dandelion has been used as a blood purifier, liver cleanser and strengthener, diuretic, skin cleanser and digestive supporter. Dandelion is best known for its liver cleansing properties. Dandelion is an excellent detoxification herbal.

Burdock

Burdock is a good herb to use to neutralize and eliminate toxins from the body, as it rids the lymphatic system of congestion and promotes efficient kidney function. This herb also promotes perspiration, which enhances the detoxification process and brings down fevers. Burdock has also been beneficial in breaking down calcium deposits in the knuckles and joints and relieving the inflammation of arthritis.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm combines well with other herbs because of its ability to adhere or hold together with other herbs. Because of this cohesive property, it often stays in the stomach in extreme cases of nausea or vomiting. Traditionally, it has been used in ulcers, colitis and diarrhea. This is a very gentle herb and is tolerated well by infants as well as the elderly. Slippery elm calms the inflamed mucous membranes of the stomach (Balch JF Presc for Nutr Healing 1990, Garden City, NY).

Echinacea

Echinacea is a natural herb that has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent, and in many scientific studies for its ability to enhance the immune system. It is known to stimulate macrophages and antibodies.

Scullcap

Scullcap is a member of the mint family. Scullcap is best known and most widely used as a nervine (herbs to soothe and heal the nerves) and a sedative (herbs that quiet the nervous system) and is used alone or in combination with other herbs as a relaxing herb for emotional disturbances or anxiety. It is often used in cases of insomnia as it brings about a natural and restful sleep. Scullcap has been very useful in alcohol and drug recovery as it reduces the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.

Parsley

Parsley is a diuretic and has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal effects in vitro. Parsley has been used in a variety of abdominal complaints, including liver and spleen ailments. It has also been used as an emmenagogue stimulating menstrual flow and as a carminative, easing flatulence and colic pains.

Licorice

In China, licorice is called, "the great detoxifier," and is thought to drive poisons from the body (Ody, P. The Complete Medicinal Herbal 1993. Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London). Licorice is valued as a base ingredient in herbal remedies, because of its ability to help focus the purpose and direction of other herbs, as well as attenuate the harsh properties of other herbs (Landis R. Herbal Defense. 1997. Warner Books. NY, NY). Adrenal insufficiency is treated well with licorice because of the constituents that resemble the adrenal corticoid hormones.

Oregon Grape

Oregon grape root is best known and most used for its berberine content, which is highly effective in conditions such as “infected mucous membranes, inflammation of the gallbladder, cirrhosis of the liver and chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema” (Murray, MT, The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA 1995, page162-170). Due to the high alkaloid content of berberine, Oregon Grape Root possesses powerful antibiotic and anti-infective properties while also stimulating the immune system.

Hawthorn

Hawthorne has been used since ancient times as a heart remedy. It is widely used in Europe for the early stages of congestive heart failure. Hawthorne has had an extremely safe history for use as an herb. A phytopharmaceutical encyclopedia lists some of the areas in which hawthorn berries are utilized: cardiotonics, coronary remedies, antihypertonics, arteriosclerosis remedies, geriatric remedies, and general tonics (Grainger, NB ed., Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Fla. 1994).

Suggested Dosage

5-20 drops in water three times per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Contraindications/Toxicology

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Licorice root is not recommended in doses above 400 mg/day in hypertensive patients. The combination of herbs in this herbal tincture work together in creating synergistic effects, and smaller amounts of the herbs are utilized for optimal effects.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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