Urinary System Kit

This kit includes Opti-Renal™ and Formula CBR™.  Both products are formulated with an extensive blend of herbs and herbal extracts to support the kidneys’ balanced filtration function, proper fluid excretion, and overall urinary system health.

The kidneys, ureters, and bladder constitute the urinary system. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. In good condition, kidneys filter about half a cup of blood every minute, removing toxins and excess water to make urine. Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters (two thin tubes), one on each side of the bladder, where it is then stored.

The kidneys also remove acid produced by the body’s cells to maintain the correct balance of water, salts, vitamins, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in the blood. Without this balance, nerves, muscles, and other tissues in the body may not work properly. They also make hormones that help control blood pressure, manufacture red blood cells, and keep bones strong, among many other functions.

Ingredients

Gravel – indigenous to North America, gravel, also known as queen of meadow, is used as a therapeutic agent for the urinary-genital areas, affecting the kidneys, bladder, prostate gland, and uterus. Gravel relaxes moderately, stimulates, and tones the pelvic viscera and mucous membranes. It is also considered a powerful solvent of stony deposits in the kidneys. This herb works well in combination with other herbs and is considered one of the most beneficial herbs for kidney and urinary problems.

Nettle – considered a therapeutic plant, rich in chlorophyll and minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, silicon, cobalt, and calcium. This plant is also high in many vitamins, including A, C, E, and K. Nettle has several applications. It may promote anti-inflammatory activity, which helps curb the action of cytokines, one of the key components of inflammation in the organism. This herb also acts as a natural diuretic, promoting the removal of excess liquids.

Dandelion – commonly used as food, where the leaves are used in salads and teas, while the roots are used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion’s leaves and roots have been used for thousands of years for several conditions in the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys. It has been used historically for water retention.

Parsley – based on Germany’s Commission E, parsley leaf and root promote the relief of irritation in the urinary tract. It can also be used for kidney stones. Although there is no clear evidence regarding its effects, parsley contains constituents such as apiol and myristicin, compounds that have a diuretic effect and increase urine flow.

Hydrangea – widely used by the Cherokee Indians and later by European settlers, hydrangea root was used for various renal conditions. It is known to promote the removal of uric acid accumulations from the organism, cleanse the kidneys, and soften deposits.

Juniper berries – the berries are used for medicinal purposes for many conditions, including urinary tract complications. Presently, they are approved by the German Commission E. According to some sources, juniper berries could increase urine volume without a loss of electrolytes such as potassium.

Uva Ursi – the leaves are considered medicinal and were used by numerous indigenous people from northern latitudes. The glycoside arbutin is the main active constituent in the plant and comprises 10% of the plant by weight. Hydroquinone, derived from arbutin and methylarbutin, is considered a potent anti-bacterial agent and is thought to be responsible for the plant’s therapeutic effect on the urinary system.

Cornsilk – an herb used traditionally by Chinese and Native American herbalists. It is now used in many parts of the world, such as Turkey, France, the United States, and many countries in Latin America. Its potential antioxidant and therapeutic applications as a diuretic agent have been reported in several journals. In general, cornsilk is used for urinary conditions.

Buchu – originally from South Africa, buchu is used in herbal medicine for urinary conditions. The leaves of buchu contain 1.0 – 3.5% volatile oils as well as flavonoids. The therapeutic actions on the urinary tract are thought to be due to the volatile oils.

Echinacea – added to this supplement to promote immune function, such as increased interferon activity, which protects the cells against viral attacks.

Ginger – studies have found that ginger may help support kidney protection and reduce damage caused by toxins or harmful substances.

Chanca Piedra – the name in Spanish means “stone breaker” or “shatter stone.” It was named for its effective use by generations of Indigenous peoples of the Amazon to promote the elimination of kidney stones and gallstones. Since the mid-1960s, it has been the subject of extensive phytochemical research aimed at identifying active constituents and assessing pharmacological activities. Many of the “active” constituents are attributed to biologically active lignans, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, ellagitannins, and phenylpropanoids found in the leaves, stem, and root of the plant.

Buckthorn – the bark has been used as a laxative in northern and central Europe for centuries. This herb is rich in anthraquinone glycosides, which promote a laxative effect by inducing increased muscular contraction (peristalsis) in the large intestine. Additionally, it increases water movement from colonic cells into the feces, resulting in soft, easy-to-pass stools.

Cascara Sagrada – Northern California Indians introduced cascara sagrada, which they called sacred bark. The bark is rich in hydroxyanthraquinone glycosides, known as cascarosides. Resins, tannins, and lipids make up the bulk of the other ingredients. Cascarosides are responsible for laxative effects by inducing increased muscular contraction in the large intestine, resulting in bowel movements.

Barberry – used for various types of conditions. Berberine, an alkaloid, receives the most research and the widest acclaim as the active component of barberry. This herb is thought to promote bile secretion and flow.

Lobelia – promotes antispasmodic effects (relieves spasms throughout the body), including in the intestines and ureters (passages from the kidneys to the bladder). The alkaloid lobeline is responsible for most of lobelia’s actions.

Cramp – the bark has a variety of traditional uses and is considered a kidney stimulant that may support urinary conditions associated with pain or spasms. It is used to promote increased urine flow.

Fennel – the seeds are primarily used in herbal medicine. The major constituent, anethol, a terpenoid, is found in the volatile oil. Anethol and other terpenoids promote the inhibition of spasms in smooth muscles. Fennel is also thought to have diuretic and choleretic effects (i.e., increased bile production) among other actions.

Horsetail – considered an important agent for promoting kidney and bladder health. It is rich in silicic acid and silicates, potassium, and manganese, as well as fifteen different types of flavonoids. The presence of these flavonoids, as well as saponins, is believed to promote its diuretic effect.

Wild Yam – has several applications in natural health therapeutic practices. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), wild yam is used for urinary tract conditions, including renal and electrolyte balance.