Naturopathy
Genitourinary System

© Karen Thompson, 18th June 1996.

Index / Table of Contents

Disclaimer & Warning

Herbal remedies should not be administered by amateurs. Many plants that cure can also injure, maim or kill. The advice of a suitably qualified naturopath or herbalist should be sought before consuming any herbal medicine.
The author and poster of this page holds no responsibility for the consequences of acting upon the information contained herein.

Some countries deem particular herbs or preparations of herbs described in this page to be illegal to distribute, possess or consume. The information presented was relevant to Australian statutes as they stood at the time of writing (1996).
Do not attempt to obtain any herbal remedies that your country, state or municipality has banned.

All care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this document, but it is intended for general and background information only.
No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies contained in this document.

Achillea Millefolium

Common name: Yarrow

Part used : Aerial parts (4)

Active constituents: 0.5 % volatile oil (3, 4), flavonoids, tannins (3, 4), bitter alkaloid (3, 4), cyanogenic glicosides, salicylates, asparagin, resins (6), coumarins, sterols (1)

Actions: Diaphoretic (4), hypotensive (4, 8, 11), astringent (4), diuretic (7), antiseptic (4), peripheral vasodilator, digestive stimulant, antispasmodic (6), menstrual regulator (6, 15), tonic bitter, carminitive, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, anti-phlogistic - counteracts fever and inflammation (3).

Indications: Fevers, lowers BP, stimulates digestion, tones blood vessels, cystitis, externally - heals wounds (4) Flowers treat eczema, and catarrh from allergies (5), heavy menstrual bleeding and vaginal discharges (6), rheumatism, colds (7), ammenorhea (7, 15), dysentery, diarrhoea (11), menorhaggia, ammenorhea, haemorrhoids, hot dry burning skin, acute fevers with suppressed secretion, deficient renal or urethra irritation, leucorhea with relaxed vaginal walls (16)

Specific indications: Thrombotic conditions with hypertension, including cerebral and coronary thromboses (11)

Combinations: Fevers - Elder flower, Peppermint, Boneset, Cayenne, Ginger High BP - Hawthorn, Lime blossom, Mistletoe (4, 11) Coronary thrombosis - Urtica, Melilotus off. (11)

Cautions:
In rare cases, yarrow can cause severe allergic skin rashes, prolonged use can increase the skin's photosensitivity. Avoid large doses in pregnancy as the herb is a uterine stimulant. (1)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Agrimonia eupatorium

Common name: Agrimony (1).

Part used: Aerial parts (4)

Active constituents: Tannins, glycosidal bitters, nicotinic acid, silicic acid, iron, Vit B & K, essential oil (4), mucilage, phytoesterol (3).

Actions: Astringent (4, 6, 7, 11), tonic (4, 6), diuretic (4, 6, 7, 11), vulnerary (4, 6), cholagogue (1, 4), haemostatic (6), some antiviral activity reported (1).

Indications: Childhood diarrhoea, mucous colitis, appendicitus (4, 11), indigestion, spring tonic, urinary incontinence, cystitis, gargle - sore throats, laryngitis, ointment - heal wounds and bruises (4), gallbladder disease associated with gastric hyperacidity, locally for ulcerated conditions, discharging skin and mucous membrane inflammations, conjunctival problems, colic (6), menorhaggia, bronchitis, poultice of the leaves for migraines, infusion for wounds, eczema and varicose ulcers (1), gastritis, kidney stones, studies show that it inhibits selected viruses and the tuberculosis bacterium (5), deep soreness or tenderness over the kidneys, incontinence, chronic bronchitis and asthma, excessive mucous discharges (16).

Combinations: Rheumatoid arthritis - Chelone Atonic dyspepsia - Compound of cardamon tincture Gastroenteritis - Compound of rhubarb tincture (11).

Note: It has been used as a prime ingredient of 'arquebusade water', a battlefield remedy for gunshot wounds. This healing power is now attributed to it's high silica content. (1).

Cautions:
As the herb is astringent do not use if constipated (1).

Dosage: Medium dosage (6)

Agropyron repens

Common name: Couch grass

Part used: Rhizome (4)

Active constituents: Triticin, mucilage, silic acid, potassium, inositol, mannitol, glycoside, anti-microbial substance - agropyrene (4), silica, gum, vanillin (6), saponin (6, 8), iron (6).

Actions: Diuretic (4, 11), demulcent, anti-microbial (4), calming pain and spasm in the urinary tract (6).

Indications: Cystitis, urethritis (4, 11), prostatitis (3, 4, 11), enlarged prostate glands, kidney stones and gravel, rheumatism (4), healing action on the mucosa of the bladder and associated organs, enuresis, nervous incontinence (6).

Specific indications: Cystitis with irritation of inflammation of urinary tract (11).

Combinations: Cystitis, urethritis & prostatitis - Buchu, Bearberry, Yarrow Prostate problems - Hydrangea (4, 11).

Cautions:
None so far reported (3)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Aphanes arvensis

Common name: Parsley piert (4)

Part used: Aerial parts (6)

Active constituents: Tannins (4)

Actions: Diuretic, demulcent (4, 11), anti-lithic (4), dissolves urinary deposits (11), soothing to urinary mucosa (6).

Indications: Kidney and bladder stones (4, 6, 11)- removal of, all cases of painful urination, water retention especially when due to kidney or liver problems (4, 6), strangury (11).

Specific indications: Renal calculus (11)

Combinations: Kidney stones - Parietaria, Barosma (4)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Arctostaphylos uva ursi

Common name: Uva ursi, Bearberry (6)

Part used: Leaves (4)

Active constituents: Glycosides, 6% tannin, flavonoids, resin (4, 6).

Actions: Diuretic, astringent (4, 11), antiseptic, demulcent (4), owing to conversion of arbutin to the antiseptic hydroquinone in the urinary tubules (6, 11), urine antiseptic especially in acidic urine, astringent to the lower GIT (6).

Indications: Urinary infections especially when associated with acidic urine (6, 11), though avoid if the kidney itself is affected (6), gravel or ulceration of the kidney or bladder (4, 11), pyelitis, calculi in kidney, enuresis, douche - vaginal ulceration and infection (4), gonnorhea, general diabetes (16).

Specific indications: Acute catarrhal cystitis with dysuria and highly acid urine (11).

Combinations: Urinary infections - Agropyron + Achillea (4) Cystitis - Althaea, Agropyron, Zea, Agathosma (11)

Cautions:
Persistent over-use may have toxic effects (5)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Barosma betulina

Common name: Buchu, another botannical name is Agathosma betulina

Part used: Leaves (4)

Active constituents: 2.5% volatile oils which contain - diosphenol, limonene, menthone (4), glycoside, flavonoids, resin (6)

Actions: Urinary antiseptic (4, 6, 11, 15), diuretic (4, 11, 15), kidney tonic (5), diaphoretic, stimulant (7).

Indications: Any infection of the genitourinary system - cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis (4, 6, 11, 15), gonnorhea, excess uric acid (16).

Specific indications: Acute catarrhal cystitis (11)

Combinations: Cystitis - Achillea + Agropyron (4) + Althaea (11) Burning urination - Althea + Zea mays (4)

Cautions:
Occasional gastrointectinal intolerance, avoid using on empty stomach, contra-indicated in pregnancy (15).

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Common name: Shepard's Purse

Part used: Aerial parts (4)

Active constituents: Saponins, mustard oils, flavonoids, resin, monamines, choline (6), tyramine, acetycholine, tannin, essential oil, diosmine (4)

Actions: Anti-haemorrhagic (3, 6, 11), urinary antiseptic (6, 11), circulatory stimulant (6), uterine stimulant, astringent (4) vasodilator, hypotensive (1, 5).

Indications: Menorhaggia (6, 11), nose bleeds, urinary infections and stones (6), chronic diarrhoea (1, 11), in labour to stimulate contractions, post partum to ease bleeding, bleeding wounds (1), varicose veins, has been used as a quinine substitute for malaria (5), water retention due to kidney problems, emmenogogue (4), uterine bleeding and sometimes due to myoma (3), haemetemesis, haematuria, acute catarrhal cystitis (11), externally for bruised and strained parts, rheumatic joints and ecchymosis beneath the skin (16).

Specific indications: Uterine hemorrhage (11)

Combinations: Menorhaggia or metrorhaggia - Trilleum and Hydrastis Cystitis - Agathosma (11)

Cautions:
Avoid in pregnancy, except during labour If there is any change in the menstrual flow or blood in the urine, seek professional help.

Dosage: 1-2 mLs TDS

Chimaphilla umbellata

Common name: Pipsissewa (6)

Part used: Aerial parts (6), leaves (11)

Active constituents: Arbutin, tannins, resin (6), quinones, methyl salicylates, flavonoids, triterpenes (7).

Actions: Urinary antiseptic, diuretic, alterative (6), astringent, tonic (7).

Indications: Urinary infections and calculi, arthritic and chronic inflammatory diseases linked to oedema, as a substitute for uva-ursi (6), kidney disorders in a similar manner to Uva ursi, rheumatism, hypoglycaemic activities in animals (7), leucorrhea and disease with excessive outpour of mucous. With enlarged glands or inflamed - acute or chronic, he believes this is superior even to Phytolacca. Dropsy, debility, anorexia, inflammed and ulcerated cervial glands and parotid glands (16).

Cautions:
If taken too long will reduce mammary glands and testicles (16).

Dosage: Medium dosage (6)

Collinsonia canadensis

Common name: Stone root (4)

Part used: Root and rhizome (4)

Active constituents: Saponins, resin, tannin, organic acid, alkaloid (4, 6)

Actions: Anti-lithic(4, 11), diuretic (4, 7, 11), diaphoretic (4, 11), gentle peripheral vasodilator, locally astringent and healing, alterative (6), stomachic, tonic (7), for kidneys (11).

Indications: Treatment and prevention of stones in the urinary tract and gall bladder (4) enteric and bowel disease (6), kidney complaints - stones (7), hemorrhoids with a sense of fullness, heart tonic - induces a steady permanent and improvement in the strength and character of the organ and improves general circulation, chronic laryngitis, pharyngitis, dysentery, acute cystitis, vaginismus (16).

Specific indications: Urinary calculus (11)

Combinations: Urinary stones - Aphanes, Eupatorium, Hydrangea (4, 11)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Daucus carrota

Common name: Wild carrot (6)

Part used: Leaves (3), Herb, seeds, fruits (7)

Active constituents: Volatile oil, alkaloid - daucine (6), porphyrins - substances that stimulate the pituitary gland to release gonadotrophic hormones (3).

Actions: Diuretic and having other effects on the urinary system (6), antiseptic, the roots kill bacteria and lower blood pressure, the seeds are a folk remedy for the "morning after" (5), antilithic, carminitive (7, 11). Seed - diuretic, emmenogogue, carminitive (7)

Indications: Urinary calculi and infections, oedema (6), lithuria, cystitis (11), gout (7, 11).

Specific indications: Urinary calculus or gravel (11)

Combinations: Urinary conditions - Parietaria, Galium, Hydrangea, Eupatorium (11)

Dosage: Medium dosage (6)

Epilobium angustifolium

Common name: Willow herb, Wick up (16)

Part used: Whole herb (3)

Active constituents: Flavones, tannins (3)

Actions: Astringent, tonic, emollient, demulcent (15)

Indications: For intractable cases of camp dysentery and diarrhoea - with sharp colicky pains, mucoenteritis, chronic eczema (16)

Dosage: Medium dosage

Equiseteum arvense

Common name: Horsetail

Part used: Aerial parts

Active constituents: Silicic acid, saponin, flavone glycosides, organic acids, nicotine, palustrine (4), bitter principle, flavonoids (6), minerals - potassium, manganese, magnesium; phytoesterols, tannins (1)

Actions: Genitourinary astringent, haemostatic (1, 7, 11), diuretic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (1), styptic effect on the urinary mucosa, possible detoxifier, restorative to damaged pulmonary tissue (6), strengthens hair and nails, promotes strength, growth and elasticity of connective tissues (3, 5).

Indications: Urinary and prostatic disease, to help in healing, enuresis, to repair lung tissue after pulmonary tuberculosis, for hormonal and metabolic oedema (6), hemorrhage of urinary system, incontinence, inflmmation or enlarged prostate, has been found to ease pain for rheumatism and help heal chillblains (4) arthritis, eczema and ulcers (5), acne, stomach ulcers, poultice for wounds etc., gargle - gum infections or throat inflammation (1), sitz baths for pelvic disease; muscualar tensions and changes in muscle tone, rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, symptoms of ankle fractures (3).

Specific indications: Inflammation of or benign enlargement of the prostate, urinary incontinence, enuresis of children (11).

Combinations: Prostate problems - Hydrangea (11)

Cautions:
Seek professional advice if there is blood in the urine (1)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Eupatorium purpureum

Common name: Gravel root (5) Joe Pye weed (1).

Part used: Rhizome and root (4)

Active constituents: 0.07% volatile oil, yellow flavonoid - euparin, resin (4, 6), sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, tannins, bitter principles (1)

Actions: Diuretic (6, 7, 11) with a soothing effect on the urinary system, tones the pelvic viscera in general (6), anti-lithic, anti-rheumatic (4, 7, 11), diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic, possible anti-tumour activity (5), febrifuge, laxative, choloagogue, expectorant, immune stimulant, emmenogogue (1).

Indications: Cholelithiasis (1, 7, 11), prostate problems, period pains, to ease childbirth, persistent urinary infections (dysuria)- cystitis(1, 7, 11), prostatic inflammation, spasmodic dysmenorrhea with scanty menstruation (6), gout, rheumatism (5, 11), gravel in urinary tract (4), urethritis (11), irritation of the bladder from displacement and chronic inflammation of the uterus, suppressed urine esp. during pregnancy, endometritis, threatened abortion, intermittant fever (16).

Specific indications: Renal or vesicular calculi (11)

Combinations: Prostate problems - white deadnettle (1) Kidney stones and gravel - Aphanes, Parietaria or Hydrangea (4, 11)

Note: Joe Pye Weed. A favourite with the native Americans was named Joe Pye weed after the medicine man that used it to cure typhus (1).

Dosage: 1-2 mLs TDS

Galium aparine

Common name: Cleavers (4)

Part used: Aerial parts (4)

Active constituents: Glycoside asperuloside, gallotanic acid, citric acid (4), coumarins, red dye, tannins (1, 6)

Actions: Diuretic (1, 7, 11), lymphatic cleanser (1), mild astringent (1, 7, 11), alterative (6), anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic (4), aperient - mild laxative (7).

Indications: Eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, liver disease (5), lymphadenitis (4, 11) - tonsillitis and adenoid trouble, cystitis, ulcers, tumours (4), skin eruptions, toxic conditions, water retention, oedema, calculi, urianry infections, strangury (6), glandular fever, prostate disorders, cooling drink in fevers, externally for burns, grazes, ulcers and skin inflammations, hair rinse for dandruff or scaling scalp problems (1), dysuria, psoriasis (11), nephritis, cystic and prostatic irritation of old men (16).

Specific indications: Enlarged lymph nodes (11).

Combinations: Lymphatic system - Poke root, Echinacea, Calendula Skin conditions - Yellow dock and Burdock (4) Cystitis - Althaea (11)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Hydrangea arborescens

Common name: Hydrangea, Seven barks (6)

Part used: Roots and rhizome (4)

Active constituents: Glycosides, saponins, resins (4, 6)

Actions: Diuretic (4, 6, 11), anti-lithic (4, 11), nephritic (7).

Indications: Inflamed or enlarged prostate (4, 6, 11), urinary stones - as a prophylactic (4, 6, 7, 11), cystitis (4, 6, 11), acute nephritis (16).

Specific indications: Urinary calculi with gravel and cystitis (11)

Combinations: Kidney stones - Aphanes, Arctostaphylos, Eupatorium Prostate problems - Equisetum (4, 11)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Juniperus communis

Common name: Juniper(1).

Part used: Berries (4)

Active constituents: Essential oil - monterpenes and sesquiterpenes, invert sugar, flavone glycosides, resin, tannin, organic acids (4), bitter principle, antitumour agent - podophyllotoxin, flavonoids (6)

Actions: Urinary antiseptic, diuretic, carminitive (1, 4, 7, 11), digestive tonic, uterine stimulant, anti-rheumatic (1, 4), increases elimination of acid metabolites (6) the berries flavour gin (5), gentle expectorant (3), anti-inflammatory (7), stomachic (11).

Indications: Cystitis - acute or chronic (5, 11), acne, eczema, cellulite, rheumatism (5), gout, colic, flatulence, stimulate digestion, help labour, period pain, psoriasis (1), pain of joints or muscles (4) urethral, bladder and ureteral infections (6), chronic arthritis and gout, tendonopathies, sore throats, colds (3), topical - rheumatic pain in joints or muscles (11), pyelitis, pyelonephritis, the oil is useful for skin diseases esp moist eczema, psoriasis, it was once used for skin and parasite diseases in animals (16).

Specific indications: Cystitis - with abscence of renal involvement (11).

Combinations: Cystitis - Aphanes (11)

Cautions:
Juniper irritates the kidney nephrons so avoid in kidney disease Avoid also in pregnancy as it stimulates uterine contractions (1, 4, 6, 11) Never use Juniper for more than 6 weeks in succession (3)

Notes:

• Long associated with ritual cleansing, Juniper was burned in temples as a part of regular purification rites. (1)
• European folk medicine; the oil extracted from the berries was regarded as a cure all for typhoid, cholera, dysentery, tape worms and other ills associeted with poverty. (1)

Dosage: Medium dosage (6)

Parietaria diffusa

Common name: Pellitory of the Wall (6)

Part used: Aerial parts (4)

Active constituents: Bitter glycosides, tannins (6)

Actions: Diuretic, demulcent (4, 11), soothing to urinary mucosa (6).

Indications: Painful micturition - associated with infection or calculi, oedema- in the renal region associated with reduced micturition (4, 6, 11), cystitis, pyelitis, oliguria (11).

Specific indications: Recurrent cystitis with urinary lithiasis (11)

Combinations: Aphanes &/or Arctostaphylos, Agathosma, or Juniperus (4, 11)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Petroselinum crispum

Common name: Parsley

Part used: Tap root, leaves and seeds (4, 7)

Active constituents: Essential oil - apiol, myristicin, Vitamin C, glycoside apiin, starch (4), begapten, fatty oil, Vitamin A, iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese (6)

Actions: Strong diuretic, expectorant (4, 7, 11), emmenagogue (4, 11), carminitive (4, 7, 11), supposed aphrodisiac (4), digestive tonic, antispasmodic, stimulant of uterine muscle, nutritive (6), anti-rheumatic, anti-microbial (11), aperient, antiseptic, sedative (7).

Indications: Urinary infections and calculi, oedematous conditions, depressed gastric and digestive performance, visceral and vascular spasms, for post natal womb involution and the promotion of lactation, arthritic conditions linked to defective kidney eliminations, anaemia, debilitated conditions (6), flatulence and colic pains, ammenorhea (4, 11), dyspepsia, tormina, bronchitic cough in the elderly, dysmenorrhea (11).

Specific indications: Flatulent dyspepsia with intestinal colic (11)

Combinations: Dyspepsia with nausea or vomiting - Althaea, Melissa, Chamomila and Ballota Hepatic disease - Taraxacum, Berberis, Hydrastis Acute cystitis - Agropyron, Hydrangea, Agathosma Dysmenorrhea - Chamaelirium (false unicorn), Pulsatilla, Viburnum prunifolium. (11)

Cautions:
Do not use in pregnancy in medicinal dosage (4, 6)

Dosage: Medium dosage (4) Management of acute cystitis:

Piper methysticum

Common name: Kava kava, Intoxicating pepper (3)

Part used: Rhizome (3)

Active constituents: Resin, mucilage (6)

Actions: Diuretic (6, 7, 11), urinary antiseptic (6), circulatory stimulant (6, 7), antispasmodic (6, 11), analgesic, mental stimulant in small doses, otherwise depressant (6), antimicrobial, sedative, carminitive, topical - rubifacient (11), anti-fatigue (7).

Indications: Urinary, prostatic and vaginal infections, rheumatic conditions associated with urinary troubles, oliguria or water retention (6), locally for joint and muscle pains (6, 11), used traditionally as a tonic in debility, especially when affecting sexual performance (6), bronchitis, gout (7), gonnorhea, catarrh of the bladder, epididymitis, itching of the vulva and anus - Piper 1 part to glycerine 2 parts, nocturnal enuresis, anorexia - improves appetite, digestion and assimilation, arterial sclerosis, hematogenous jaundice, cerebral hyperemia (16).

Specific indications: Infection of genitourinary tract (11)

Combinations: Bladder disease - Althaea, Apium, Agropyron Rheumatism - Menyanthes, Cimicifuga, Apium (11)

Cautions:
High doses cause intoxication (7)

Dosage: Medium dosage (6).

Note: Indigenous to Polynesia - the locals use it to make a drink which is taken in their religious rites, when chewed or ground to a cloudy milk mash the saliva causes enzymatic degradation. The products give full intoxicating effects, after the drink the people feel calmed and relaxed with enhanced mental activity. The drug does not appear to have narcotic properties (3).

Plantago major

Common name: Greater plantain (6)

Part used: Leaves/aerial parts (4)

Active constituents: Glycosides - aucubin, mucilage, chlorogenic acid, urosilic acid, silicic acid (4), tannins, zinc, silica (6)

Actions: Relaxing expectorant, tonify mucous membranes, anti-catarrhal, anti-spasmodic, topically healing (1), demulcent, astringent, diuretic (4)

Indications: Cystitis with haematuria (1, 11), diarrhoea, lung infections, allergic rhinitis, bee stings, slow healing wounds, burns (1), haemorrhoids (1, 11), sore throats, mouth or gum inflammation (1), conjunctivitis, folk remedy for cancer, as a tea is detoxifying and treats tubercular ulcers (5), dry and nervous cough, gastric inflammation (6), bronchitis (4), all disease of the blood, syphilis, glandular disease, ulcerations of the mucous membranes, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera infantum, haematuria, dysuria, toothache - sedative influence as a poultice, earache, nocturnal enuresis, snake bites ext. and int., inflammatory infection of the skin esp. with burning pain or itching inflammation, of the GIT with colicky pains. Externally for healing wounds without the formation of pus 1 part whole plant to 4 parts water. (16)

Specific indications: Haemorrhoids with bleeding and irritation (11)

Combinations: Gastric hemorrhage and haemorrhoids - Symphytum root (11).

Dosage: Medium dosage (4)

Serenoa serrulata

Common name: Saw palmetto

Part used: Berries (4), fruit (7)

Active constituents: Volatile oil, steroidal saponins, resins, tannins, fixed oil, possible alkaloid (6), dextrose (4)

Actions: Diuretic (4, 7, 11), urinary antiseptic, endocrine agent (4, 11), toning to the male reproductive system and particularly the prsotate (3, 6), reduces catarrhal conditions of the respiratory system, relaxant (6), anabolic agent (11), sedative, endocrine agent (7).

Indications: Enlarged prostate (3, 4), infections of the genitourinary tract (4, 7, 11), any prostatic ailments (3, 6, 7, 11) male senility and wider debility, urinary infections - subacute or acute (6, 11), respiratory catarrh in the above conditions (6), testicular atrophy, sex hormone disorders (11), debility and wasting diseases (7), orchialgia, epididymitis, orchitis when associated with enlarged prostate, ovarian enlargement, weakened sexual activity and small undeveloped undersecreting mammary glands with continued use. Dysmenorhea, impotence in young men who have been excessive in their habits plus Avena. Acute bronchial catarrh, chronic bronchial coughs, whooping cough, laryngitis (16).

Specific indications: Prostatic enlargement (11)

Combinations: General debility and cachexia - Turnera, Cola Prostatic hypertrophy - Equisetum, Hydrangea Genitourinary affections - Agathosma, Parietaria (11)

Dosage: 1-2 mLs TDS (4)

Taraxacum officinale

Common name: Dandelion

Part used: Root and leaf (6)

Active constituents: Bitter glycosides, sterols, waxy substances, tannins, high levels of potassium (6), choline, iron, Vitamins A,B,C,D (1)

Actions: Leaves - diuretic, liver and digestive tonic Root - liver tonic, cholagogue, diuretic, mild laxative, antirheumatic (1, 4, 6, 11)

Indications: Water retention (4), congestive jaundice, muscular rheumatism (4, 11), urinary problems in general, gallstone and biliary problems, congestive dyspepsia with constipation (6, 11), toxic conditions - chronic joint and skin inflammations, the white sap may be applied directly onto warts (6), oliguria (11).

Specific indications: Cholecystitis and dyspepsia (11)

Combinations: Gall bladder disease - Veronicastrum, Berberis &/or Chelone (11)

Dosage: Medium dosage (6)

Zea mays

Common name: Corn silk (5).

Part used: Stigmas from the female flowers of corn before it is ripe (4, 6)

Active constituents: Saponins, volatile alkaliod, sterols, allantoin, tannin (4, 6), resin (6)

Actions: Diuretic (4, 7, 11), demulcent (4, 7), tonic (4), stimulant (5), soothing influence on the urinary mucosa (6), anti-lithic (11).

Indications: Renal problems in children (4), cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis (4, 7, 11), liver weakness, hypertension (5), urinary calculi (6), nocturnal enuresis (11).

Specific indications: Acute or chronic inflammation of the urinary system (11) Combination: Cystitis - Agropyron, Arctostaphylos Enuresis - Agrimonia, Equisetum Phosphatic or uric acid gravel- Aphanes, Eupatorium (11)

Note: The name Zea mays comes from zea = cause of life, and mays = our mother (5)

Dosage: Medium to high dosage (4)

References

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2. Castleman, P. The Healing Herbs.
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   Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 1993.
5. Bremness, L. Herbs.
   Pymble: Harper Collins Publishers, 1994.
6. Mills, S.Y. The A-Z of Modern Herbalism.
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8. Willard, T. The Rose Scientific Herbal.
   Calgary: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd, 1991.
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   England: W. Foulsham & Co. Ltd., 1973.
10. Khoury, R. Herbal Therapeutics - Genitourinary System.
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11. British Herbal Pharmacopeia. Scientific Committee. United Kingdom:
    British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983.
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13. Murray, M. Pizzorno, J. Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine.
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14. Mosby's Medical Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary. 4th Edition. USA:
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15. British Herbal Compendium
16. Finley, Ellingwood MD. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy.
    Sandy Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1919.

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