Evidence supporting the use of: Turtle Head
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Turtle Head (Chelone glabra) is a plant traditionally used in North American herbal medicine. Its use to support the bladder body system is primarily rooted in traditional practices, particularly among Native American groups and early European settlers. Historically, Turtle Head has been prepared as a tea or tincture and was reputed to act as a mild laxative, cholagogue, and as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and liver function. Some traditional sources suggest its use for "cleansing" the urinary tract or as part of remedies for urinary discomfort, though these uses are not as well documented or as central as its roles in liver and digestive health.
There is minimal to no robust scientific evidence specifically validating Turtle Head's effects on the bladder or urinary system. The available ethnobotanical literature mentions its use for "internal cleansing" and as a general tonic, but does not provide detailed accounts or clinical trials focusing on bladder health. Modern herbal texts occasionally mention potential mild diuretic properties, but again, these references are based on tradition rather than empirical research. Thus, while Turtle Head has some historical association with supporting urinary health, the evidence base is weak and primarily anecdotal.
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Goldthread
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