Introduction:

Prior to the invention of antibiotics, indigenous people herbal remedies to deal with issues including infections. One example is the plant called uva ursi, or bearberry, which has been used as natural urinary tract infections for hundreds of years.

Uva ursi is also known by some other names such as:

• beargrape
• rockberry
• red berry
• kinnikinnick
• sandberry

Benefits of Uva Ursi are because of:

Extracts made from UU leaves contain many protective constituents, such as:

• flavonoids
• iridoids
• hydroquinone glycosides (mainly arbutin)
• tannins
• terpenoids

The antimicrobial actions of Uva Ursi are attributed to the hydroquinone derivatives, especially arbutin.

Medicinal uses:

Helps treat Urinary tract infections:

Uva Ursi is most often used to treat urinary tract infections and bladder infections (also called cystitis). There haven’t been many large-scale studies investigating its effectiveness or mechanisms of actions, but several small studies have shown promise that it can reduce recurring urinary tract infections thanks to its natural antibacterial and astringent properties.

It acts like a natural diuretic:

Uva ursi can help flush out fluids from the body, reducing swelling and lowering the presence of pathogens in the process.

It may also be helpful in eliminating urinary stones.  It’s not typically used for this purpose, but it’s thought to have natural detoxifying effects that may assist in overall kidney function.  However, taking too much may potentially damage the kidneys and liver, so the dosage is important.

May reduce Hyper-pigmentation of the skin:

UU can be used as a topical preparation that’s applied to the skin to help reduce skin lightening and hyper-pigmentation. Its skin-enhancing effects are mostly due to its antioxidant content, including the compound arbutin.

Other Uses:

In addition to treating urinary, bladder and skin conditions, Uva ursi is also sometimes used to treat other conditions and symptoms, although there is less research available to demonstrate how well it works for these purposes. Some other uses for Uva ursi include potentially managing:

• Indigestion and constipation
• Painful and frequent urination
• Excess uric acid in the urine
• Skin wounds that are slow to heal
• Symptoms related to inflammation, such as aches and pains
• Kidney infections
• Bronchitis
• Bedwetting

Side Effects:

Is uva ursi safe? Overall it’s considered safe for short-term use when used in recommended doses.

Bearberry/UU is capable of causing side effects in some people, especially when used for many months or taken in high amounts. Potential side effects associated with UU use may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion/upset stomach
• Discoloration of the urine
• Mood changes, fatigue and irritability
• Insomnia
• Possibly liver or kidney damage, shortness of breath, confusion and seizures in very rare but serious cases

Drug interactions:

Drug –drug interactions are known and contraindications for uva ursi include combining it with:

• Lithium
• Blood pressure medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids
• Iron supplements

Conclusion:

Uva ursi is an herbal remedy that’s also called bearberry. It contains a number of protective compounds, including flavonoids, iridoids, hydroquinone glycosides (mainly arbutin), tannins and terpenoids. It has natural antibacterial and astringent effects and is most often used to treat UTIs. It may also help with bladder infections and skin issues, such as hyper-pigmentation. However, care must be taken and always consult your healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedy.

Introduction:

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an herbal remedy that dates back to ancient Roman and Greek times. It was used traditionally to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis and kidney problems.

Benefits of Horsetail:

Bone Health/Arthritis

Horsetail not only contains silica, it is high in many minerals that support its use as a bone strengthening herb. Silica is fundamentally important in building and maintaining healthy connective tissues, cartilage, muscle, skin, tendons, sheathing, and bone. Consuming Horsetail as a natural source of silica increases the body’s absorption of bone building minerals such as calcium, helping to provide relief from a whole host of structural diseases.

Research has shown that Horsetail directly stimulates the production of bone cells, leading to the increased formation of bone tissue. Thus, Horsetail is an extremely useful herb in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also help to repair bone fractures, build cartilage for stronger joints, boost calcium absorption by the bones and even strengthen the connection between the jawbone and teeth.

Kidney/Bladder Health

Horsetail has a long and documented history of use as a diuretic. In a recent study comparing Horsetail to its pharmaceutical counterpart, it was found that the herb was as effective as the drug, but without causing excessive electrolyte loss – a common problem with pharmaceutical diuretics. The natural diuretic action of Horsetail helps the kidneys to cleanse the blood by triggering the need for water in the body and regulating urinary output.

The cleansing, diuretic action of Horsetail tea can be useful in combating bladder and urinary problems. By boosting the flow of urine, it helps to flush out harmful bacteria and toxins whilst soothing the constant urge to urinate by toning the urinary system. The high silica content of Horsetail is also thought to be responsible for its astringent, healing action upon the urinary tract.

Wound Healing

The rich silica content of Horsetail is responsible for its ability to speed up wound healing. These silicates and silicic acid promote the migration of leukocytes and neutrophils to the site of the wound and initiate the inflammatory phase of the healing process. The astringent properties of this herb also make it an excellent clotting agent that not only helps to staunch wounds; it can be effective in stopping nosebleeds too.

Hair & Skin Health

Horsetail has been used around the world for centuries as a beautifying herb. Silicon is believed to be key to the optimal synthesis of collagen, a building block that is essential to the strength and elasticity of skin.

Studies have found that silica derived from Horsetail significantly increased hair growth after 90 and 180 days. Additional studies confirm that hair strands with higher silica content are shinier and tend to have a lower hair fall out rate.

Manages Diabetes

The excellent anti-glycemic nature of horsetail plays a role in alleviating the blood sugar levels of the body. This herb activates the pancreas and stimulates the secretion of a balanced amount of insulin and also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Prevents Kidney Stones

The anti-lithiasis quality of the horsetail herb prevents the formation of kidney stones, helps to break or reduce the size of the formed ones and thus prevents various underlying health conditions like polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, and cystitis. Being diuretic in nature, it also prevents urinary tract infection and promotes overall health of the kidney. It also helps in eliminating unnecessary toxins from the body, thus uplifting overall kidney health.

Relieves Respiratory Woes

Thanks to the powerful anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and expectorant properties, Horsetail is useful in treating the common cold, sore throat, and incessant cough and flu symptoms. It also reduces chest and nasal congestion, gets rid of excess catarrh particles and stops nasal discharge. It also renders absolute relief from conditions like bronchitis, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.

Enhances Cognitive Abilities

Horsetail is a useful remedy to improve the functioning of the brain. The potent antioxidants present in it enhance neural pathway efficiencies and extensively help to improve the memory capacity, concentration, calmness, and alertness of an individual. Being a brain booster, it activates the elimination of free radicals from the body enabling the deterrence of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia etc. 

Reduces Risk of Cancer

Horsetail root comprises of numerous antioxidants that are highly significant in preventing and treating free radical damage that can give rise to conditions like inflammation, deterioration of organs, pain and degenerative diseases. The abundance of quinones and cyclic hexapeptides in Equisetum ensures that the healthy cells do not change into malignant ones and even actively helps in combating the cancer cells in the colon, breast, and other parts.

Should not be used in:

Horsetail is not recommended for use by pregnant women or breastfeeding women, nor by people with a history of cardiac failure, low blood pressure and kidney disease. Horsetail can decrease the body’s ability to decrease blood pressure and has a strong diuretic effect.

Conclusion

Horsetail thus showcases numerous potential properties which makes it one of the safest natural remedy for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions, gout, improve wound healing, strengthen bones and joints and enhance hair and skin health. Incorporate this wonder herb in your regular lifestyle to enjoy its superb benefits.

Horsetail is safe for use in the majority of adults when it is consumed for short periods of time up to one week, or if it is consumed as directed by a doctor, registered dietitian or medicinal plant specialist.

Introduction:

Stinging nettle is closely related Urtica urens has a long medicinal history. In medieval Europe, it was used as a diuretic and to treat joint pain.

Uses of Stinging Nettle:

It has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems related to the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It is also used for urinary tract infections, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.

Osteoarthritis

The leaves and stems of nettle have been used historically to treat arthritis and relieve sore muscles. It is known that some people find relief from joint pain by applying nettle leaf topically to the painful area. Other studies show that taking an oral extract of stinging nettle, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), helps people reduce their NSAID dose.

Hay fever

One preliminary human study suggested that nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever.  Researchers think that may be due to nettle’s ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. More studies are needed to confirm nettle’s antihistamine properties. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle well before hay fever season starts.

Other uses:

Preliminary animal studies indicate that nettle may lower blood sugar and blood pressure. However, more research is needed to determine whether this is also true in human beings.

Side effects:

There are possible side effects, which can include:

• stomach problems
• urinary issues
• sweating
• hives or rashes
• Diarrhea

Interactions with other drugs:

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners)

Stinging nettle may affect the blood’s ability to clot, and could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, including:

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Aspirin

Drugs for high blood pressure

Stinging nettle may lower blood pressure, so it could strengthen the effects of these drugs:

• ACE inhibitors: Captopril, Enalapril, lisinopril , fosinopril
• Beta-blockers: Atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol.
• Calcium channel blockers: Nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil.

Diuretics (water pills)

Because stinging nettle can act as a diuretic, it can increase the effects of these drugs, raising the risk of dehydration:

• Furosemide.
• Hydrocholorothiazide

Drugs for diabetes

Stinging nettle may lower blood sugar, so it could strengthen the effects of these drugs, raising the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Lithium

Stinging nettle may have a diuretic effect and may reduce the body’s ability to remove this drug.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

In a scientific study of patients with acute arthritis, stewed stinging nettle leaves enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac, which is an NSAID.

Conclusion:

Stinging nettle may have a range of health benefits. However, there is limited evidence to suggest the herb may be useful in treating arthritis, allergies, and benign prostate enlargement.

Stinging nettle is usually safe, but it may cause some side effects. Therefore, it is important to speak with a doctor before using stinging nettle to treat any condition, as it may interact with medications.

Introduction:

Pau d’arco is a tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest. Pau d’arco wood is dense and resists rotting. The name “Pau d’arco” is the Portuguese word for “bow stick,” an appropriate term considering the tree’s use by the native South American Indians for making hunting bows. The bark and wood are used to make medicine.

It is efficacious in a number of illnesses:

• Yeast infections.
• Common cold.
• Flu.
• Diarrhea.
• Bladder and prostate infections.
• Intestinal worms.
• Cancer.
• Diabetes.
• Ulcers.
• Stomach problems.
• Liver problems.
• Asthma.
• Bronchitis.
• Arthritis-like pain.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis).
• Boils.

Common side effects:

Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The risk and severity of side effects tend to increase with the dose.

Severe side effects:

Symptoms may include but aren’t limited to:

• Difficulty breathing
• Itchiness
• Rash

Precaution:

You should stop taking any medicine or herb that inhibits clotting or increases the risk of bleeding for at least two weeks before surgery.  People with kidney or liver disease should also take it with caution.

Conclusion:

Pau d’arco is the bark of several species of trees native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It has long been part of folk medicine.  Research on Pau d’arco has mostly been in vitro and for animals. There have been promising results that it may have future potential for treating some types of infections, inflammatory conditions, and cancers. This evidence does not support the use of Pau d’arco to treat any conditions in humans yet.

Due to the lack of safety research, children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with liver or kidney problems should not use Pau d’arco. You should also avoid it if you take blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or if you have any medical conditions affecting bleeding or clotting.