Herbs for Urinary Health

The urinary system is one of the prime vehicles that the body uses to filter out and dispose of toxic substances. When the urinary system becomes unhealthy, a variety of conditions can manifest---from urinary tract infections to kidney stones. Fortunately, herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat urinary disorders and keep the system in optimal health. The interest in herbs for the urinary system has grown in the scientific community and many studies now validate the beneficial effect of various herbs on the urinary system.

Function

• According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), urinary tract infections are the second most common infection of the human body. The kidneys, urethra, bladder, and ureters are all considered parts of the urinary system, and infection or dysfunction in any one can affect the whole system profoundly and sometimes painfully. Herbs used to treat urinary disorders are usually highly antimicrobial as well as diuretic, meaning they promote urination and help flush out the urinary system.

Uva Ursi

• Uva ursi, or bearberry is a common low-growing plant that has been used for ages in Europe and among Native Americans to treat urinary disorders. According to an article published in the "Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences" in September 2006, researchers tested 11 different compounds isolated from two species of uva ursi. They found that both extracts possessed antibacterial as well as antifungal properties.

Golden Rod

• Golden rod is a bright yellow plant with hundreds of subspecies that can be found all across North America and has a great reputation as a supreme kidney and urinary tract tonic. A study published in the "African Journal of Biotechnology" in January 2009 found that golden rod was an active against several different bacteria, including E. coli, which is the prime culprit in urinary tract infections according to NKUDIC.

Pipsissewa

• Pipsissewa is a flowering herb that has a a long and legendary use among Native Americans as a kidney-healing medicine---and this use was picked up by early pioneers. A study in the journal "Phytochemistry" published in February 2008 found that Pipsissewa contains profound antifungal properties and antioxidant compounds and may be able to assist in repairing damaged cell walls.

Warning

• Some kidney and urinary tract disorders can be quite painful and damaging if left untreated and should be brought to medical attention immediately. Using herbal medicine to treat serious medical conditions should only be attempted under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.