Pellitory Of The Wall
Botanical Description & Habitat
Parietaria diffusa, p. erecta, and p. officinalis
Family
Urticaceae
Habitat
England
Medicinal Parts
The dried aerial parts
Historical Properties & Uses
Pellitory-of-the-wall has two major uses is in England: as a diuretic and a demulcent. In Germany, a related species is used as a weak diuretic. It is seldom used alone, but is combined with any one or more, or numerous diuretics.
Method of Action
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes Pellitory-of-the-wall as diuretic and demulcent, for use in the treatment of dysuria with cystitis, pyelitis, edema of renal origin, oliguria, urinary gravel or vesical calculi, with specific indications for recurrent cystitis with urinary lithiasis. Combined with parsley piert and/or uva ursi, juniper berries and buchu.
Pellitory-of-the-wall contains bitters and tannic acid which account for the observed uses.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
Pellitory-of-the-wall has a duiretic action which increases the renal excretion of sodium and chloride, and may potentiate the hyperglycemic and hyperuremic effects of glucose elevating agents.
The effects of dopamine and diuretic agents are additive. Diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive drugs, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and norepinephrine.
Possible Interactions
In conjunction with diuretic ACTH or corticosteroids, this diuretic is more prone to produce hypokalemia. The use of diuretics may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic drugs.
The diuretic action of this herb may reduce renal clearance of lithium. An initial dose of captopril (an antihypertensive) may cause a severe drop in blood pressure within three hours if also using a strong diuretic. The topical application of this astringent herb in conjunction with the acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin A acid) may adversely affect the skin.
The tannin in this herb may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea. The tannin in a tea made from this herb may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
Comments
Prolonged use of this diuretic may affect certain lab test results such as electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium), BUN, uric acid, glucose, and pbi.
Strong diuretics such as this in conjunction with indomethacin may produce natriuretic effects.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Pellitory-of-the-wall is nontoxic in therapeutic doses.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
Use 1-5g of dried herb
Liquid Extract
Use 1-5ml of 1:1 in 25% alcohol
Tincture
Use 2-10ml of 1:5 in 45% alcohol
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially when it is taken with prescription drugs or other medications. This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
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