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| Uva Ursi or Manzanita |
| (Arctostaphylos spp.) |
| Part(s) used: The dried leaves. |
| Therapeutic effects: A strong and reliable urinary tract antimicrobial. Not irritating to the kidneys as some aromatics are, its use is still limited to several days at a time because of its high tannin content. |
| Preparations and dosages: Standard infusion, 3 to 4 ounces to 3x a day. Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol], 30 to 60 drops in 8 ounces of water, to 3x a day. For sitz bath, 8 to 12 ounces standard infusion added to warm bath water; sit in it morning and evening. |
| Contraindications: I usually recommend its use for no more than 3 to 4 days. Avoid during pregnancy. Uva Ursi's astringency has been implicated in vasoconstriction of the blood vessels of the uterus that nurture the placenta. |
| Wild Yam |
| (Dioscorea villosa) |
| Part(s) used: Dried roots and rhizomes are found in general commerce, but, as is so often the case, the tincture of the fresh roots is far stronger. |
| Therapeutic effects: An effective traditional antispasmodic for rhythmic cramps of smooth muscle tubes such as the intestinal tract, bile ducts, uterus and ureters. |
| Preparations and dosages: Tincture [fresh root, 1:2; dry root, 1:5, 60% alcohol], 30 to 100 drops, to 4x a day. Cold infusion, 2 to 4 ounces to 4x a day. |
| Note: This is not Mexican yam (or Mexican wild yam); it contains no hormonal ''precursors,'' no estrogen and no progesterone; nor does Mexican yam, for that matter. However, many "wild yam" products on the market do contain pharmaceutically manufactured "Natural Progesterone, U.S.P.," and others combine wild yam with other herbs and |
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