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Herb Uses U-Z Herbs
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Herb Facts
A, B Herbs
C, D, E Herbs
F, G, H Herbs
I, J, K Herbs
L, M, N Herbs
O, P, Q Herbs
R, S, T Herbs
U, V, W, X, Y, Z Herbs
U Herbs
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Uva-ursi is one of the best natural urinary antiseptics. It has been used
extensively in herbal medicine to disinfect and astringe the urinary tract in cases of acute and chronic cystitis
and urethritis. However, it is not a suitable remedy if there is a simultaneous infection of the kidneys.
Experiments have shown that uva-ursi extracts have an antibacterial effect. This action is thought to be stronger
in alkaline urine-thus the efficacy of uva-ursi is likely to increase if it is taken in combination with a
vegetable-based diet. Sodium bicarbonate is often administered with uva ursi to help increase the alkalinity of
the urine. In the urinary tract, the arbutin in uva ursi is chemically transformed into an antiseptic chemical,
hydroquinone. Beta-carotene, present in generous quantities in uva ursi, is known to stimulate the production of
epithelial cells. Ursolic acid has antiseptic properties and the flavonoids have spasmolytic properties on the
smooth muscles which help reduce reactions to pain stimulus in urinary tract infections and increase renal
volume in inflamed renal tubules. Uva Ursi’s allantoin may help spur wound healing. Allantoin is the active
ingredient in several over-the-counter skin creams for relief of oral herpes and for irritation associated with
vaginal infections. It’s the diuretic most often used in herbal weight-loss formulas as a diuretic. Uva Ursi is
among the herbs useful in diabetes for excessive sugar.
V HERBS
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Valerian root is a general tranquilizer used for relieving nervous tension,
insomnia, and headaches. Widely studied, it has been shown to sedate the central nervous system due to the
valepotriates and other components found in the essential oil. Valerian decreases muscle spasms, so is useful for
cases of nervous digestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and stomach or menstrual cramps. It contains many types
of valeopotriates that have opposing effects, indicating that it has the ability to regulate many conditions. In one
study, it sedated agitated patients, but stimulated those suffering from fatigue. Valerian improved the quality of
sleep in subjects in another study, as observed in their brain-wave patterns. It also reduced the time it took them
to fall asleep, especially the elderly and the habitually poor sleepers, but did not affect their dream recall or
ability to wake up in the morning. In Germany, hyperactive children have been treated with valerian since the
1970s. After taking valerian for only a few weeks, 120 children diagnosed as hyperactive, anxious, or learning
disabled had better muscle coordination and reaction time, and showed less aggression, restlessness, anxiety,
and fear. Valerian may also lower blood pressure and strengthen the optic nerve in the eye, although thus far,
only animal studies have been done.
Vanilla (Vanilla planiforlia) In the 16 th and 17 th centuries vanilla was believed to have various medicinal
properties and was used as a stomach herb, a stimulant and aphrodisiac and an antidote to poisons. It was first
included in European pharmacopoeias in the 18 th century and was listed in the British and American ones for
many years. It acts on the nervous system and used to be used to treat hysteria and high fevers.
Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) a source of the dopa that's converted by the brain to the neurotransmitter
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_p16.htm (1 of 11) [5/17/2004 9:23:21 AM]