Urinary tract infections, UTIs, are particularly common infections, especially among women, with an estimated 50 million occurring in the United States each year. UTIs also have a high incidence of recurrence, with some women routinely getting several UTIs a year. Although UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, the prevention of UTIs by milder means is generally considered a healthier alternative.
Infection
Urinary tract infections are most often caused by pathogenic strains of the bacteria Escherichia coli, more often referred to as E. coli. In a classic, uncomplicated UTI, bacteria attach themselves to the walls of the urethra and then proliferate, causing acute burning sensations that increase during urination. Women are far more likely to contract UTIs than men, probably because the shorter, wider urethra of women provides easier access to the motile bacteria. Simple UTIs are generally acquired by contamination from E. coli that had been present in the patient's gut, whereas recurring UTIs are more often a reemergence of bacteria which had resisted eradication after the previous UTI by hiding in folds in the urethral wall.
Treatment
The usual treatment for UTIs is a short, powerful course of antibiotics, such as ampicilin or ciproflaxin. In most cases this is sufficient to eliminate the bacteria; however, strains of E. coli resistant to specific antibiotics can be acquired, or can develop after prolonged or frequent use of antibiotics. This is especially common in patients with recurring UTIs. Women who are susceptible to recurring urinary tract infections are therefore encouraged to try alternative means to prevent the recurrence of the infection. Fortunately, there are several herbs that have demonstrated a positive effect on UTIs.
Herbs: Cranberry
Cranberry juice is justly famous as a preventative measure against urinary tract infections, especially reccurrent UTIs. It seems that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries prevent pathogenic bacteria from sticking to the cell walls where UTIs generally take place. Cranberries should not be taken by those with kidney stones without first consulting a health care practitioner, as symptoms may worsen. Both cranberry juice and tablets made from cranberries are effective, but make sure you are drinking unsweetened cranberry juice, and regular cranberry juice, not the "white" cranberry juice made from immature berries. If the taste of cranberry juice is too tart for you, feel free to take tablets or dilute the juice with other unsweetened fruit juices.
Herbs: Uva Ursi
This relative of the cranberry contains hydroquinone, an antibiotic, as well as corilagin, which increases the effectiveness of antibiotics. Like cranberries, it is particularly effective on UTIs. However, hydroquinone can be damaging to your cells when taken in large amounts, so take only small amounts, or limit the amount taken to the very beginning of a UTI. It is generally sold in pill form and marketed as a diuretic, although there is no evidence that it is actually effective as such. Pregnant and nursing mothers should not take uva ursi.
Herbs: Buchu
Buchu is an herb that has strong diuretic and antiseptic properties. As such, it is effective against infections of the urinary tract and bladder. The leaves of buchu contain the chemical compound diosphenol, which is responsible for its diuretic and antiseptic qualities. Buchu is usually taken in capsule or tablet form. Because it is a strong diuretic, individuals on buchu should be sure to remain hydrated and increase their potassium intake, because increased urination can deplete the body of potassium. Pregnant and nursing mothers should not take buchu.
References
- "The Complete Medicinal Herbal"; Penelope Ody; 1993
- "Herbs Demystified"; Holly Phaneuf; 2005
- "Medical Microbiology"; David Greenwood, Richard Slack, John Peutherer and Michael Barer, eds.; 2007
