Herbal Diuretic By Vinco's Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Horsetail, also known as equisetum, is a type of perennial herb that belongs to the Equisetaceae family. It is native to much of the Northern Hemisphere and has distinctive, jointed stems that resemble the tail of a horse, hence common name. Some species of horsetail are used medicinally and have been traditionally used to treat a range of ailments, including kidney and bladder problems, wounds, and hair loss. It is most commonly used in traditional medicine as an oral diuretic (i.e., water pill) for the treatment of edema. It is important to note that some species of horsetail (e.g., Equisetum palustre) may be toxic and should not be consumed. Additionally, some types of horsetail contain thiaminase, which can cause thiamine deficiency with prolonged use.

Buchu is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Barosma species and is native to South Africa. It contains small, fragrant leaves, which are known for their strong, distinctive aroma. The leaves of the buchu shrub are commonly processed into oil, extracts, and dried preparations, which are used for a variety of purposes, including as fragrances and flavoring for foods. Buchu is also used in traditional medicine for its purported diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is a plant species belonging to the Ericacea family, and is native to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is a low-growing shrub with small, white flowers and edible red berries. The leaves of the plant are often used in traditional medicine as they are thought to have various medicinal properties, such as astringent, diuretic, and antimicrobial effects. Medicinally, Uva ursi is most often used to treat urinary tract infections and other urinary problems, as well as skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It is also sometimes used to promote weight loss and as a natural remedy for kidney stones. In dietary supplements, Uva ursi is often standardized with a specific amount of Arbutin (usually around 20%), a constituent of the plant.

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a perennial herb with yellow flowers and serrated leaves, found in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Its dried above-ground parts and seeds are used in herbal preparations. These contain 4% to 10% condensed tannins like agrimoniin, ellagitannin, and gallotannin, as well as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins. Notably, luteolin-7-glucuronide is the major flavonoid. Agrimony provides vitamins C, thiamine, and K, along with other beneficial compounds. Agrimony has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to assist in treating bleeding, diabetes, sore throat, as well as cardiovascular, gallbladder, gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, and skin conditions.

Dandelion is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and is known for its distinctive, bright yellow flowers and puffy, white seed heads. Although considered a weed by many, it is considered valuable for a number of reasons as it can be used as food, in medicine, and to attract pollinators. Dandelion has a long history of use as a medicinal plant. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including liver and gallbladder problems, kidney disorders, skin conditions, and digestive issues. It is also purported to have a diuretic effect and dietary supplements containing dandelion often market it for being able to help reduce water retention.

Goldenrod is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, known for its bright yellow flowers. There are around 130 species of goldenrod, and they are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Some species of goldenrod have been used historically for medicinal purposes, but they are also essential for supporting pollinators and providing ornamental value in gardens.

Asparagus officinalis, commonly known as asparagus, is a perennial plant native to central and southern Europe, the Middle East, western Siberia, and northern Africa. It grows to heights of 30-150 cm and is widely cultivated as a vegetable. Asparagus has been part of the human diet for over 2000 years and possibly much longer. Its shoots or "spears," rhizome, root, and juice are used for food and medicine. Asparagus is a good source of fiber, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, as well as minerals like copper, iron, zinc, manganese, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. It contains flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, oligosaccharides, amino acids, carotenoids, sulfur compounds, steroidal saponins, sterols, and fructans. After ingestion, asparagus produces a distinctive odor in urine due to volatile organic components like asparagusic acid. Asparagus extracts have shown various effects in studies, including anti-allergy, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, diuretic, hepatic, hypotensive, immunostimulatory, and weight-modifying effects. However, some of its constituents, particularly saponins, can irritate mucous membranes and be cytotoxic.