Lesson 6. The Kidneys, the Liver, Renal Function and Diuretics INTRODUCTION

Transcription

1 Lesson 6 The Kidneys, the Liver, Renal Function and Diuretics Fig 6.0 INTRODUCTION Fig 6.1 Liver & Kidneys in situ In the last lesson we looked at elimination, stating that there were four major elimination channels. We looked at the first one, the skin. The next elimination organ we will be looking at is that of renal (kidney) function. We will also be looking at the botanicals that are associated with the kidneys; the Diuretics. The kidneys are considered the great balancers. They balance the acidity, water and many other chemicals in the body. They are also the great filters, in that they filter the old waste material and toxins out of the body. Just as we considered the skin as a third kidney, we can consider the kidneys as deep internal sweat glands. Their function is somewhat similar. The diaphoretics are outward moving herbs. Diuretics are inward moving herbs. But before we can deal with the kidneys, we have to look at the raw material that goes to the kidneys from the liver. Let s take the next while and read through the textbook about liver and kidney function. 1

2 Read Chapter 9, page 157- to the middle of 162, "Diuretics" It is probably no coincidence that the root of the word Liver is live in many languages. Many of the biochemical functions of life go on in the liver. The liver is the key metabolic function center of the body, with tens of thousands of biochemical processes going on in the liver at any given time. In this lesson we are going to deal mostly with the shipper-receiver aspect of the liver. Suffice it to say, there are many other functions. When I say the liver works as a shipper receiver, I mean basically that. Nutrients absorbed from food in the small intestine (capillary bed of the villi), is delivered to the liver via the portal vein. As stated earlier, this vein does a very peculiar thing for a vein, creating a second capillary bed in the liver. These capillary beds are similar to the loading dock in a very large warehouse. The 'raw material' is delivered to the liver loading dock and the receiver checks his list and finds out if anything is needed. If some of that material is needed in various parts of the body, it breaks the material down into smaller packages and sends them on their way. He looks at the next shipment and says,... well we don't need any of this right now, but we can store some of it, because in a few hours we will have a big demand for it. Then he finds some material that is in the wrong form so he sends it to another part of the liver for minor adjustments or slight recycling. Fig 6.2 Sometimes the material is just plain no good. He will decide to break it down into smaller, less toxic parts and slowly release them into the 2

3 blood stream in levels that will not hurt the system, for further elimination. Then there is the recycled material coming in as waste material from cellular breakdown in other areas of the body. The liver recycles what it can and sends the rest off for elimination. Fig 6.3 Most of the elimination material is sent off in a form that can be eliminated by the kidneys. This material is released in small quantities into the blood stream to go back on the super highway to the heart. When in the heart it will go off to the lungs, maybe being partially eliminated there; especially any waste carbon dioxide which is the end result of carbohydrate metabolism. Then it s back to the heart with about 25% of the blood directed to the kidneys, (12.5 % to each). This is where the kidney does some amazing things. When you consider it, the in, out and in again function of the kidneys is fascinating. It filters almost all of the fluid, except the cells into the renal tubule in the first stage. Then it reabsorbs most of it back into the blood, (except for those chemicals you didn't want anyway). This is followed by a last minute secretion, sending back into the renal tubules the few things you either have too much of or didn't want in the first place. It might only be one milliliter per minute, but those milliliters sure do add up (especially at the movies). 3

4 Fig 6.5 Fig 6.4 Read pages in the text DIURETICS These inward moving herbs work on the kidneys. They aid in the removal of dropsical waste material in our body; maintain tone of the kidneys; lessen irritation in the genital/urinary tract; help eliminate solids; alter the condition of renal excretion and have an antiseptic (antibiotic) effect on the genital/urinary tract. They work by either delivering more fluid (blood) to the kidneys, or stimulate 4

5 (mildly irritate) the kidneys to excrete more. When dealing with solids there are two types: lithotriptic (dissolve solids) and antilithic (prevent formation of solids, or eliminate when small). The size of the solids often determines their name such as: sand, gravel or stones. To review the seven things to consider when dealing with the kidneys, they are: 1) Sluggish kidneys 2) Excessive stress on the kidneys 3) Liver function 4) Over contraction 5) Constipation 6) Poor blood supply 7) Adrenal stress Before we go into the clinical Renal Formula, I thought we would look at a liver formula, as it also relates to this area. BILIHERB Black Radish Root (Raphanus sp.) 3 parts Barberry Root bark (Berberis vulgaris) 2 parts Wood Betony Herb (Pedicularis canadensis) Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinalis) Ginger Root (Zingiber sp.) Parsley Root (Petoselinum sativum) Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) The major ingredient is Black Radish, well known for helping problems of the liver, gall bladder, and preventing the formation of biliary calculi. It aids in bile flow and is a tonic to the intestine, gently stimulating peristalsis; its tonic effects on the smooth muscles of the liver and gallbladder have been well documented. Black radish is excellent for bringing down blood bilirubin. It also has a beneficial effect on intestinal flora. Barberry has been used from the time of Galen and Dioscorides as an excellent remedy for dyspepsia and functional derangement of the liver. It has been successfully used in jaundice, stimulating the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract and as a good broad range antibiotic (bacterial and fungal) and soothing to the mucous membrane. Wood Betony, besides being an excellent nervine, is soothing to the liver while strengthening to the 5

6 spleen. Dandelion and Parsley root are both known for their hepatic qualities and their ability to dissolve gallstones or prevent their formation. Ginger, Cramp bark and Marshmallow all sooth the liver, gallbladder and intestinal areas. This product can be either capsulated or obtained in tablet form. Dosage is 1-3 capsules/tablets, two - four times daily. The formula created at our clinic which we used most often is as follows: KB- HERB Uva Ursi (Artcosaphylos uva-ursi) Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) Buchu leaf (Barosma crenata) Parsley leaf (Petroselinum sativum) Marshmallow Rt (Althaea officinalis) Ginger Rt (Zingiber sp.) 2 parts 2 parts The Juniper berry component of this formula has changed over the years and is different than that listed in the first edition of the text. This is because the Canadian government erroneously required lower usage levels some years ago, but the scientific error has been corrected and the original formulation is now acceptable. The major ingredients are Uva Ursi and Juniper berries. Uva Ursi (Bearberry, Kinnikinnick) is strongly diuretic, as we will see in this lesson. One of the chemicals in Uva ursi, arbutin, converts in the body to a urinary antiseptic. Bearberry is tonic and strengthening to the genital/urinary tract. Juniper berries increase glomerular filtration, while working as a strong antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic agent in the urinary tract. Buchu leaves are antiseptic and diuretic, while having a toning, cleansing action on the prostate. Parsley leaf is a milder and soothing diuretic. Marshmallow is a soothing demulcent excellent for the urinary tract. Ginger aids in peripheral circulation and avoids griping in the urinary tract. 6

7 BOTANICALS Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) (syn. P. sativum, Carum petroselinum, Apuin petroselinum) Fig 6.7 Parsley (Carum petroselinum) or (Petroselinum sativum) The most important thing to remember about Parsley is its gentle but effective action. We often prefer it over other diuretics for a person who is in a weaker condition. The roots are stronger than the leaf, so use accordingly. I am very fond of the parsley / raspberry formula, using it on a very regular basis. It is particularly good for children who need a little toning due to a slight constitutionally weak kidney. We also find it nearly magical at the first stages of a cold/flu. Drink as much as you can during your first day of a cold and more often than not, you will be better by sundown. Besides being a good diuretic it is strongly antibiotic, toning and antispasmodic to smooth muscles (especially the uterus). Parsley also has a mild laxative effect in some people, lowers blood pressure (hypotensive) and reduces respiratory action. As mentioned before, parsley root (especially the seed and seed oil) has been used in the Fig 6.8 past as an abortifacient by midwives when there is a problem in pregnancy. This is a good enough reason not to use any part of this plant during pregnancy. Some government authorities feel that all diuretics should be discontinued during pregnancy. 7

8 Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) (syn. Arbutus uva-ursi) Fig 6.9 Probably one of the strongest and well known of the diuretics, bearberry is also a great urinary antibiotic. Arbutin, upon hydrolysis, is the antibiotic part. Bearberry contains large amounts of tannins that can be used for things like tanning leather to strengthen your feet for those first few hikes. The quercitin (a bioflavonoid) content gives uva ursi an antioxidant quality. If a person takes excessive amounts of Bearberry containing a high arbutin content, they can induce a toxic reaction that has the following symptoms: ringing in the ears (tinnitus), vomiting, delirium, convulsions and even collapsing. I have never seen these symptoms in over 40 years of practice, but one of my colleagues said that they had a patient with ringing of the ears by taking too much of an alcohol extract of Uva Ursi. Bearberry is contraindicated in cases of severely weak kidneys. Bonus Video On Bearberry Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Fig 6.10 Bearberry Line Drawing Juniper (Juniperus communis) The active principle of Juniper seems to be in the volatile oils, therefore it should not be boiled. This oil is known to have antibiotic (including anti-viral and anti-fungal) properties. Juniper tincture, especially if mixed with hydrangea tincture, is very good for dissolving kidney stones that have dislodged and found their way into the bladder. The diuretic action of juniper is created by increased glomerular filtration rate. Fig 6.11 Juniper (Juniperus communis) Juniper berries are contraindicated for inflamed kidney conditions. Prolonged use of large amounts has been shown to cause kidney irritation. 8

9 Fig 6.12 Dried Juniper horizontalis (Leaves and berries) Extract of the berries increases uterine tone and should not be ingested during pregnancy. Anti-implantation/anti-fertility activity has been described by many indigenous people and has been demonstrated in rat studies, with up to 60-70% efficacy. In the Mediterranean area, Juniper baths are used for the treatment of neurasthenic neurosis and for the management of scalp psoriasis. In Swedish medicine, we find it being used to treat wounds and inflammatory disease. Bonus Video On Juniper Gravel Root (Eupatorium perfoliatum) syn. Boneset (leaves and flower tops) Although this herb is an excellent one, I have had some problems with it eliminating kidney stones too quickly, causing great pain and a few patients with trips to the hospital emergency. It needs to be used with a demulcent like marshmallow and should not be taken in large quantities. It is valued for dropsy, gravel, gout and rheumatism, especially if influenced by chronic renal and cystic problems. It has been used to expel tapeworms, for malaria, herpes and back pain. Fig 6.13 Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum) Boneset is derived from the leaves and flower tops of this same herb and is considered to have a stimulant and diaphoretic action in moderate doses and an emetic and cathartic action in larger doses. Some of the sesquiterpene lactones and flavones of this herb have demonstrated cytotoxic and antineoplastic activities. The Fig 6.14 Line Drawing Gravel Root polysaccharides of this herb have immuno-modulating activity (stimulating). The uses of this herb are often discouraged due to the presence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, similar to comfrey roots (in the next lesson). 9

10 Cleaver (Galium aparine, G. verum), and related species Cleaver is a bit more soothing than gravel root, while being milder in its calculi dissolving properties. I usually used it instead of gravel root, as it does not cause complication as easily. The iridoid glycosides have a mild laxative action and are thought to be responsible for cleavers lymphatic and diuretic effects. The herb has been used for psoriasis, other skin problems (such as burns and abrasions) and lymph adenopathy. Cleaver (Galium aparine) Fig 6.15 Galium aparine in bloom Buchu (Barosma betulina) Buchu is a good diuretic, but its special action is on the prostate. I find it especially effective if added to saw palmetto for prostate problems. Diosphenol (buchu camphor) has antiseptic and diuretic properties, which are widely considered the most important feature of this botanical. The volatile oil also appears to be carminative. Fig 6.16 Fig 6.18 Fig 6.17 Line Drawing of Buchu Buchu (Barosma betulina) 10