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Preparations and dosages: Standard infusion of recent herb, 3 to 4 ounces, to 3x a day.
Hydrangea or Seven Barks
(Hydrangea arborescens)
Part(s) used: Root (traditional); whole fresh plant (my preference).
Therapeutic effects: An effective antispasmodic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory for the urinary tract, both for irritated bladder and urethra from a UTI and especially the pain of passing kidney stones. Similar to gravel root, but it can be used as a tonic for long periods of time to strengthen the mucous membranes.
Preparations and dosages: Root: Cold infusion or strong decoction, 3 to 6 ounces, frequently. Tincture, [fresh plant, 1:2; dry root, [1:5, 50% alcohol], 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in water, up to 4x a day.
Contraindications: None that I have observed. Although some writers seem to think it can be toxic, in my experience it is not.
Juniper Berries
(Juniperus communis)
Part(s) used: The berries (commercially available); the leaves (works fine but you need to gather them yourself).
Therapeutic effects: An aromatic disinfectant with mild but overrated diuretic effects. Milder agents usually work, but adding a bit of juniper to a formula where the UTI has been persistent and recurring will sometimes make it work.
Preparations and dosages: Berries: Tincture [1:5, 75% alcohol], 20 to 40 drops. Standard infusion of crushed berries, 2 to 3 ounces, to 3x a day. Leaves: Standard infusion, 2 to 4 ounces.
Contraindications: Renal disease, gastric inflammation,

 
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