Cranberries and cranberry juice have a reputation as foods that can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI). For example, a 2007 study in the journal "Phytomedicine" found that cranberry extract prevented UTIs in women who previously had repeated infections. Other herbs may have beneficial effects on the bladder, as well. However, research results are either inconsistent or incomplete, and you should speak with your doctor before using any of these as substitutes for medication, because some may be harmful in certain circumstances.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) is traditionally considered beneficial as a treatment for bladder infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center stated that it was the main treatment for urinary infections previous to antibiotics. However, no studies exist that definitively prove that uva ursi stops bladder infections. Uva ursi is available dried in capsules or as a tea. Uva ursi can also cause liver problems or other toxic actions, and avoid using it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have kidney disease.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was previously used by Native Americans as medicine for digestive and skin problems. UMM states that one of its current uses is as an herbal urinary tract infection treatment, but it has not been well-investigated clinically, and nothing conclusive regarding goldenseal as a whole has emerged from research. Creighton University Medical Center notes that berberine, a substance in goldenseal, might have antibacterial properties, and may "concentrate in the bladder," thus preventing E. coli from attaching to the interior of the bladder and possibly preventing infection. UMM lists several forms of goldenseal. It's available as a powder, both loose and in capsules; tablet; liquid extract; and as what UMM calls a glycerite, or an extract that has a low alcohol content. You'll also find it in many echinacea products. Because there are so many ways to take goldenseal, speak with your doctor first to ensure you're taking it properly.
Barberry
Barberry (Berberis spp.) also contains berberine and may offer benefits to treating urinary tract infections. Early but unconfirmed research shows some species may have preliminary antibiotic properties. UMM says barberry is used as a treatment for inflamed and infected bladders, but research involving barberry specifically as a bladder treatment is lacking. Colorado State University reported in 2000, however, that an extract from Berberis fremontii displayed antibiotic tendencies with otherwise antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. One of the researchers, Frank Stermitz, noted that the antibiotic effect was most likely due to berberine, but also that a combination of berberine and another barberry compound, methoxyhydnocarpin, inhibited the bacteria's ability to purge itself of berberine. Barberry is available as an ointment, liquid extract, tincture and dried root, and also in capsule form. Again, see your doctor first before taking this, to ensure you're using the correct form for your particular problem.
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