Cystoforce - 50ml

Cystoforce

Mild lower urinary tract infections or mild cystitis are common, unpleasant and painful infections that sometimes resolve themselves. However, in certains cases, it can lead to serious complications like pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidneys. Many herbs have diuretic, antibiotic or anti-inflammatory properties, but few have all the required virtues to adequately relieve urinary infections. As a result of this, the herbalist traditionally therefore uses a synergistic complex in which each herb is used for its own effect but where the whole is more effective than its individual components.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Immunostimulants are products that increase the functioning of the immune system, the system of the body that is responsible for protecting us from infection. Immunostimulants can act on any number of immune cells and ward off infection in several ways.

In the case of echinacea it stimulates white blood cells that scavenge for bacteria and cellular waste. It also stimulates helper T cells, which mobilizes other immune cells to fight infection. Additionally echinacea has its own ability to kill viruses, fungi and bacteria (antimicrobial) when it comes into contact with them. Finally echinacea stimulates the production of collagen which rebuilds damaged tissue. Echinacea is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including prevention of colds and flus, treatment of infections, skin infections, skin ulcers, herpes, canker sores, eczema and wound cleansing.

Echinacea can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablets, extract or tincture. In general liquid preparations of echinacea are stronger than dried preparations. Alcohol containing extracts tend to contain more medicinal ingredients than the alcohol-free formulas due to different processing methods. An important thing is to note what species of Echinacea is in a product. If Echinacea angustifolia is used check to make sure that root is in the formula. This is where the most beneficial medicinal properties are found. Echinacea angustifolia should make your tongue tingle when you taste liquid preparation. For Echinacea purpurea and pallida the whole plant contains significant amounts of medicinal ingredients. Echinacea is found in formulas for colds and flus.

Echinacea is in the same plant family as ragweed therefore individuals with ragweed allergies should not use echinacea. Due to Echinacea's immunostimulating action those on immunosuppressive or immunoglobulin therapies, such as transplant recipients, should not use it. Those with renal disease should not use Echinacea because it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. Prolonged use of Echinacea is not recommended because the body appears to become resistant to its immunostimulating properties.

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
Uva ursi has been well studied for its ability to prevent and decrease the severity of urinary tract infections, kidney infections and kidney stones. It contains a compound called arbutin, which kills bacteria, especially in alkaline urine. Arbutin is also analgesic and studies show its pain relieving effect is equivalent to some other pharmaceutical pain relievers.

Uva ursi can be purchased as raw herb for tea, encapsulated herb or tincture. Standardized supplements give the consumer the assurance that some active chemicals are present in the formula.

Combination products for urinary tract infections and kidney stones may contain uva ursi. Whole plant preparations, as opposed to formulas of purified, extracted chemical constituents, work best. There are other molecules in uva ursi that protect the active chemicals as they pass through the digestive tract and alkalinize the urine.

Uva ursi may cause a harmless green-brown discolouration of the urine. Do not use uva ursi if you are pregnant or lactating. Do not use uva ursi if you have kidney failure. Uva ursi should not be used for longer than 7-10 days. Children should not use Uva ursi.