Comfrey - Comfrey root is not available for internal use in the UK, because it contains chemicals called 'PAs'. These caused liver problems for a very small number of people in Europe, so it was banned for internal use. However, the leaf does not contain these chemicals - so you can drink lots of Comfrey Tea with official agreement. You should do this if you want to encourage healing in the gut, or anywhere else; if you have arthritis or rheumatism; if you want to settle the stomach. Comfrey is a fantastic herb - if in doubt, use it! As with many garden herbs, there are a number of varieties. The one used medicinally is Symphytum officinale.

Parsley - A great general aid for the kidneys. If you have kidney problems - consult a practitioner; but if you just want to give the kidneys a helping hand to keep them working well, regular Parsley Tea is a great idea. Use fresh Parsley if you have it; or dried is easily available. Tastes great!

Buchu - Has antiseptic properties - and it does smell a little like disinfectant - aniseed-like. Women with cystitis can find this tea very beneficial if they suffer from cystitis. Buchu offers an antiseptic tea which can be drunk, and which makes its way through the kidneys and bladder. You can find comination teas with Buchu as a main ingredient, which are perfect for this. Make a pint (half a litre) of tea with 2-4 teaspoons of the herbal mixture, and drink slowly throughout the day. This can also be used as a preventive. If in doubt - check with him. If you are still not happy - consult with a herbalist. Buchu is available as an ingredient in a number of helpful formulations for the kidneys and bladder. 

I think the smell of Buchu is lovely. For general kidney support, you only need to make it quite weak. If you have an infection and need stronger help, make the tea stronger. If you prefer to take less tea, by all means make it much stronger, and add a good chunk of honey (to preserve and also mask the taste). Keep in the fridge and gulp down a tablespoon or so 3 or 4 times a day. This will keeps for several days in the fridge.

Raspberry leaf - Has a long-standing reputation of assisting childbirth if taken frequently during pregnancy. I don't know of any proof... but it certainly won't do any harm. It will often assist periods, so take it if you have pre menstrual tension or other menstrual symptoms; or during menopause. Also used to make a tea to gargle with for sore throat (Thyme is useful for a sore throat gargle too. Or mix the two. Store the excess in the fridge and it will keep for a couple of days. Probably best to warm to room temperature before use.)

Combination Tea with both Raspberry Leaf and Motherwort: If you can find this combination it is great for period problems or for menopause. The phytoestrogens in it can often tip the balance and help the body to balance up the hormones thus reducing symptoms. It is well worth trying for a few months. Of course, if you can it is better to see an alternative practitioner for a full diagnosis, as well as your doctor to help eliminate any serious underlying causes.

Chickweed - This 'weed' may be growing wild just outside your house. Chickweed Tea is found to be good externally for many skin complaints. It will often reduce itching, and promote healing. It is often mentioned as helping weight loss - I am not sure of the mechanism here - but, again, if it replaces tea and coffee it's all to the good. It has a general benefit for the body, helping with rheumatism and arthritis.

[Next: Pau d'Arco tea for the Immune System...]

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