David, Is hypericum perforatum contraindicated in kidney disease? My sister, who has been diagnosed with idiopathic glomerulonephritis has been having an awful time with edema. She is claiming that when she adds in a dropperful of hypericum at night in addition to Lasix, she sheds water. She can get her rings on in the morning. I asked why she added it in to begin with. It helps her sleep. I'm sitting here reading how people with CKD need to monitor their intake of potassium and magnesium to avoid overstressing the kidneys. I'm also reading that hypericum aids the eliminatory system, which is what she desperately needs. Do you have any insight as to the mechanism of action that may be in play here allowing her to shed water? Secondly, she has started taking hibiscus capsules, 1 per day at 1100 milligrams. Her blood pressure has really come down. What is the dosage for something like this, and would you recommend hibiscus at all in powdered form? She is thinking that if she increases the dosage, she can lower her blood pressure even more. The dosage on the bottle is saying one capsule per day. Thank you David:) Jami

David, I left out some information. She is a total outlier with this type of kidney disease. After getting ahold of her full biopsy report, and analysis by Mayo Clinic kidney specialists, it was determined that her kidneys are failing to clean out their own filters, which apparently, they are able to do. Many times, this type of kidney disease will go into spontaneous remission. Nobody knows why. Not a question really, just thought it was an interesting point. Jami

Is hypericum perforatum contraindicated in kidney disease? My sister, who has been diagnosed with idiopathic glomerulonephritis has been having an awful time with edema. She is claiming that when she adds in a dropperful of hypericum at night in addition to Lasix, she sheds water. She can get her rings on in the morning. I asked why she added it in to begin with. It helps her sleep. I’m sitting here reading how people with CKD need to monitor their intake of potassium and magnesium to avoid overstressing the kidneys. I’m also reading that hypericum aids the eliminatory system, which is what she desperately needs. Do you have any insight as to the mechanism of action that may be in play here allowing her to shed water? I have no idea, Hypericum is used for urinary irritation, but is not considered to be a diuretic, so why it helps her is a mystery. It is not CI for Kidney disease, but could be CI if she is taking certain medications. Secondly, she has started taking hibiscus capsules, 1 per day at 1100 milligrams. Her blood pressure has really come down. What is the dosage for something like this, and would you recommend hibiscus at all in powdered form? She is thinking that if she increases the dosage, she can lower her blood pressure even more. The dosage on the bottle is saying one capsule per day. Hibiscus contains a small amount of potassium so should be ok, while I do to know about your sisters case, assuming there are no signifiant issues that I do not know about, I would think 2 of the Hibiscus capsules per day (1 morning , 1 dinner time ) should be ok.

David, Thank you for your input:) I really am amazed and beyond grateful that I can actually ask you questions! Jami