(NaturalNews) If you struggle with kidney stones, or feel your liver could use a tune-up, a small Amazonian berry offers a powerful solution. A popular herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a favorite of naturopaths worldwide, Phyllanthyus niruri (chanca piedra or "shatter stone" in Spanish) is known for supporting kidney, bladder, liver and gallbladder health. The berry also demonstrates significant antioxidant properties, lowers blood pressure, balances blood sugar and is effective in treating over 90 different issues. Needless to say, this versatile herb may seem like a miracle when health is less than perfect.

A painless answer to kidney and gallbladder stones

Revered throughout Central and South America, chanca piedra can be a godsend for those contending with stones in the kidney or gallbladder. Repeatedly found to inhibit, and even dissolve, calcium oxalate crystals (the main component of kidney stones), the berry helps individuals sidestep the painful - and sometimes dangerous - experience of passing large stones. It also reduces spasmodic activity in the kidneys, bladder and ureter, which further assists in smoothly expelling stones from the system. The ancient medical system of Ayurveda also recognizes the herb as a premiere remedy for discouraging stone formation. And Traditional Chinese Medicine uses the berry to address liver complaints.

Modern science acknowledges the kidney and liver perks of the herb as well. According to the Global Healing Center, a 2002 study found that chanca piedra increases the secretion of bile in the liver, thereby boosting digestion and reducing the risk of gallstones. Moreover, researchers at The Department of Chemistry at Bose Institute in India discovered that the herb protects the liver against oxidative stress associated with acetaminophen toxicity.

Other uses

Not only is chanca piedra effective in supporting the liver and kidneys, but it also possesses a wide array of healing attributes. Ethnobotanist James A. Duke, PhD, author of Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of Latin America, affirms that the herb is beneficial for following conditions:

• Acne
• Cancer (abdomen, colon, liver)
• Diabetes
• Flu
• Fungus
• Herpes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Infertility
• Leukemia
• Malaria
• Parasites
• Tuberculosis
• Ulcers
• UTIs [urinary tract infections]

"No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages," states Dr. Duke, although cardiac and diabetic patients, along with those who are pregnant, are advised to seek a qualified practitioner before use.

Sources for this article include:

http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/20185303.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21176271

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10921385

Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of Latin America, James A. Duke, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 2009, pp.534-535

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