A healthy urethra, kidney, bladder and prostate are all essential for the proper functioning of the urinary system. However as one ages, the organs in the pelvic region become more susceptible to malfunctions for a myriad of reasons.

Some of these include yeast and other infections, cystitis and weak bladders. Contraceptives have also been fingered.

Additionally, some people are more susceptible to urinary tract infections than others due to age, temperament and other factors. Take me, for example: I am predisposed to having problems of the urinary system, for many reasons. The first, which I will not trouble you with here, has to do with numerology. Also, as a child growing up in Salt Spring I had to work very hard as I was the first of many children for my mother.

I would have to spend long hours working in the bush, many times under extreme conditions of heat and cold. However, through the use of herbs and a better understanding of how my body works, I learnt how to overcome my problems and I have also helped many others who experience problems

with bed-wetting, frequent urination and other problems.

By way of general advice, I recommend the practice of good hygiene for everyone as far as urinary health is concerned.

Supplements of zinc and Vitamin E are essential for the protection of the health of the urinary system. In fact everyone in their thirties needs to invest in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

Whenever I find myself urinating too frequently, I reap a bundle of stinging nettle (urtica dioca) from my garden and brew it for about five minutes to a ruby red colour.

One cup of tea from this plant cures the problem and there is no need to drink another cup for at least a week!

Horsetail grass tea, which strengthens the hair and nails, is also an effective herb in the maintenance of a healthy urinary system.

Diabetics who are experiencing problems with their urinary tract are advised to use uva ursi tea as this strengthens weak kidneys and brings the prostate back under control.

Bitterwood bark soaked in wine is also a powerful remedy, especially for men who suffer from a low sperm count.

Parsley breaks up gravel and cleanses the system as does purslane and ripe cucumber juice.

Nuts and grains of all kinds, especially pumpkin seeds are also very good for the urinary tract.

Last but by no means least, exercise regularly to maintain your health.

A few abdominal exercises will go a long way towards strengthening weak muscles of the pelvic region.

— Buckston Harrison is well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resides in Sheffield, Westmoreland.

Huber’s miraculous soursop juice

YOU will need to disable your taste buds using the miracle fruit first before sampling today’s recipe: Thomas ‘Bongo Tommy’ Huber is a Swiss national who migrated to Westmoreland’s Retrieve District 10 years ago. He is a naturalist who lives off the land and is deeply involved in an ongoing effort to create Jamaica’s next generation of exotic fruit trees.

Ingredients

1 Soursop

1 coconut

1 teaspoon cinnamon nutmeg powder

1 miracle fruit

Method

• Peel soursop, remove core and place in basin

• Add water from the coconut and wash out the juice

• Strain and bottle

• Add spice and chill

• Eat the miracle fruit and then have the juice

From the mailbox: Buckston and Huber’s Alternative is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, cure, prevention or treatment of disease. You may send your questions and comments to thealternative@ jamaicaobserver.com

Mr Harrison I enjoy reading you every Thursday, especially last Thursday. Did you know we are from the same place in Salt Spring? I left Jamaica a very long time ago and am now living in the USA. Could you please give me some natural herbs that I can use for high blood pressure and diabetes?

Marcia

Dear Marcia

I bet you are overweight. Stop eating those fortified American foods! Cut salt from your diet and eat organic and exercise daily. Cayenne pepper, Uva Ursi, Fennel tea and Gymnema will do you a world of good.

    — Buckston

Hi Buckston

I am a 25-year-old woman who has constant heartburn and a small ovarian cyst on my left side. My doctor gave me oral medication, one of which is an antibiotic which I refused to take as I did my usual research and was not pleased with the side effects and many reported deaths from that specific drug — Septra/Bactrim.

I’m really looking to find a herbal regime or cure that could help treat both issues, especially the ovarian cyst as I now have to be on contraceptives to help remove it, which I’m not happy about. What natural remedies would you suggest?

Reader

Dear Reader

Drink Red Raspberry tea and take Evening Primrose Oil. Top up on your iron and folic acid level. Drink Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh and Penny Royale. A good herbal book should provide further guidance.

— Buckston

Hi Buckston

I was recently diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the hips and was told to do surgery.

The thing is, there are no guarantees with the surgery as I could lose the ability to walk! I walk around in so much pain every day. Is there anything I can do?

Reader

Dear Reader

Include more muscilagenous herbs in your diet such as Slippery Elm, Horsetail Grass, Nettle, Vitamin A and Omega-3 from fish liver oil. A soak in our Milk River bath here in St Thomas would also do you a world of good, I believe.

— Buckston