Herbal Medicine Intro

Introduction to Herbal Medicine, including diuretic herbs
Copyright 2011, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not
meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
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Introduction to
Herbal Medicine
including diruetic herbs

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Herb Hi storical Facts
Herbs have been used for thousands of years by various cultures all over the world. In
the beginning, it seemed that the use of herbs was supernatural in nature, surrounded
by magic and mystery. However, most of that changed with the Greek Hippocrates.
Known as the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates taught let your food be your medicine,
and your medicine your food. Using herbs and whole foods to treat the cause of
disease was and is one of the safest and most effective ways to help the body heal.
Galen followed with the theory of the humors, or as we know them todaythe
Temperaments. By establishing body types, the use of herbs could be better suited to fit
the needs of the individual.

Herbs are designed to work with the body to heal itself. Healing takes time, as does the
bodys ability to recognize the herb as something useable to correct the problem. Also, it
is these same plants from which we get our aromatherapy scents, some of the many
homeopathics, flower essences, and some pharmaceuticals.

Besides healing, herbs have been used for a number of things. They have been used in
perfumes, culinary creations, for dying cloth, and several other things. Native Americans
would use herbs as currency. As the world moved forward in discovering many things,
herbs became a main source of interest. Massive gardens were planted, and botanical
collections were created. Yet, much about herbs still remained unknown because much
of the knowledge was passed down verbally from one generation to the next.

The Chinese have the most consistent usage of the herbs and strongly believe that their
use may help prolong life. Because of that, the use of herbs was recorded. Even today,
ancient Chinese practice of herbs continues though more information has been added.
In Chinese herbology, herbs are used to bring the body back into harmony. For
example, if someone has a fever than cooling herbs were used to bring the body back
to a normal temperature.

Ayurvedic medicine is rooted within the practices of the Hindu people. It was believed,
that the color and shape of the leaves of the herbs indicated its use. For example,
Lungwortwhose leaves were thought to look like the human lungwas indicated for
lung issues. Like the Chinese, they also believed in using herbs to bring the body back
into balance. Their system worked on the three Ayurvedic DoshasVata, Pitta, and
Kapha.

Throughout the Middle Ages and into the medieval Europe, the Greek philosophy of
herbs was closely adhered to. Because of that, no new information was discovered
about the use of herbs. It wasnt until the 17th Century that new information started to
filter in. New worlds were being discovered as well as new medicinal plants. However,
most of the herbs had so many common names it was hard to know which plant
someone was really talking about.

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Then Linnaeus set up a system of nomenclature (a system of naming) for the plants
using Latin names. His work has helped clear up confusion about the names. Now
anyone, from any culture, can speak about the same plant regardless of the common
names.

Unfortunately, traditional uses of herbal medicine were, at one time, trodden underfoot.
They were believed by many of the religious leaders at the time to be evil. Because of
that many herbalists killed for witchcraft or the practice of an unwanted cult. But,
herbalism continued. Medical doctor herbaliststhose that used a mix of herbal and
other medical practicesand herbalists were soon spreading across the U.S. and many
schools were created. Many started out as Thomsonian herbalists, but soon branched
out into their own groups.
Today, herbs are becoming better known and used as a way to prevent disease. Their
use is becoming more widely spread to aid in finding relief that modern medicine
cannot. As a whole food, they are one of the safest and, at times, the most effective
form of medicine we have.

Herbal Tea Preparati on
A tea, also known as an infusion, is made by using one heaping
tablespoon of the herb per 8 ounces of water, soaking them (Steeping)
in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. You can put the herbs into the hot
water and strain them or put the herb in a muslin tea bag or stainless
steel strainer. Soaking, or steeping, time is dependent upon the part of
the plant used. If the herb is powdered it can be mixed into the water and taken that
way. Or the herb can be stirred and left in for several minutes before using a cheese
cloth to strain most of the powder out.

Leaves and flowers: Pour hot water into a cup, and then place the herb (preferably in a
tea bag) into the water and let soak for 15-20 minutes. Honey or other natural
sweeteners may be added.

Seeds, roots and bark: Bring water to a simmer than add the root or bark and let them
simmer for 15 to 20 minutes; strain. Add sweeteners as desired.

Tea dosages:

Adults: 1 cup 3 times a day
Youth 12-17 years old: 1 cup a day
Children 6-11 years old: 1/2 cup a day
Children 2-6 years old: 1/4 cup a day
Babies 2 years old and younger: 1/8 cup a day (2 tablespoons)

If a child is breastfeeding, the mother can take the adult dose of tea and the right
amount of herbs for the child will come through the breast milk.
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Diuretic Herbs
Diuretic herbs stimulate the body to release excess water through the kidneys and
bladder. This is done by releasing water that has not re-absorbed or by stimulating the
blood to get rid of excess fluid.

Diuretics are also used by the medical community,
mostly for high blood pressure. Most of these cause
loss of potassium. Then you must take a potassium
pill an interesting side effect. Some have also been
implicated in kidney or pancreas damage. You may
become a diabetic. There are also several other side
effects. Natural diuretic may be your answer or at
least helpful.

Always remember to consult your doctor when
making changes in your medication.

Energetics of herbs describe whether an herb is
heating, cooling, drying or moistening properties of
herbs. With inflammation and heat one can use cooling herbs. Drying reduces excess
water. A delicate, thin and cold person should use neutral or warming herbs. A hot or
robust person may need cooling herbs.

There are possibly hundreds of diuretic herbs from all over the world, but we are just
listing some of the more common and accessible herbs here.

Other categories of diuretics include the following listed with their herbs. You can mix
and match them according to your needs and the herbal energetics of heating, cooling,
drying, and moistening characteristics.

Diuretics
Urinary antiseptics
Kidney tonics
Urinary antispasmodics
Kidney astringents
Kidney stones
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Diuretic Herbs

Horsetail cooling and drying; blood in urine; wound healing; pain relief; reduces fluid
retention and improves skin.

Cleavers cooling and drying; lymph mover and cleanser; wound healing; urinary
infections.

Parsley seed neutral and drying; frequent urination; joint problems; digestive
problems; fluid retention.

Dandelion leaf cooling and drying; an effective diuretic that doesnt robe you of
potassium; kidney and liver health.

Nettles cooling and drying; anti-allergy properties; improves liver and lung function;
reduces urinary bleeding and infections; reduces swelling; rich in minerals.

Corn silk cooling and drying; diuretic reducing swelling as well as supporting the liver;
may reduce urinary infections and pain.

Celery seed neutral and moistening; helps prevent and treat gout as well as
strengthens the kidneys.

Urinary Antiseptic Herbs

These herbs can help the body to eliminate urinary infection or bacterial growth which
can cause cystitis.

Uva ursi cooling and drying; antiseptic to clear urinary infections (cystitis); used by
itself should be limited to 7 days or use it in a formula.

Buchu hot and drying; stimulant tonic for weak cold people; useful for digestive and
respiratory systems.

Birch bark cooling and drying; detoxifying; joint problems; clears fluid stagnation;
infection; inflammation and reduces pain.

J uniper warm and drying; joint and muscle pain, delayed menstrual periods; release
fluid retention; reduces mucus; reduces urinary inventions (cystitis) especially with
mucus; use in formulas or short periods of time.

Yarrow dry and cooling; helps delayed menstruation; spasms, cramps; reduces
inflammation; reduces incontinence; helps bile flow and constipation.
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Celery seed neutral and moistening; reduces gout; joint pain; swelling; urinary
infections; delayed menses; urinary leakage; adrenal weakness.

Goldenrod cooling and drying; reduces puffiness; improves skin; urinary infections;
allergic conditions; high blood pressure; lack of urination.

Kidney Tonic Herbs
These herbs help in restoring kidney function or protecting a weak urinary system.
These can be used over a long period of time. They are used usually in combinations.

Cleavers cold and drying; also stimulates the lymphatic and immune system;
infections; skin problems; STDs.

Corn silk cool and drying; for soothing and reducing kidney stones; gentle diuretic;
stimulates and helps the liver to produce bile.

Dandelion leaf cool and drying; diuretic and blood moving (alterative); rich in
potassium; safe to use alone; used for kidney and bladder infections.

J uniper warm and drying; joint and muscle pain, delayed menstrual periods; release
fluid retention; reduces mucus; reduces urinary inventions (cystitis) especially with
mucus; use in formulas or short periods of time.


Saw palmetto warm and drying; usually known for enlarged prostate but also for
urinary problems; also in women for polycystic ovarian syndrome; in men to increase
testosterone; reduces mucus and infection.

Urinary Antispasmodic Herbs

These herbs should be used when muscles of the kidneys, bladder or urethras spasm
or are painful and affect urinary function.

Marshmallow root cool and moistening; soothes skin as well as the urinary tract;
improves respiratory and digestive problems; improves breast feeding; urinary
infections.

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Horsetail cooling and drying; blood in urine; wound healing; pain relief; reduces fluid
retention and improves skin.

St. J ohns wort cool and drying; nervous bladder; uplifts the mood; relieves pain; helps
to dissolve kidney stones; stop bleeding; #1 for bed wetting.

Elder flowers cool and drying; great cold to remove excess water; reduces spasms;
used hot as a diaphoretic to promote sweating and relieve the kidneys.

Saw palmetto warm and drying; usually known for enlarged prostate but also for
urinary problems; also in women for polycystic ovarian syndrome; in men to increase
testosterone; reduces mucus and infection.

Valerian warm and drying; effective antispasmodic and sedative; use in larger
amounts for insomnia; relieves anxiety and promotes urination.

Corn silk cool and drying; for soothing and reducing kidney stones; gentle diuretic;
stimulates and helps the liver to produce bile.

Kidney Astringent Herbs

Stops bleeding in the kidney, bladder, and ureters; these
herbs are healing to the tissues of the urinary system.

Calendula neutral and drying; famous wound healer;
improves liver function; helps bacterial and fungal
infections; stops excess bleeding and improves skin.

Horsetail cooling and drying; blood in urine; wound
healing; pain relief; reduces fluid retention and improves
skin.

Plantain cold and drying; also for gastrointestinal
system; blood purifier (alterative); wound healer from
damage from kidney stones or other urinary bleeding.

Yarrow dry and cooling; helps delayed menstruation; spasms, cramps; reduces
inflammation; reduces incontinence; helps bile flow and constipation.

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Kidney Stone Herbs

Kidney stones can be very painful and can alter a persons lifestyle. Use an herbal
combination.

Stone root (gravel root) cooling and drying; calms nerves; reduces swelling of hands
and feet as well as blood in urine and bed wetting.

Hydrangea cooling and drying; diuretic as well as possible dissolving kidney stones;
may be useful for leaking prostatic fluid after urinating.

Parsley seed neutral and drying; frequent urination; joint problems; digestive
problems; fluid retention.


Corn silk cool and drying; for soothing and reducing kidney stones; soothing to tissues
when stones come out; gentle diuretic; stimulates and helps the liver to produce bile.

Marshmallow root cool and moistening; soothing when stones come out (demulcent);
improves respiratory and digestive problems; improves breast feeding; urinary
infections.
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Corn silk (Zea mays)

Other common names: mother's hair, Indian corn,
maize jagnog, stigmata maydis
Parts used: tassel of corn

Constituents: maizenic acid, allantoin, vitamins B,
PABA and K, silicon, resins, mucilage, saponins,
thymol, glucose, and maltose

Main organs affected: kidneys, pancreas

Energetics: cooling, drying

Folk usage: as early as the 17th century, the
Spainard Garilasco de la Vega reported that the
Incas used corn silk as a medicine. Yet, long
before any European contact, corn had been
growing in North America for over 7,000 years.
Indigenous cultures used every part of corn as
food and medicine. Corn silk was used to treat
constipation, diarrhea, urinary and bladder infections, as well as a remedy for menstrual
pain. Native Americans passed their knowledge of corn silk to Europeans and early
pioneers. American settlers used corn silk for acute urinary tract infections by women
and men.
Scientific use: studies show that corn silk may be valuable in blood sugar, pancreas,
and liver complaints; a majority of the research is on its use for bladder and kidney
problems. Modern science supports traditional use.

Urine flow and the elimination of toxins are the result of corn silk's diuretic action. It is
reported to eliminate small stones and accumulated gravel throughout the urinary
system. This valuable herb offers numerous actions that treat dripping, scanty, painful
urination, plus kidney and bladder infections. It is also used to deter bed wetting.

Corn silk contains a number of components which make it ideal for healing the urinary
tract. Saponins are responsible for its anti- inflammatory properties. Allantoin promotes
healing. Its soothing, demulcent qualities are derived from the plant's abundant
mucilage. Thymol is antiseptic. These constituents heal and soothe hot, irritated kidney
and bladder tissue.

Unlike modern diuretics which deplete the body of potassium, corn silk contains an
abundant amount of this important mineral making it unnecessary for additional
supplementation.
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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Parts used: leaves, roots

Constituents: taraxin, cetyl alcohol tactucerol,
taraxcerin, inosite, cholline, vitamins A and B,
nicotinic acid, arnidiol, faradiol, lactuprine,
tannin, inulin, polysaccharides, carotines


Main organs affected: bladder, liver, spleen,
stomach, and kidney

Folk usage: some kinds of cancer, diabetes,
fungal infections, fevers, manic-depression,
skin infections, bug and snake bites,
heartburn, aches and pains, anemia, edema,
enlargement of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver,
broken bones.

Scientific uses: kidney and bladder infections, capacity to clear obstructions, stimulate
and aid the liver in detoxifying the blood, cleansing spleen obstructions, stomach aches,
balances pancreatic and liver enzymes, enhances bile flow, soothes bile duct
inflammation, hepatitis, gout, constipation, varicose veins, eczema, acne, herpes.

Specific uses: fluid retention, cystitis, nephritis, weight loss, and hepatitis.

The leaves are the most diuretic part of the dandelion plant, helping the kidneys to
function more efficiently and have high amounts of potassium. The roots are most
effective for the liver but are somewhat diuretic.
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Horsetail or Shave grass (Equisetum arvense)

Parts used: above ground parts

Constituents: silicea, saponins, flavonoids, mineral rich
alkaloids

Energetics: cooling and drying (removes excess mucus,
inflammation)

Main organs affected: urinary system, liver, large intestine,
lungs, skin

Folk usage: urinary problems, skin and arthritic conditions.

Horsetail is used for blood in urine, chronic bacteria,
cloudiness or urinary debris, nocturnal urinary incontinence,
kidney stones, acute prostatitis, bladder irritation, and helps
kidneys excrete heavy metal and other toxicity, repair of
musculoskeletal, arthritic and auto-immune disorders, hair,
skin, nails, and joints. Horsetail has been helpful for
menopausal complaints.

Used to clear damp heat; building and regeneration; reduces sweating, bleeding;
improves J ing; chronic skin conditions; arthritis; osteoporosis; makes skin supple;
eczema; kidney stones; bed wetting; injury repair; BPH; chronic leg ulcers.

Caution use with B vitamins; not for chronic problems unless used in combination with
other herbs.
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Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Parts used: berries

Constituents: volatile oil, various sugars, resin,
vitamin C

Energetics: pungent, bitter and sweet, warm, dry

Main organs affected: intestines, bladder,
stomach, kidney, uterus, skin

Folk usage: flatulence, kidney stones,
headaches, migraines, apoplexy, convulsions,
cramps, lethargy, vertigo, asthma, wheezing,
shortness of breath, hoarseness, PMS, cramps
and hormonal moods, facilitate birth and
afterbirth, stimulate circulation in the extremities,
edema, increase diuresis.

Scientific uses: urine retention, kidney stones
and gravel, lumbar pains, uric acid build up, gout, rheumatic problems, chronic renal
congestion and swelling, discharges mucus from the membranes, water retention,
diabetes, incontinence, deterioration of the ureters, kidneys, and bladder, weight gain,
diabetes mellitus, indigestion.

Specifics: edema, increase diuresis, kidney and bladder ailments.
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Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Common names: nettle, stinging nettle

Parts used: root, leaf, seeds

Constituents: leaves flavone glycosides, vitamins
C, B, K, carotenoids; minerals calcium, potassium,
magnesium, chlorophyl, protein; stinging hairs
histamine, serotonin, formic acid; roots and flowers
scopoletins (coumarin)

Main organs affected: kidneys, prostate


For centuries, nettle has been used for food and as medicine. The high nutritive content
made it a valuable addition to the diet. Herbalists Dioscorides and Galen both reported
nettle's diuretic effect. Because of this action, early herbalists used nettle for asthma,
pleurisy and spleen issues. Herbalist David Winston recommends nettle seed for
serious kidney weakness.

Midwives, past and present, believe that nettle leaves improve anemic conditions and
alleviate fatigue during pregnancy. It is often blended with red raspberry leaves to
strengthen the uterus and stop unwanted bleeding.

When used as a hair rinse, nettle root is reported to stimulate hair growth.
When flax was scarce, early war ships had sails woven from nettle.

Science: rich in minerals, nettle has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine action.
German studies indicate that heart disorders and chronic venous insufficiency benefit
from nettle's diuretic actions. Diuretic effects may also help lower blood pressure.

New research finds nettle root is useful for the relief of urinary difficulties and
inflammation associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nettle root, combined
with the herb saw palmetto, contains constituents that block chemical processes that
convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This action stops many of the negative side
effects of BPH including, frequent urges to urinate during the night, constricted urine
flow, and pain in the prostate. Preliminary studies show that a result of this process may
slow hair loss in men and in women. By inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, nettle root
also inhibits the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.

More recent studies indicate that the seed of nettle offers a powerful support for serious
kidney conditions such as glomerulonephritis and chronic nephritis. Studies show that
constituents in nettle protect the kidneys.
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Parsley (Petroselinum sativum)

Parts used: roots, leaves

Constituents: essential oils, terpines, minerals,
vitamins, alkaloids.

Main organs affected: roots affect genitor-urinary,
stomach, liver, blood and seeds affect genitor-
urinary, liver, intestinal

Energetics: roots are warming and moistening
(sanguine), seeds are warming and drying neutral
(choleric)

Parsley seeds are used as a diuretic, cause
enuria with renal failure and heavy metal toxicity,
reduces blood volume helping high blood pressure, prostate problems, amenorrhea.
Specific for pain, burning, perineal pain and sensations of voluptuous itching of genitals
and hemorrhoids. Antiseptic, anti-parasitic, antibacterial.

Parsley root increases digestive absorption, is for emaciation or lack of appetite, fatigue,
and nourishes blood, helps uterine stagnation or deficiency, is detoxifying through the
kidneys, and used to wean from nursing.

Cautions: uterine stimulant do not use during pregnancy.

Herbal Medicine Intro

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Introduction to Herbal Medicine, including diuretic herbs

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