Kidney health is vital to the body’s overall function, influencing everything from detoxification to fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. In the realm of natural medicine, several herbs have been traditionally used to support kidney function and overall renal health. These herbs, rich in bioactive compounds, offer diverse mechanisms of action—from promoting detoxification and reducing inflammation to enhancing circulation and providing antioxidant support.

The significance of herbs in kidney health is outlined, and an overview highlights five such herbs—Astragalus, Bedstraw, Rhubarb Root, Flaxseed, and Milk Thistle—each with unique properties that contribute to kidney wellness. While some directly support renal detoxification and filtration, others work more holistically, strengthening the body’s systems that interact with or impact the kidneys. Understanding the active compounds and mechanisms of these herbs allows for a more informed and intentional use in herbal practice, particularly for those seeking gentle, natural support for kidney health.

1. Astragalus:

   • Active Compounds: Astragalus contains saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.
   • Mechanism: Saponins and polysaccharides may have immunomodulatory effects, potentially supporting immune function. Antioxidant properties could protect against oxidative stress in the kidneys.
   • Significance: Astragalus is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for kidney support, believed to enhance overall kidney function through anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
   • Additional Information:
     • Astragalus exhibits adaptogenic properties, aiding the body in adapting to stress.
     • Studies suggest potential benefits for blood flow, indirectly supporting kidney health.
     • Herbalists commonly use Astragalus membranaceus root to tone the kidneys.

2. Bedstraw:

   • Active Compounds: Galium aparine, the main species, contains iridoid glycosides and flavonoids.
   • Mechanism: Bedstraw’s diuretic action is attributed to iridoid glycosides, which increase urine production. This may assist in removing waste products from the kidneys.
   • Significance: Bedstraw’s diuretic properties make it potentially beneficial for flushing out toxins from the kidneys, supporting a cleansing process.
   • Additional Information:
     • European herbalists historically used it for its diuretic and mild laxative effects.
     • Employed as a gentle detoxifying herb for various organs, including the kidneys.
     • Some herbalists recommend bedstraw for alleviating symptoms associated with kidney stones.

3. Rhubarb Root:

   • Active Compounds: Anthraquinones, such as emodin and rhein, are key components.
   • Mechanism: Anthraquinones act as stimulant laxatives, potentially aiding in detoxification. Monitor use carefully, as excessive intake can cause electrolyte imbalances.
   • Significance: Rhubarb root is known for its laxative properties, which may contribute to detoxification, but caution is advised due to the potential for electrolyte imbalance.
   • Additional Information:
     • Beyond laxative effects, rhubarb root has anti-inflammatory properties.
     • Used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for promoting circulation and addressing inflammation.
     • Emphasises the importance of moderation in use due to the balance of beneficial and potentially harmful compounds.

4. Flaxseed:

   • Nutrient Content: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, lignans, and antioxidants.
   • Mechanism: Omega-3s exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation. The fibre content aids in digestive health, indirectly benefiting overall well-being.
   • Significance: Flaxseed’s omega-3 fatty acids and fibre contribute to anti-inflammatory and digestive support, with potential overall health benefits.
   • Additional Information:
     • Flaxseed lignans, particularly SDG, have antioxidant properties.
     • Use ground flaxseed to boost nutrient absorption.
     • A valuable source of fibre in the diet.

5. Milk Thistle:

   • Active Compounds: The primary active component is Silymarin, a flavonoid complex.
   • Mechanism: Silymarin is known for its hepatoprotective properties. While primarily studied for liver health, its antioxidant effects may have indirect benefits for the kidneys.
   • Significance: Milk thistle, with its liver-protective properties, might indirectly benefit the kidneys through antioxidant effects and overall detoxification support.
   • Additional Information:
     • Extensively researched for potential benefits in liver diseases.
     • Silymarin may have anti-fibrotic effects relevant to kidney fibrosis.
     • Its broader implications for systemic health emphasise its significance.

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Natuurlike voorkoming van COVID-19 in die winter is vir my en my gesin ’n doelbewuste keuse wat geloof, gebed en die gebruik van natuurlike middels insluit. Ons glo dat God die liggaam met die vermoë geskape het om homself te genees wanneer dit die regte ondersteuning ontvang — geestelik én fisies. Daarom volg ons ’n eenvoudige maar kragtige roetine om ons gesondheid te beskerm tydens die koue seisoen, sonder om in vrees te leef. In hierdie artikel deel ek wat ons prakties doen om gesond te bly en siekte te keer — insluitend wat ek aanbeveel as iemand moontlik aan ’n virus blootgestel is, of begin simptome wys.

1.) Wat doen ek (en my gesin) om siekte, onder andere COVID-19, natuurlik te voorkom? 

• Ons kies om te glo ~ ook dat dit nie waar is dat daar nie geneesmiddels is vir sekere siektes, soos COVID -19, nie. Die mediese wetenskap het miskien nie antwoorde nie, maar dit beteken nie daar is nie middels wat gebruik kan word nie. Ons glo in die enigste Waarheid soos in die Woord vervat.
• Ons bid saam en hou aan vertrou vir bonatuurlike ingryping.
• Ons hou saam nagmaal, want ons glo Jesus se liggaam is gebreek vir ons genesing ~ fisies en emosioneel en dat elke druppel van Sy Bloed vir ons gestort is vir vergifnis van ons sonde.
• Ons salf mekaar met Oil of Gladness (Joy). (Psalm 45:7, Hebrews 1:9 & Isaiah 61:3)
• Ons spreek lewe.
• Ons kies om positief te bly.
• Ons kies om nie te vrees nie.
• Ons respekteer regulasies wat deur die regering ingestel is en volg dit na.
• Ons hou ons liggame sterk en gesond deur dit wat ons eet en doen.
• Ons reinig ons hande deurlopend met goeie handwasmiddel soos Aloe Ferox se Pearly Jasmin Hand Wash.
• Ons reinig werksoppervlaktes met Thieves Oil Spritzer.
• Ons gebruik Sanitisers soos Thieves Oil Hand Sanitiser, want dit droog nie ons hande uit nie. Ons reinig veral goed voor en na shopping.
  

Vir algemene goeie gesondheid en immuniteit deur die Winter (indien nie genoegsaam ander kruie gebruik nie):

• Whole-leaf Aloe Juice
• Winter Fighter Kapsules 

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I use these herbs regularly in my practice to support the body’s natural healing process. ARTEMISIA AFRA (Wildeals) & ARTEMISIA ANNUA (Wormwood)

Artemisia Afra

• “Wilde als word al vir eeue deur die inheemse bevolking van Suider Afrika gebruik vir medisinale doeleindes”
• “Wilde als het ‘n antiseptiese, antiwurm en narkotiese werking en word gebruik om pyn en koors, wurms, hardlywigheid, hoes, keelseer, griep en geelsug te behandel.”

(ROBERTS, MARGARET. 2000. Alles oor Kruie. Struik Uitgewers. Kaapstad.)

• “Wildeals’ is one of the most widely used traditional medicines in South Africa. Numerous ailments are treated with it – mainly coughs, colds and influenza – but also fever, loss of appetite, colic, headache, earache, malaria and intestinal worms, amongst others.”

(VAN WYK, B.,VAN OUTSHOORN, B. & GERICKE, N. 2009. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza publications. Pretoria.)

Qing Hao, Artemisia annua, Chinese Wormwood

• “Research has now vindicated this traditional use, revealing that qing hao prevents and cures malaria and is relatively free from side effects.”
• “Chinese research Qing hau was extensively researched in China in the 1980s, and studies have demonstrated that its key active constituent is an effective antimalarial, having a powerful action against the malaria parasite Plasmodium, a protozoan introduced into the body by the mosquito. Artemisinin. The compound artemisinin, and to some extent the herb, has marked antiparasitic and antibacterial activity. Clinical trials show that it can provide vital treatment in the acute stages of malaria, proving up to 90% effective in countering the infection.”
• “The first mention of Qing Quo was in a Chinese text of 168 BC.”

(CHEVALLIER, A. FNIMH. 2000. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorling Kindersley. United States.)

Conclusion

Many cultures across the world have turned to Artemisia species for centuries to treat common and serious illnesses alike. In summary, Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua are powerful medicinal herbs. They show how traditional knowledge and modern science can work together.

Artemisia afra—commonly known as wildeals—has been used for centuries in Southern Africa. It helps with colds, flu, fever, sore throats, and digestive problems. In contrast, Artemisia annua, also called Chinese wormwood, became well-known for its ability to treat malaria. Modern research confirmed it.

Both plants have antimicrobial, antiseptic, and immune-boosting effects. They are useful for both preventing and treating infections. In fact, studies show that Artemisia annua is up to 90% effective in the treatment of malaria.

I use these herbs regularly in my practice to support the body’s natural healing process. From personal experience in my practice since 2006, I (Karen) have seen excellent results using Artemisia. It works well for colds, flu, sore throats, and ear infections. I have also used it to help support the immune system during times of illness.

These herbs are gentle yet effective. They offer natural solutions without the side effects of many synthetic medicines.

In conclusion, Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua are rooted in history, but they remain highly relevant today. They remind us that nature still provides some of the best tools for healing.

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Note that this is only a list of general herbs; there is a much larger variety available for these ailments.  Please consult a trained medicinal herbalist to verify combinations and dosages before administering herbal remedies.

INTERNAL REMEDIES

IMMUNE BOOSTING HERBS

• Echinacea
• Thyme
• Myrrh
• Astragalus
• Pau D’arco
• Onions & Garlic
• Green Tea

MULTIVITAMIN HERBS

• Alfalfa
• Catnip
• Parsley
• Rosehip
• Cherry Tablets
• Cranberry Tablets
• Lemon & Chilli
• Vitamin C Tablets (With Rosehip)

COLDS  & FLU

• Echinacea, Thyme, Elder Flowers & Wormwood
• Ginger, Thyme, Sage & Mullein
• Ginger, Lemon, Cayenne & Honey
• Cinnamon with Lemon Juice

CHEST INFECTIONS, SUCH AS BRONCHITIS

• Echinacea, Thyme, Sage & Liquorice Root
• Ginger, Thyme, Sage & Mullein
• Comfrey

SORE THROAT, MOUTH ULCERS AND INFECTIONS, LARYNGITIS & TONSILLITIS

• Echinacea, Sage, Rosemary & Myrrh
• Wormwood
• Sore Throat Spray

CATNIP AND ELDER FLOWERS CAN BE USED AS PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT FOR WINTER ILLNESSES

EXTERNAL REMEDIES

• Frankincense/ Tea Tree, Ravensara/Eucalyptus & Rosemary Essential Oil
• Sinus Gel
• Sinus Soother Spray
• Sinus Soother Sniff
• Aloe Ferox Si-Nose Spray
• Aloe Ferox Si-Nose Drops

FEVER BLISTER / COLD SORES

• Echinacea & Lemon Balm (Internally as well)
• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Witch Hazel
• Hay Fever Balm

CHILBLAINS

• Bitter Aloe Gel
• Marigold Ointment
• Ginger Essential Oil

CHAPPED LIPS

• Hay Fever Balm
• Marigold Ointment
• BytjieSalf Lip Balm

CHAPPED HEELS

• Witch Hazel Ointment
• Aloe Ferox Heel Balm

Support your body with a trusted Winter Cures using time-tested natural remedies for cold and flu. From immune-boosting herbs to external treatments, these herbal remedies help you stay warm, stay well, and embrace Winter the natural way.

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Caring for babies naturally can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to herbal remedies. In this post, I’ve listed a few gentle, time-tested herbal options to support the health of babies under six months old. These remedies address common ailments and focus on external use or indirect application through breastfeeding.

Note the following statements regarding remedies for babies younger than 6 months:

• Avoid internal use.
• If need be, some remedies can be taken by the breastfeeding mom to treat the baby.
• That said, herbs are still safer to use than any conventional medicine.
• Please consult with a trained medicinal herbalist before administering herbal remedies to babies. 

Also, note the use of internal and external use of herbal remedies for babies, where applicable.

INCREASING BREAST MILK SUPPLY (for mom)

• Nettle
• Fennel
• Milk Thistle
• Alfalfa

BREAST TENDERNESS AND SORE NIPPLES (topical use for mom)

• Marigold Ointment

CRADLE CAP (for external application)

• Olive Oil or Marigold Ointment

NAPPY RASH (for external application)

• Marigold Ointment

COLIC

• Slippery Elm
• Catnip
• Lemon Balm
• Chamomile Infusion
• Fennel

EARACHE (for external use)

• A drop of Wormwood on cotton wool in the ear
• A drop of Lavender Essential Oil on cotton wool in the ear
• Sinus Gel is applied around the ear area

RESTLESSNESS

• Chamomile Infusion in Bathwater
• Lemon Balm
• Catnip

BLOCKED NOSE (for external use)

• A drop of Tea Tree on bedding
• Sinus Gel

TEETHING

• Chamomile Infusion
• Catnip & Lemon Balm
• Slippery Elm Powder rubbed on gums

Karen Wolmarans
www.herbsforhealth.co.za

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Tinctures are prepared by soaking ground herbs (each one separately) in alcohol (I use Cane) and shaking daily for a period of 14 days.

I prepare them in a 1:5 ratio (herb: cane) when using dried herbs, and a 1:3 ratio when using fresh herbs.

After two weeks, each tincture is extracted through a wine press lined with muslin cloth.

Tinctures are filtered twice, combined (if need be), bottled and labelled in amber dropper bottles.

The active plant constituents (active ingredients) of the herbs dissolve in the alcohol, giving tinctures a stronger and faster action than infusions, decoctions and capsules.

Herbal tinctures are potent remedies.

It is therefore important to consult with a trained herbalist before commencing with treatment, to establish which herbs to use in combination for a certain ailment, as well as to establish dosage.

Indication of dosage:

Babies under 6 months: Best not to use herbal remedies, but it is still much better than using conventional medicine

6-12 months: 2-4 drops of each Tincture 1-3 times a day

1-6 years: 10-15 drops of each Tincture 1-3 times a day

7-12 years: 15-20 drops of each Tincture 1-3 times a day

Adults: 30-35 drops of each Tincture 1-3 times a day

Over 65 years: 25 drops of each Tincture 1-3 times a day

Important to note:

• Some tinctures are potent remedies and should be given in lower dosages, for instance, Wormwood & Comfrey.
• Try not to combine more than 4/5 tinctures in a single dosage. Rather, use combinations alternately, a few hours apart.

Winepress used when making tinktures

Winepress in action

Innovation for keeping the muslin cloth in position

The post Preparation & Use of Tinctures appeared first on Herbs For Health.

Preparing your own Marigold Ointment is advised. It gives so much satisfaction. 

Marigold ointment is a very effective remedy, which I recommend for many applications, including the following:

• Fungal infections; eczema & acne
• Nappy rash & cradle cap
• Cuts & Wounds
• Bruises, strains & sprains
• Minor burns & scalding
• Sore & tender nipples during breastfeeding
• Insect bites & stings

I need to have the following ready:

• Clean the surface and work area
• Clean rubber gloves
• 500g Emulsifying Ointment
• 60g Ground Dried Marigold Flowers
• Double boiler
• Two warming trays
• Two bowls
• Muslin cloth
• Funnel
• Oil filter
• Sterilised glass containers with tight-sealing lids
• Labels

The method I use in the preparation of the ointment is:

1. Melt the Emulsifying ointment in the double boiler. Add the ground Marigold Flowers and stir until well mixed.
2. Cover with a lid and heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Heat the two bowls on the warming trays. This is important because the ointment solidifies very quickly after being removed from the heat. Therefore it is very important to work quickly.
4. Line the first bowl with a large piece of muslin cloth.
5. After 20 minutes, take the liquid mixture off the heat. Pour into the first bowl and strain using the muslin cloth.
6. Now filter the strained ointment using the funnel (lined with the oil filter) into the second bowl.
7. Pour the liquid ointment into glass containers.
8. Wait until cooled, then seal containers tightly with lids. The ointment should have solidified.
9. Label each container.

Store away from direct sunlight.

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Herbs can be used in many different forms – Infusions, Decoctions, Tinctures, Capsules, Infused Oils, Ointments, Creams, Compressions, Essential Oils, Floral Waters, Poultices, Juices, etc.

Herbal remedies can be taken internally and/or applied externally. It is often advisable to treat complaints from the inside and outside simultaneously.

Aromatherapy, as a complementary therapy, forms an integral part of holistic healing. The fact that essential oils (for example) can be added to carrier oils, ointments, creams, gels, bath salts, sprays, etc., makes the application and use of aromatherapy extensive. Besides the myriad of medicinal benefits, it is lots of fun to experiment with different combinations of essential oils.

Two examples of holistic treatment:

Broken down immune system – Add Rosemary, Eucalyptus (or Ravensara) and Tea Tree essential oils to your warm bath. Drink Echinacea Tincture for a short period. Echinacea boosts from the inside, while the essential oils boost from the outside.

Sinusitis – Drink a combination of Echinacea, Thyme and Elder Flower Tinctures, while taking an immune-boosting bath and applying Sinus Gel (gel with Lavender, Ginger, Ravensara and Tea Tree essential oils) to feet and sinus areas. Again, you use herbal remedies internally and externally to treat the complaint. Instead of using tinctures, an infusion of Mullein, Ginger, Sage and Thyme can be taken regularly.

Check out our next posts on how to prepare a herbal ointment (Margold) and how to prepare and use tinctures.

Karen Wolmarans

www.herbsforhealth.co.za

The post How to Use Herbs appeared first on Herbs For Health.

In the process of classifying herbs, it is very important that one differentiates between the scientific or botanical name, the constituent(s) of each herb, its properties, and what the usage is. One needs to distinguish specifically between them in order to fully grasp the healing potential of herbs.

The scientific name is the botanical name given to a specific plant to avoid confusion throughout the world as to which plant is being referred to.

The constituents relate to the active ingredients within the herb that enable it to perform certain tasks within the body.

The properties of the herbs are indicative of the key actions that are performed because of the constituents present within the herb.

The usage includes culinary, medicinal, aromatic and cosmetic uses in general, and also on a more detailed level, the specific applications.

I recommend that prospecting herbalists do an in-depth study of every herb he/she would like to or need to use and compile a file on each, stating all the aspects mentioned above, with a specific focus on the uses. By doing this, one creates an invaluable database for future reference. Information on herbs can be gained from the internet, books and experience.

From the following example, you will see the way in which I compiled a file on Nettle. It is clear that I am more concerned with the properties and uses than with the constituents. Personally, I do not need proof, I know they do their work in our bodies.

NETTLE

Urticaria dioitica

Constituents Leafs

• Flavonoids
• Amines
• Glucoquinone
• Minerals

Constituents Roots

• Sterols
• Phenols

Properties

• Tonic – Improves the functions of the body
• Diuretic – Increases the flow of urine through the stimulation of the kidneys
• Astringent – Produces tissue contraction
• Hemostatic – Slows down or stops bleeding
• Anti-allergenic
• Pectoral – Relieves chest problems
• Styptic – Constricts the blood vessels to stop bleeding & haemorrhaging
• Rubefacient – Makes the skin red & stimulates blood circulation

Uses

• Helps with asthma & bronchitis
• Packed with minerals & vitamins – Health booster
• Useful in coughs & TB
• Cleansing & detoxifying – Excellent blood purifier & hair tonic
• It strengthens & supports the whole body
• Useful in rheumatism, arthritis & gout
• A useful remedy for itchy skin conditions & insect bites
• Combine with Burdock for the treatment of eczema
• Good wash for burns & wounds
• Juice can be used to treat nettle stings
• Increasing the production of urine helps poor kidney function & relieves fluid retention
• Useful for urinary problems, bladder & urinary infections
• Helps to heal the liver in jaundice
• Aids in infertility
• Root – Used to treat an enlarged prostate
• Beneficial in treating hay fever, asthma & allergic rhinitis
• Anti-allergenic – from pollen to seafood allergies
• Slows down or stops bleeding from wounds & nose bleeds
• Slows down or stops internal haemorrhaging (for example, in uterine haemorrhage)
• Helpful for heavy menstrual bleeding
• Helps to treat growing pains in children
• Lowers lactic acid, especially the formation when training hard
• Helpful in treating anaemia
• Rich in Iron & Vitamin C & Silica
• In wine – Remedy for ague (fever)
• Powdered seeds – A Cure for goitre
• Increases the flow of breast milk during nursing
• Dissolves bronchial catarrh
• Rinse for dandruff, stimulates hair growth
• Reduces enlarged & inflamed prostates

Karen Wolmarans

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Medicinal herbalism is the study of the natural healing abilities of plants/herbs and the treatment of different ailments with them. In herbalism, we use the whole plant, or parts thereof, in many different forms.

Conventional Medicine:

A very high percentage of conventional medicines are based on properties in plants. Pharmaceutical companies often take just one active compound from a plant. Then boost it with chemicals, and turn it into a treatment for a single symptom or condition. The particular active ingredient comes with all its positive and negative properties, causing imbalances within the body. As a result, patients often end up using more and more medication just to counteract the negative side effects of the ones they needed for treatment in the first place.

Herbal Medicine:

Dealing holistically with plants as systems, all the active ingredients work together to increase benefits, prevent imbalances and eliminate side effects. It’s incredible—just one herb can help with several issues at the same time, unlike most conventional medicines that only focus on one symptom.

Active constituents in plants enhance functions within the body, assisting and enabling the body to heal itself. Herbs nourish, regulate systems and cleanse naturally. All herbs are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, which are easily and effectively absorbed. They provide the body with the raw material needed to heal itself.

Herbalism encourages a holistic approach to general well-being. The aim is to treat the cause of an illness, rather than only the symptoms. Herbal remedies work best when people use them as part of a well-balanced lifestyle. A well-balanced lifestyle includes restorative sleeping patterns, healthy eating and drinking habits, moderate exercise, sufficient exposure to direct sunlight and fresh air, etc.

Herbal remedies are strong remedies with powerful healing abilities. It is important to realise that, depending on the complaint(s) being treated, most herbal remedies have an immediate effect. Therefore, herbs are very effective in treating acute, as well as chronic illnesses.

Thus, herbalism is not about propagating a magic cure, but rather about suggesting a way of life in which health, resistance to illness and quality of living can be improved.

The post What is Medicinal Herbalism – Why Do I Love, Prefer & Recommend it? appeared first on Herbs For Health.