A urinary tract infection is a bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection in your kidneys, ureter, bladder or urethra, which together constitute your urinary tract. Escherichia coli bacteria and herpes simplex virus type 2 are common pathogens that may cause urinary tract infections. According to Mayo Clinic, these infections can occur when pathogens enter the urinary system from the gastrointestinal tract, or when sexually transmitted bacteria, viruses or fungi enter the urinary tract.
Sage and Li Zhi Cao
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an aromatic herb whose volatile oil acts as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Li zhi cao (Salvia plebeia), a member of the same genus as sage, is used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory herb. A study published in the April 2004 issue of Revista de Saude Publica found that sage volatile oil had 96 percent efficacy against Escherichia coli taken from patients with urinary tract infections. Another study, published in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that granules of Salvia plebeia inhibited the growth of several strains of bacteria and were an effective remedy for the pain, fever and inflammation of urinary tract infections.
Angelica
Angelica (Angelica lucida, A. dahurica) is a genus with over 60 medicinal plant species. In traditional Chinese medicine, angelica is an antibacterial and pain-reducing herb used to treat many disorders including bacterial infections and diseases of the urinary system. A study in the July 2009 issue of Molecules found that certain components of Angelica lucida called coumarins were effective against eight strains of bacteria, including the bacteria that cause many urinary tract infections. Angelica dahurica also contains antibacterial coumarins and pain-relieving agents. A study in the 2008 issue of the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that an extract of Angelica dahurica root relieves pain and has anti-inflammatory properties. Angelica can be toxic in high doses, so follow your practitioner's recommendations. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant.
Cranberries
Cranberry juice (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a folk remedy for urinary tract infections, but research now shows that there is some benefit to treating and preventing these infections with cranberry juice. A study published in the January 2008 issue of the Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews found that cranberry juice may reduce the number of urinary tract infections in women, who tend to get these infections more often than men. A German study published in the October 2009 issue of Der Urologe found that the active plant chemicals in cranberries, known as proanthocyanidins, block E. coli from adhering to the bladder wall. The researchers concluded that cranberries may benefit women who have recurrent urinary tract infections.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Urinary Tract Infection
- Revista de Saude Publica: Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils on Microorganisms Isolated From Urinary Tract Infection
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: The Pharmacological Activities of Compound Salvia Plebeia Granules on Treating Urinary Tract Infection
- Molecules: Coumarins from Angelica lucida L.--Antibacterial Activities
- American Journal of Chinese Medicine: Anti-nociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix
