Your urinary system is made up of the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. A number of conditions can negatively impact the proper functioning of the bladder, according to the National Institutes of Health. Two common examples are urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, and bladder infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports that women are 10 times more likely to contract a bladder infection than men. Bacteria causes bladder infections, but there are several herbs that may guard against these and other bladder problems and promote bladder health.
Please consult your physician before attempting herbal remedies at home.
Cranberry
Cranberry juice or tablets may help guard against urinary tract infections, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cranberry seems to work by preventing bacteria from sticking to cells that line the bladder.
A study led by Dr. R.G. Jepson with the Department of General Practice, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK, found cranberry may help prevent urinary tract infections in women. The findings were published in January 2005 in "The Journal of Urology."
Green Tea
Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have used green tea to encourage the excretion of urine and to prevent bladder cancer.
A study led by Dr. B.J. Philips, Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, looked into the effect of green tea on bladder cancer cells. The research seemed to confirm assertions that the polyphenols contained in green tea may be usefulness in bladder disease. The findings of the study were published in August 2009 in the journal "Biomedical Research."
Gravel Root
Gravel root has been used to for centuries to prevent and treat urinary difficulties including bladder stones, according to the Mayo Clinic. HealthCareTips.org reports that Gravel Root may be most effectively used when symptoms of stones first begin.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi has been used medicinally since the 2nd century, according to the UMMC. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics and sulfa medications, uva ursi was commonly used to treat bladder infections. It is still used as an herbal remedy for bladder inflammation and is regarded as one of the most effective natural urinary antiseptics, per Drugs.com. The German Commission E monograph lists uva ursi as a treatment "for inflammatory disorders of the lower urinary tract."
Uva ursi appears to be most beneficial when taken at the first sign of an an infection. More human trials are needed to verify the usefulness of uva ursi for bladder health.
References
- Health Care Tips.org: Gravel Root Benefits and Uses
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Cranberry
- "The Journal of Urology"; Cranberries for Preventing Urinary Tract Infections; R. G. Jepson, L. Mihaljevic, J. Craig; January 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- "Biomedical Research"; Induction of Apoptosis in Human Bladder Cancer Cells by Green Tea Catechins; B. J. Philips, C. H. Coyle, S. N. Morrisroe, M. B. Chancellor, N. Yoshimura; August 2009
Member Comments