Herbal Treatments for UTIs
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Urinary Tract Infections
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Urinary tract infections begin in the urinary system, which contains the bladder. urethra, ureters and kidneys. A bacterial infection can develop anywhere in the urinary system, but most infections usually begin in the urethra or bladder. An infection in the urethra is called urethritis, while a bladder infection is referred to as cystitis. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, there can be serious complications.
These types of infections are more prevalent in women. The National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease reports that one out of five women will have a urinary tract infection during her lifetime.
The symptoms of an UTI can include frequent and urgent need to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, and cloudy or reddish urine. Some symptoms of a kidney infection are fever and back pain. Doctors treat UTIs by prescribing antibiotics. However, some herbal treatments for UTIs may be alternatives to these anti-bacterial drugs.
Goldenseal/ Oregon Grape
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Goldenseal root is a popular herbal remedy used for many ailments such as skin problems, mouth sores, urinary tract infections and athlete's foot. It is a plant native to North American, which Native Americans used as a dye and for health problems. Goldenseal root contains the compound berberine, which has antimicrobial, antibiotic and antiseptic properties. For this reason, it is believed that it might be useful for bladder infection. Nonetheless, there is no direct evidence that supports the use of goldenseal for this ailment.
Oregon grape is a shrub that thrives in the northwest of the U.S. Traditionally, the root and berries were utilized medicinally for arthritis and diarrhea. Since Oregon grape also contains the alkaloid berberine, it is thought that it also might be a treatment for a UTI infection. Berberine seems to stop bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract, which can aid in the prevention of infections. However, the herb has not been studied for this particular purpose.
Uva Ursi
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Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is a plant that is popularly used in the U.S. and Europe. Mainly recommended for urinary tract infections, the extract of uva ursi leaves contains the chemical compound arbutin, which has antiseptic properties. In Germany, it is approved for the treatment of bladder infections.
Nevertheless, there are safety concerns about this herb. Since arbutin breaks down in the intestines and hydrolyzes into hydroquinone, a chemical that can damage the liver, uva ursi extract is not recommended for long-term use. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and individuals suffering from liver disorders should not take this herb. Some side effects associated with uva ursi are diarrhea, nausea, tinnitus and tachycardia.
Other Herbal Treatments
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Some herbalists recommend drinking nettle, yarrow or parsley tea for this bothersome condition. To make a tea from any of these herbs, steep them in boiling water, strain and drink (see the Resource section). In traditional herbal medicine, some other herbs utilized to treat UTIs are dandelion, horsetail and echinacea.
Although not considered an herbal treatment, holistic practitioners often recommend cranberry juice as a natural remedy for bladder infections. According to the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, researchers report that cranberry may help prevent UTIs in women, but additional studies are necessary to make a strong recommendation for this particular use.
Consideration
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While many herbal treatments may be useful for some UTIs, they should not be used as substitutes for antibiotics if bladder infections are acute or severe. Before using any herbal treatment for a urinary tract infection, speak with your doctor. Likewise, you should know about the potential side effects or risks associated with these herbal remedies.
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