KB-C (100 caps) or KBC

KB-C
Written By: Steven Horne

When we think of the characteristics of water, we can readily see that water is fluid, flexible, flowing and lubricating. So, when these qualities are lacking in the body, the Chinese would say that one is deficient in the water element (or energy). This lack of water energy would make a person stiff, brittle, rigid and dry.

KB-C is a Chinese formula that corrects this deficiency of water energy. It strengthens the organs associated with water in the body, the kidneys and bladder. In addition it also strengthens the bones. In Chinese medicine, the kidneys help “build the bones.” Although this may seem like a strange concept to Western minds, the kidneys also regulate the balance of mineral electrolytes and flush acid waste to help maintain pH balance, which maintains the health of the structural system. Acid pH contributes to a loss of bone density.

Fear is the emotion associated with the kidneys, and KB-C can also be helpful for a person who is fearful and timid and lacks “back bone.” It rejuvenates and strengthens the bones (especially the spine), kidneys, connective tissues and sexual organs. This leads to a healthier urogenital system and more energy and sexual vitality.

Years ago, I started referring to KB-C as the "herbal chiropractor" because it helps chiropractic adjustments to hold.  I regularly recommend it to people with back pain, along with drinking lots of water and eating a more alkalizing diet.  I've had people who suffered from chronic back pain tell me this completely cleared up their problem.

Other structural problems can also be improved with KB-C.  It can be helpful for arthritis, osteoporosis, weak knees and ankles and other structural issues.
KB-C may also be helpful (along with the tincture of nettle seed) for renal failure and chronic kidney diseases.  The protocol here is to drink plenty of water while taking the herbs and stay away from all caffeine, sodas, alcohol, red meat and other heavy protein foods, and eat mostly fresh fruits and vegetables.  This has been helpful in restoring some function to the kidneys in several people.
I've also used KB-C for people who suffer from chronic urinary tract infections.  It can even be helpful for prostate problems in men and for nightime urination. It may also be helpful for frequent urination due to an irritable bladder (especially when used with the herb pipssissewa) and for nephritis.  In fact, it is the best NSP formula for nephritis or any other inflammatory condition of the kidneys as combinations like Kidney Activator, Kidney Drainage and JP-X contain herbs that can be irritating to the kidneys when they are inflammed.

Here is a list of the ingredients in this formula:
Eucommia is the key herb in KB-C. It strengthens kidney energy. It has been used to treat backache, painful urination, impotence, muscular weakness and osteoporosis.
Cistanche supports eucommia by enhancing urinary flow. It has been used to treat impotence and frequent urination.

The following herbs support the structure-building properties of KB-C:
Rehmannia root is a bitter, astringent herb. It reduces inflammation and strengthens capillaries. It has been used to treat infertility.
Morinda aids in the regeneration of tissues. It has been used to treat arthritis, impotence, backache, joint aches and osteoporosis.
Drynaria strengthens connective tissue by strengthening capillaries. It has been used to treat arthritis, backache, joint pain, broken bones and osteoporosis.
Achyranthes increases the production of urine and relieves pain. It promotes menstruation. It has mucilaginous compounds that soothe inflamed tissue. It has been used to treat backache, muscle aches and painful urination.
Epimedium increases the flow of urine. It has been used for impotence, back pain and arthritis.
Hoelen is a bitter sedative that increases urine flow. Its energy is neutralizing. It has been used to treat swelling, insomnia, frequent urination and water retention.
Dipsacus is a bitter root that enhances the production of urine. It has been used to treat joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism, uterine bleeding and backache.
Lycium fruit promotes the regeneration of liver cells. It has been used to treat backache and impotence.
Dioscorea is an expectorant that also speeds healing. It has been used to treat nocturnal emission and frequent urination.
Ligustrum fruit relieves pain, tones the heart, increases the flow of urine and strengthens immunity. It has been used to treat lower back pain, urinary tract infection, colds and flu.
Cornus fruit promotes the flow of urine, shrinks swollen tissues, lowers blood pressure and increases immune response. It has been used to treat swollen tissues and urinary difficulty.
Dong quai relieves smooth muscle spasms (especially in the uterus), promotes menstrual flow, and reduces pain and inflammation. It has been used to treat female complaints, arthritis and headaches.
Panax ginseng is an energy tonic. It improves mental capabilities and physical stamina, stimulates the endocrine system and reproductive organs and extends life span. It is adaptogenic. It has been used to treat impotence, forgetfulness, fatigue and gynecological problems.
Astragalus has a slightly warm energy. It increases the flow of urine and the immune response. It has been used to treat fatigue, debility, urinary tract infections, edema, inflammation of the kidneys and night sweats.
Liguidambar is a bitter herb which promotes the movement of Chi (vital energy) and increases the flow of urine. It has been used to treat pain and stiffness of the lower back and knees.
Atractylodes is a general tonic and digestive aid. It has been used to treat loss of energy, bloating and arthritis.

Usage
To strengthen weak bones and kidneys take 2-3 capsules three times daily.

Also available as a TCM concentrate where the dose is 1 capsule, two to three times daily. [KB-C tcm}

Selected References
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble
An Illustrated Dictionary of Chinese Medicinal Herbs by Wee Yeow and Hsuan Keng
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen

Other comments by Mr. Steven Horne, RH(AHG)
KB-C is primarily a jing tonic that builds the kidney energy, promoting sexual vitality, endurance and bone and muscle health.
It can be helpful for broken bones, arthritis, backache, weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis), constipation, frequent urination (irritable bladder), chronic back problems, weak knees and ankles, kidney inflammation, kidney stones, prostate swelling, impotence, fatigue and insomnia due to waking up frequently to urinate.
KB-C contains three jing tonics: morinda, eucommia and epimedium. Eucommia has been used to treat backache, painful urination, impotence, muscular weakness and osteoporosis. Epimedium, more commonly known as horny goat weed in the west, has been used in TCM for problems like impotence, back pain and arthritis.
Other tonics in KB-C include dong quai and Korean ginseng.
Dose is 3 capsules with each meal.