Natural Antibiotics for Kidney Infection

Kidney infections can be life-threatening and require prompt treatment from a qualified physician. Nevertheless, natural extracts of cranberry and oregano can help support your recovery from a kidney infection.

Types

• Oregano and cranberry are among the most popular natural antibiotics for kidney infections. Cranberry is most commonly administered as a juice or a concentrated capsule. Research has demonstrated that oregano oil--not oregano leaf--can effectively battle bacterial infections.

Function

• Oregano and cranberry function differently than conventional pharmaceutical antibiotics. The National Institutes of Health reports that cranberry extracts prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the urinary tract (including the kidneys). According to MedicalNewsToday.com, oregano oil effectively destroys the bacteria that cause infection.

Potential

• MedicalNewsToday.com notes that oregano oil shows promise as a treatment for infections caused by drug-resistent strains of bacteria like MRSA. Because of this, oregano oil is a useful complementary treatment for kidney infections caused by these resilient pathogens.

Considerations

• According to the National Institutes of Health, a 2009 review demonstrated that there is still little evidence to support cranberry's use in the treatment of active urinary tract infections, although it has value as a preventive treatment.

Warning

• Mayo Clinic warns that kidney infections can cause life-threatening complications. A kidney infection should not be treated using home remedies alone.