Interesting about the batch of tea from the fridge. I ordered 2 batches from Present Moments at the end of May, and have kept them sealed tightly in the fridge, as well... Maybe I should have frozen them. I'm going to try some hydrangea and chanca capsules and see how I fare with those, after I try decreased amounts of the tea. There always manages to be more than one factor to investigate...

I have had the bad mood and tiredness with the tea, as well. I'd imagine those to be detox symptoms, but never fun either way.

I found these two articles to be largely confirming what I'm feeling is going on with my fluid retention & kidney congestion:

http://www.ener-chi.com/kidney-congestion-kidney-stones-and-fluid-retention-c...

http://www.earthscape.net/health_1.htm

Water intake being one of the greatest factors in helping the kidneys get up to speed again (in addition to dissolving the stones and debris), still appears to come with a catch though...

"Restoring proper hydration in the body should be done gradually, otherwise it could have harmful consequences! During severe dehydration, the body's cells are not able to function efficiently. To protect themselves against further loss of water, the cells make their membranes less penetrable to water diffusion by pulling in extra amounts of fats, including cholesterol. In this condition it would be unwise to suddenly start drinking large quantities of water. Since the cells have created a barrier in order to save water, they are in no position to absorb increased water all at once. The water would simply stagnate outside the cells and lead to water retention and weight gain.

The transition from a state of severe dehydration to improved hydration should be very gradual and is best monitored by a health practitioner who understands the basics of water metabolism."