Chanca Piedra 500mg - 90 V-Caps

What is Chanca Piedra?

Among its many actions, it is most well known for its ability to expel stones. Specifically, it is thought by many to be the 'miracle' cure for both gall stones and kidney stones. It has been shown effective for both treatment and prevention in those who have susceptibility.

Indigenous to the rainforests of the Amazon, Chanca Piedra has been used in tropical areas throughout the world for centuries.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of clinical research supporting the efficacy of Chanca Piedra for the majority of it uses. There has been no single constituent or chemical isolated as responsible for its immense and positive health effects. The whole plant is used medicinally, and like so many natural remedies, may remain a medicine based on history and observation, as opposed to clinical research.

Chanca Piedra is also used as a potent detoxification aid, primarily due to its effect on liver function. It has been shown to help support healthy liver function and protect the liver against cellular damage. Chanca Piedra has been used to treat jaundice, anemia as well as protect against the incidence of liver cell growths and liver damage due to alcohol, including fatty liver. It is a bitter herb, meaning it helps to stimulate digestive enzymes and the secretion of bile from the liver and gallbladder. As such, Chanca Piedra has been used to stimulate and promote healthy digestion and elimination, relieve dyspepsia and expel gas and bloating. It's bitter properties may also play a part in its anti-diabetic action, as well. There are some animal studies on the blood sugar regulating effect of Chanca Piedra. Although further human trials need to be conducted, this has great promise for diabetic patients having difficulty with glucose control.

Chanca Piedra acts as an effective but mild diuretic and as such, has the ability to exert hypotensive actions, lowering blood pressure. It is also believed to have cholesterol lowering effects. Chanca Piedra has both antibacterial and anti-viral properties. It has been used for a variety of urinary tract infections, and STI's, as well as studied for its potential in the treatment of hepatitis and HIV viruses.

Chanca Piedra is available as a supplement in capsule or tincture form. The loose dried plant can also be made into a tea. There is little information on specific dosage recommendations, although some literature states 2-3 g/day is a therapeutic dose. Chanca Piedra is contraindicated in pregnancy and during breast feeding. Some data suggests it may have an antifertility effect and until further studies are conducted, it is not recommended for women seeking pregnancy. Due to its medicinal effects, individuals currently taking medication to lower blood sugar and blood pressure, including diuretics, should be under the supervision of a health care practitioner if taking Chanca Piedra concurrently.

UTI's

Infections of the urinary tract are quite common, especially in women. Infections usually begin when bacteria colonize the bladder lining and cause inflammation (cystitis). The infection may spread up into the kidney causing nephritis or to the prostate causing prostatitis.

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic infection between the bladder lining and muscular layer. Its exact cause is unknown but it is usually non-infectious and occurs subsequent to several cystitis episodes.
Factors that predispose an individual to bladder infections are poor hygiene, the use of perfumed of coloured hygiene products, antibiotic use, oral contraceptive use, catheter use, sexually transmitted diseases, stress and poor nutrition.

Symptoms of cystitis are urinary frequency and urgency with burning pain on urination. Emptying the bladder may not relieve the symptoms. The urine may be cloudy or "coke coloured", due to the presence of blood. Lab testing of the urine reveals the presence of bacteria. Symptoms can be mild, with gradual onset or severe, with a quick onset. Fever and lower back pain signal that the kidney is affected. The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are the same but are usually recurring and lab testing is negative for bacteria.

Conventional treatment of cystitis involves the use of antibiotics to clear up the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if friendly bacteria are not replaced. The overuse of antibiotics has also lead to antibiotic resistant strains of urinary tract pathogens. Individuals can help to minimize resistance by using antibiotics sparingly and always taking recommendations until they are finished.

To prevent cystitis proper hygiene is essential. Do not use scented or coloured toilet paper or feminine hygiene products. Douches, lubricants, latex condoms, spermicides and seminal fluid can also cause bladder irritation. For women, always wipe from front to back when using the toilet and both partners should urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse. Wear breathable cotton underwear. Exercise the bladder by contracting the bladder muscles as you would to stop the flow of urine. Repeat this several times a day.

Dietary interventions to prevent cystitis include drinking 2-2.5 litres of filtered water or unsweetened cranberry juice daily. This flushes the urinary tract.

cranberry juice inhibits bacterial growth and prevents the binding of the bacteria to the bladder wall. Carrot and watermelon juices also flush the urinary tract. Eat garlic for its antibacterial properties. Avoid spicy foods, acidic foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar in all forms, coffee, black tea, tomatoes, spinach and yeast because they may irritate the bladder. For interstitial cystitis maintain an alkaline diet.