About Grains/Urinary Tract Problems

Corky/Max · 09-09-2009

Dogs and cats did not evolve to eat grains... so why include grains in pet food?
Grains first appeared in pet foods about 70 years ago when consumers wanted the convenience of pet food in a bag and manufacturers wanted to reduce costs with inexpensive calories from grains. Although grains such as rice or wheat provide low-cost calories, their high carbohydrate content contributes to obesity, diabetes, kidney stones/struvite crystals, behaviour problems, allergies, skin/coat problems and a host of other health problems in cats and dogs.

There is a myth that high protein diets are harmful to kidneys. This probably started because, in the past, patients with kidney disease were commonly placed on low protein (and thus low nitrogen) diets. Science has since shown that for patients with kidney disease the concern is rather protein quality, not quantity. High quality protein is digestible and produces fewer nitrogen by-products.
Cats and dogs are simply not evolved to eat processed cereal grains. The relatively short gastrointestinal system of dogs lacks the enzymes needed to efficiently digest carbohydrates and is naturally evolved to metabolize a diet high in protein, which is why grain-free, reduced-carbohydrate diets based on human-grade meat, vegetables and fruits most closely matches the diet nature intended for your dog or cat.

Indeed, veterinarians are increasingly citing grains and carbohydrates as primary causes of health problems common to dogs and cats. In addition, as we all sadly know, the majority of pet food recalls over the past 10 years have been due to contaminated grain products: glutens, corn, wheat & rice.

And although it overlooks the most fundamental purpose of pet food (to provide nourishment) the “grain-and-carbohydrate” approach to pet nutrition is still widely practiced due to the lower cost, ready availability and long shelf life that grains provide. Unfortunately, dogs and cats suffer as a result of this. We believe that you should spend your money on your pet, not your vet.

What is ash? Should I be concerned about the ash content in pet food?
First of all, ash is the inorganic mineral portion of any substance. When referring to dog and cat food, "ash content" is the mineral matter, including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and copper. The ash analysis does not reveal the percentage of each mineral, therefore it does not tell much about the food.It also does not tell much about the food's contribution to urinary tract infections, such as Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS). The latest findings show that urinary tract trouble occurs when the urine becomes too alkaline. So, some commercial foods now add extra acid or reduce magnesium. There are side effects from use of these acid formulations or from insufficient magnesium, and all they do is cover up the problem instead of curing it.

If ash isn't the problem, then what is? How do I prevent urinary tract problems?
There is much proof that feeding an obligate carnivore primarily a grain-based dry diet can contribute more to a urinary stone problem than any other single factor. The long-term dehydration that occurs causes concentrated urine and places considerable strain on the kidneys. Feeding poor-quality food to pets (including those containing corn as a protein instead of meat) results in toxicity and an excessive elimination load on the lining of the urinary system.
By contrast, a diet of meat, bones, and organs contains a mineral content - or ash content - that is not synthetic or artificial. When a whole food substance is ingested, the animal has a very slim chance of developing a mineral imbalance. Taking in nutrients as they occur in their natural state or as a whole food source will prevent the animal from concentrating minerals or vitamins, thus causing health issues.

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Corky/Max · 09-09-2009

Understanding Urine Analysis

Foods made with grains (corn/wheat/rice etc) can cause alkaline urine in dogs and cats.
Magnesium reacts with alkaline urine to cause crystals.
Most “Prescription/dissolution/preventative” clinic diets take out the magnesium to prevent this reaction, even though magnesium is essential, especially for the nervous system.
Reducing magnesium may cause a host of other negative health issues.
It is far more important and beneficial to prevent alkaline urine by feeding a high protein/grain-free/low carbohydrate diet in order to minimize the risk of crystals.

Grain- based foods may also lead to kidney failure, which often cannot be detected until there is over 75% damage done.
Protein from muscle meat creates an optimal acid urine -Magnesium does not react in acid urine, thereby significantly reducing the risk of crystal formation.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that "prescription/low magnesium" diets are the solution, nor are they healthy. High protein/low carbohydrate/grain free foods are the optimum diet for dogs and cats with or without crystals, for both prevention of, and recovery from, crystals.

Urinary PH levels are optimized by avoiding grains, therefore preventing the risk of alkaline/magnesium reactions.
Grain-free/low carb diets also support healthy kidney function, amongst the many other health benefits of feeding a high protein diet to your pet.

Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections

Urinary Tract infections may result from stress and insufficient water intake but are most commonly caused by the bacteria, E. coli. There is a substance in cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and blueberries (Vaccinium myrtilus) that has been shown in a number of clinical trials to prevent the adhesion of E. coli to the bladder wall and Urethra. If the bacteria are unable to attach, they are washed out of the urinary tract during urination and an infection cannot develop. Increased water intake will assist in flushing out infections and can be achieved by feeding a canned food that can contain up to 78% moisture.

Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections are rarely food related and can be easily treated with prescribed antibiotics, homeopathics, and natural herbal antibiotics. (although not common, an undersized badder/urinary tract system, or deformity may also be the cause).

NOTE: Hydrangea-a flower essence, helps to naturally dissolve stones. A safe, natural alternative treatment, to be used in conjunction with a grain-free diet for pets. Available at Creature Comfort Pet Emporium-where your pet's health is our priority!

Pets with a compromised immune system as a result of poor diet, over-immunization, exposure to harmful chemicals/preservatives in commercial foods, excessive environmental stress (more common in outdoor pets), or a history of disease, may be more prone to suffering chronic infections as a result of their weakened immune system.

Kidney stones may also cause urinary infections –another possible side affect resulting from a grain-based/lower protein/high carb diet.

Struvite & Oxalate Crystals

For the simplest explanation, crystals are minerals and stones are composed of several crystals that can come in many shapes and sizes. These stones can become so numerous that they can fill the bladder in some cases, resulting in the need for surgical removal. There is also a chance that they can cause blockage, particularly in male dogs, which is very dangerous and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Symptoms
Common symptoms that occur with stones or crystals include straining to urinate, the ability to urinate only a few drops at a time, frequent urination, and blood in the urine, dribbling urine, loss of appetite, depression and occasional vomiting. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is important to get a veterinarian examination immediately. An examination should include a palpation of the bladder, urinalysis and culture.
A urinalysis will show if white and/or red blood cells are present. This will indicate infection. Even if the urinalysis is clear, a culture is necessary to determine if, for certain, an infection is present and to find the appropriate antibiotic treatment. This is very important, because if the wrong antibiotic is given, the infection can continue to reoccur. If crystals are seen in the urine or bladder stones are suspected from symptoms or feeling stones in the bladder, the pH value of the urine is helpful to determine the type of crystals or stones.
Determining the type of crystal or stone is important, as this is crucial to treatment modalities. Always seek a veterinarian’s examination and diagnosis for the correct type of crystal or stone and treatment. I will describe the two most common types of crystals and stones here, and then provide links for some of the less common varieties.
Struvites
These are also called ‘triple phosphate’(magnesium ammonium phosphate) and are the most commonly seen with urinary tract infections and most frequently seen in females. These type of crystals are seen in young dogs (under a year) or in middle aged or older dogs.
Breeds that have a tendency towards getting these types of crystals are Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzers, Pekingese, Basset Hounds, Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds. Struvites are almost always accompanied by bacteria that create a high alkaline pH. Always have the dog’s urine cultured for bacteria, even if none are apparent in a microscope upon microscopic inspection.
Not all bacteria will show on inspection, but a culture will reveal if any bacteria is present. Knowing which bacteria are present allows the veterinarian to prescribe the proper antibiotic to eliminate infection. It is also noted that many dogs can have struvites present in the urine and high urinary pH with no ill effects, so if a routine urinalysis shows a pH of 8.0 and a few struvite crystals, but your dog has no symptoms of any kind, there is no need to be concerned.
When the infection is treated by the correct antibiotic, cranberry juice Capsules (not cranberry juice) can be given to the dog. These help to stop bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall and help prevent future infections. Some people have had success keeping the urine acidic, which helps prevent these crystals from forming, by feeding acidic foods and avoiding alkaline foods. A raw, natural diet is high in acidic foods.
Because bladder infections lead to high alkaline urinary pH and struvite crystals, many people, including many vets, make the mistake of treating the problem by acidifying the diet. But that is confusing cause and effect. Alkaline pH and struvite crystals are not caused by a diet of alkaline foods; they are usually caused by bladder infections. Therefore, trying to make the urine more acidic will not get rid of the infection. Alkaline pH can also be normal, as pH can vary a great deal even in the same dog at different times of the day, and also by the way the urine was captured and handled before testing.
If your dog has struvite bladder stones, then acidifying the diet, along with treating the infection, can help dissolve the stones. Ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C), and distilled water can help with this. , Acidic foods include chicken, beef, eggs, fish, pork, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice (brown and white), beans, nuts and all seafood. See Canine Struvite Bladder Stones for more information on struvite bladder stones.
Calcium Oxalate
Calcium Oxalate crystals tend to affect more males than females. Common breed occurrences include Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Lhaso Apso, and Miniature Schnauzers. Calcium Oxalate crystals can also be found in a healthy dog, but are more prone to develop into stones in some dogs. The pH in dogs with these types of crystals is usually acidic or neutral. It is thought that some dogs that are more prone to these types of stones have an inherited weakness that prevents them from forming nephrocalein, which prevents calcium oxalate stone formation. While these stones are mostly treated by surgically removing them, there has been some success with reducing the oxalate rich foods in the diet and working to alkalize the urine pH.
Alkalizing foods include apples, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, millet, honey, alfalfa, non-distilled vinegar (organic apple cider vinegar), squash and most fruit and most vegetables.
High oxalate foods to avoid include beet greens, rhubarb, spinach, beets, raw endive, dandelion greens, okra, kale and sweet potatoes.

Lara's mom · 09-09-2009

If I removed all of that stuff from the girls food, I'd be looking at a pot with nothing but meat and carrots!!!

Corky/Max · 09-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

If I removed all of that stuff from the girls food, I'd be looking at a pot with nothing but meat and carrots!!!

I know what you mean---I don't like it either but both of my dogs have had too many crystals in their urine---esp. when I was feeding too much rice and wheat--Now I try to keep it to just oatmeal (which is the 'best' out of all the grains (If there is a best!) and a little wheat because of some home-made dog cookies/biscuits) They get oatmeal for breakfast about 4 meals a week. Other breakfast meals will include eggs, cottage cheese, salmon/or mackerel, bits of meat, yogurt, etc. Trying to stay away from grains is hard---Main reason I feed so many veggies!

Lol, Lora's Mom, I knew this article was going to get you! Sorry! Have to take some of these things with a 'GRAIN' of salt I guess and do what you can--Things in moderation--But if a person is having these kind of problems with their dog---Best to be informed and try to correct the problem and keep the dog healthy as you can. Dogs are individuals too--may have more of an effect on some than others! Info to be aware of is what it is!

Came back to say---Knowing your dog's Ph Balance is the key as to knowing which kind of veggies to feed or not feed. And if there are a lot of crystals in the urine--Then prob. time to cut down on the grains too.

Corky/Max · 09-09-2009

Does Your Pet Have Kidney Or Bladder Stones??

More and more dogs (and cats) are being diagnosed with bladder or kidney stones. What many of us do not yet understand is that diets high in grains and vegetables (YES, vegetables!) produce alkaline urine, which allows certain stones to form. Magnesium reacts with alkaline urine to cause crystals to be formed.

Be Warned!
Most “Prescription/dissolution/preventative” veterinary clinic diets take out the magnesium to "prevent" this reaction, even though magnesium is essential, especially for the nervous system. Reducing magnesium may cause a host of other negative health issues.

It is far more important and beneficial to prevent alkaline urine by feeding a high protein/grain-free/low carbohydrate (very little to NO veggies) diet in order to minimize the risk of crystals.

It has also been found that grain- based foods may also lead to kidney failure, which often cannot be detected until there is over 75% damage done.

Protein from muscle meat creates an optimal acid urine. Magnesium does not react in acid urine, thereby significantly reducing the risk of crystal formation. PLEASE, don’t be fooled into thinking that "prescription/low magnesium" diets are the solution, they are NOT healthy. High protein/low carbohydrate/grain free foods are the optimum diet for dogs and cats with or without crystals, for both prevention of, and recovery from, crystals.

Urinary PH levels are optimized by avoiding grains and most vegetables, (our dogs and cats are carnivores, they were not designed to eat grains and vegetables nor can they properly digest and utilize them) therefore preventing the risk of alkaline/magnesium reactions.

Grain-free/low carb diets will also support healthy kidney function, along with the many other health benefits of feeding a high protein diet to your pet.

Types of Stones

Struvite stones (Magnesium ammonium phosphate( are the most common type. Experimental and clinical studies have provided convincing evidence that the vast majority of Struvite stones occur following infection of the urinary tract with urease producing bacteria (especially staphylococci.) This infection results in the urine becoming more alkaline. Mineral crystals are less soluble in the alkaline environment and tend to clump together, forming stones. Studies at the University of Minnesota revealed that Struvite stones can form within 2 to 8 weeks following an infection. Some have been detected in puppies as young as 5 weeks.

As the stones form, they can lead to irritation of the urinary tract, making bacterial infection more difficult to treat. A vicious cycle begins. Untreated, bladder stones can lead to blockage of the urethra (particularly in male dogs) serious illness and death. This is a medical emergency.

Bladder stones are often a chronic problem in both dogs and cats. It is an accumulation of magnesium amonium phosphate in their uninary tracts. This mineral compound is the cause of bladder disease and urethral obstructions in cats and dogs. Approximately 2% of the American cat population is affected. This same mineral is also often found as bladder stones in dogs. The symptoms can vary from slight to severe. Its presence is characterized by frequent urination of small amounts of urine to complete cessation of urine flow. The lack of urine flow can initiate dehydration, acidosis, and uremic poisoning ultimately leading to death. Sometimes there is blood in the urine.

There is a general consensus among the veterinary profession that the cause of the accumulation of magnesium ammonium phosphate in cats is diet (i.e. consuming the mineral compound). Cat food manufacturers report the amount of this mineral as the "ash content" on their labels. In the late 1980's, researchers at the University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine tested cats' ability to dispel the "ash" by feeding two magnesium compounds, magnesium chloride (an acid) and magnesium oxide (an alkali), to two groups of cats. Those cats fed the alkaline magnesium developed magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals. Those fed the acid form did not develop the crystals. In fact, some crystals dissolved in the acid form of the compound. The conclusion is that the pH of the urine influences the formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals in cats and stones in dogs.

Some cat food manufactures have increased the acidity of their products to prevent the formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals. As previously noted, only 2% of the American cat population has this urinary problem and feeding an acidic diet to the other 98% can cause the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which is just as catastrophic. Only those cats affected should be targeted for treatment and prevention. As many pet owners know, the treatment of obstructive urinary tract disease is extensive and expensive to the pet owner. Therapeutically, ammonium chloride and methionine have been administered orally as urinary acidifiers but one must use caution with their long term use do to their potential toxic effects.

In a healthy dog the urinary tract has natural defense mechanisms to resist such infections. While these defenses may be altered as a result of trauma, there is strong evidence that some dogs have inherited abnormal defense mechanisms, allowing bacterial colonization to occur. This is especially suspicious in dogs with a chronic history of urinary tract infections.

Determining the type of crystal or stone is important, as this knowledge is crucial as to which treatment modalities will work best. Always seek a veterinarian's examination and diagnosis for the correct type of crystal or stone before beginning any treatment.

If your dog has struvite bladder stones, then acidifying the diet, along with treating the infection, can help dissolve the stones. Ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C), and distilled water can help with this. Acidic foods include chicken, beef, eggs, fish, pork, cottage cheese, yogurt (be careful with the dairy products though as dogs and cats have problems digesting casine and lactose) and all seafood, Cranberry Extract, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey (the honey pushes things in a more basic direction, apple cider vinegar to more acid, and a combination will allow the body to find its own balance ).

If your dog has been diagnosed with Oxalate crystals, know that there has been some success with reducing the oxalate rich foods in the diet for a period of time and working to alkalize the urine pH. Alkalizing foods acceptable for healing in our carnivorous pets include ripe apples, bananas, pumpkin, raw honey, alfalfa sprouts and non-distilled vinegar (organic apple cider vinegar).

Note: If you choose to feed the fruits referred to above, make sure they are pulverized in a blender or food processor as dogs (and cats) lack the enzymes to break down these foods for the nutritional benefits and note that they should not be made a part of the pet's forever diet, only use during treatment.

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Corky/Max · 09-09-2009

Tips in Treatment
Keep fresh water available for the dog at all times, and encourage consumption of water. Keeping the kidneys and bladder flushed out is of paramount importance to help prevent crystals and stone formation. Water consumption is very, very important!

Try and feed moist diets, such as fresh, raw meat or broths. If you must feed a processed food, try to stay clear of dry kibble. Especailly for cats, use canned diets with no grains or vegetables added and add extra water to foods served.

Do not keep your dog confined, but allow access for urination at all times or as frequently as possible. Holding the urine can cause concentrations that encourage crystal and stone formation.

Distilled water may be helpful in averting some cases of stone and crystal formation. Be sure to check your own water supply for minerals if possible, especially if you have hard water in your area.

Giving a B vitamin supplement may be helpful and has been indicated in use for humans with these problems.
See our supplement recommendations below

There is also some question that high calcium, rather than causing stones, may in reality help dissolve them. This is also true of vitamin C

The administering of a botanical vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry extract), in tablet, capsule or powder form has been known to attain the necessary acid pH to dissolve and prevent the formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals and bladder stones. Your Animal's Health Vol 4 Wendell O. Belfield DVM.

Cranberry Extract has proven by many to be what they call the "magic bullet" needed to treat, prevent, and control the formation of struvite crystals in cats and bladder stones in dogs. This Cranberry and its extract or concentrated form in products is toxic free and will dissolve struvite crystals sometimes within a few hours.

Not until 1984 did dr. Anthony Sobota and his staff succeed in showing that cranberry extract works by preventing the rod-shaped bacteria fron sticking to mucosa of the urinary tracts. In this way they were flushed out with the urine.

Cranberry contains - among other things - the sugar substance D-mannose which has the special ability of being able to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the mucosal wall without harming the friendly-minded bacteria. They also contain the substance arbutin which is effective against certain bacteria and fungi, among others the Candida fungus.

If your dog is already affected with stones too large to be disolved naturally with time, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove these larger stones. Cranberry Extract can then be administered as a safeguard against the return of the stones. As in the cat, crystals can be detected on routine urinalysis in the dog and a preventive protocol with Cranberry extract will prevent the formation of larger stones.

How does it work?

Cranberries and cranberry juice have been proven effective for treatment of urinary tract infections in humans (e.g. cystitis)and bladder stones in animals in a number of clinical trials. Researchers used to believe the action of cranberry juice is due to acidifying the urine and the antibacterial effects of a cranberry component, hippuric acid however, in recent studies, it has been shown that components in cranberry juice reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra. In order for bacteria to infect, they must first adhere to the mucosa. Thus, taking cranberry products, the causative bacteria are flushed, preventing their colonization of the urinary tract. The more the patients drinks liquid or takes the extract of concentrated juice, the more effectively the bacteria are flushed out from the urinary bladder.

While cranberry juice/extract is indicated as an effective treatment for urinary tract infections in pets, most cranberry juices on the market contain one-third cranberry juice mixed with water and sugar (or other juices). Since sugar has such a detrimental effect on the immune system, sweetened cranberry juice cannot be recommended. For obvious reasons that most dogs (or cats) do not normally drink juice, patient compliance may be very poor. Giving unsweetened cranberry juice may be even less appealing to the pet. Therefore, Cranberry Extract (Capsules, tablets or powder) give your dog (or cat) the benefits of cranberry juice in easy to swallow forms, without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Cranberry supplements can provide you with an exact, pharmacologically effective daily dose with natural biologically active substances against urinary tract bacterial infections. Cranberry extract is high in natural vitamin C and other natural antioxidants (proanthocyanidines) and tannins that keep bacteria (E. coli) from clinging to the walls of the urinary bladder and the urinary tract.

Cranberry is used to prevent kidney stones and “bladder gravel” as well as to remove toxins from the blood. Cranberry has long been recommended for pets and persons with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cranberry prevents E. coli, the most common cause of UTIs and recurrent UTIs, from adhering to the cells lining the wall of the bladder. Cranberry's antiadherence action renders the bacteria harmless in the urinary tract. Cranberry has been shown to reduce bacteria levels in the urinary bladders of older women, which may help to prevent future infections. Cranberry can help people with urostomies and enterocystoplasties to keep them clear of mucus buildup.

The Whole Dog is proud to carry Cranberry extract products.
To view or order Cranberry Extract Click Here
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Corky/Max · 09-09-2009

Herbs For Stones and Urinary Tract

The following herbs, either used alone or in combination will work to synergisticly soothe, lubricate, strengthen and protect urinary tract tissues of dogs and cats; as well as aid in disloving the stones and work as natural antibiotics.

Couchgrass, Hydrangea Root, Uva Ursi, Golden Seal, Echinacea purpurea root, Dandelion, Marshmallow, and Horsetail.

Couchgrass: considered a diuretic demulcent. Much used in cystitis and the treatment of catarrhal diseases of the bladder, Couchgrass palliates irritation of the urinary passages and gives relief in cases of gravel. Couchgrass is also called Dog Grass because dogs will eat it as an emetic when they are sick. The plant is a native of Europe, Asia and North America.

Hydrangea Root- Kidney support, urinary diuretic, eliminates swelling and fluid retention, increases the flow of urine. Will dissolve/remove bladder/struvite & kidney stones and relieve the pain they cause Relieves pain caused by formations from the kidneys, alleviates backache due to kidney distress. Hydrangea contains chromium, manganese and silicon, and its solvent properties nutritionally support the urinary system. In herbology, will increase the flow of urine and help remove bladder stones

Goldenseal root has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. Goldenseal is used in many combination formulas and is reported to enhance the potency of other herbs. Preparations have been marketed for the treatment of menstrual disorders, urinary infections, rheumatic and muscular pain and as an antispasmodic. The active ingredients in Goldenseal are the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine. Similar in action, they destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections.

Uva ursi - is able to dissolve kidney stones, healing to the genitourinary organs, treats bladder infections

Echinacea: used to increase general immune system function and to treat vaginal candidiasis.

Dandelion: Diuretic, tonic and slightly aperient. It is a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders.

Marshmallow: used to soothe and protect inflamed mucous membranes and other tissues. Marshmallow also contains rich stores of various vitamins and minerals, including key immune-system boosters such as vitamins A and C.

Horsetail:the most notable use for horsetail is as a mild diuretic ("water pill") to increase urination and lessen swelling, and as a remedy for various bladder and kidney problems (including kidney stones and bladder infections).

An herbal tincture composed of a combination of these herbs is frequently used as a remedy in the treatment of various forms of urinary tract inflammations and aiding in the disolving of crystals is Tinkle Tonic To learn more or to order this product, Click Here

Another herbal tincture found to be very benifical in the treatment of crystals and kidney/bladder ailments is:K&B™

This tincture formulated by Young Living contains herbs that have been studied for their effects in supporting the kidneys and bladder.* Ingredients: Contains extracts of juniper berries, parsley, uva ursi, dandelion root, German chamomile, royal jelly, and the essential oils of clove (Syzygium aromaticum), juniper (Juniperus osteosperma and J. scopulorum), sage (Salvia officinalis), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

For more information or to order K&B™, Go Here and then click on "Herbal Tinctures".

Alma Hutchens, in Indian Herbology of North America, says it is "an old and admirable remedy for gravel [the old-fashioned name for stones]

In another old and trusted herbal volume, Back to Eden, Kloss wrote that hydrangea is "an old remedy. . . .will remove . . .stones and will remove the pains caused by the stones, brick and dust in the bladder."

In one of the first volumes written by a medical doctor for physicians wishing to study herbs, Dr. Edward Shook wrote a great deal about hydrangea. In short, he wrote: "So far as we know, this herb is the most powerful solvent of stone and calculous deposits, not only in the renal [kidney] organs, but in every part of the organism, wherever they may be located.

In more modern times, noted Israeli herbalist, Juliette de Bairacli Levy wrote that hydrangea is used for "all bladder and kidney disorders, including stones, inflammation, backache from kidney trouble."