"M" Herbals

The most active constituent in Manzanita is called arbutin. This chemical constituent must be taken with others in the plant.. as a whole plant form, so that it can be absorbed as a complex (whole) into the bloodstream, where it is broken down into a series of chemicals.. hydroquinone, glucuronide, and hydroquinone sulphate. These new compounds, which are excreted in the urine are antibacterial, antisceptic, and antimicrobial.

To help neutralize acids which are already in the urine... (if the pH is too low )... it is appropriate to alkalize the urine with 1 teaspoonful of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a cup of water. It would also be good to avoid coffee, which has oils that may irritate the mucus membrane of the urinary tract (which you're trying to heal). Manzanita is quite astringent, having as much as 7% tanic acid by weight in the dried leaf. This means that it has a limited window of useage and benefit before it tends to become irritating itself... usually 3 to 5 days.

Preparation/Dosage

Take 1 teaspoonful of the extract, (Strength 1:5, with a50% alcohol content.) up to 3 times per day in a glass of water.

or

Either a cold infusion (best) or a very strong infusion of the leaves, (left to steep longer than usual).

Drink 1 cup three times per day for 3-5 days. When using this tea, either do not sweeten it, or else use a non-fermentable sugar substitute (Stevia is best). Sweeteners encourage the growth of bacteria within the urethra, and they in turn, damage the mucous membrane lining of the urethra, causing scar tissue to form.

In either case, for making the tea, use approximately 1/4 ounce of the herb with three cups of water.(or approximately 2 tsp per cup) Try to take the tea before meals, unless found to irritate the stomach... and it is advisable to drink plenty of water between doses, in order to facilitate the flushing action of the urinary tract.

For more soothing qualities,Manzanita can be combined well with cornsilk, or any of the Mallow family, such as Marshmallow root or Scarlett globe mallow. If, after some time manzanita isn't accepted well by the body, or has no effect on the condition, other herbs which may be of use are: Yerba Mansa root, (Anemopsis), or Arizona Cypress leaf. .