The urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria makes its way into your urethra and moves into your bladder. The uncomfortable symptoms of a UTI or bladder infection typically include frequent urination accompanied by stomach pain and a burning sensation.
A woman has a 50-50 chance of suffering one or more bladder infections in her life, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although a bladder infection usually require a prescription antibiotic, a number of herbs have been used to treat this common condition.
Barberry
Barberry is used to reduce inflammation and infection of the urinary tract, according to the UMMC. Barberry contains the chemical berberine believed to stimulate the immune system and prevent the spread of bacteria. Barberry is also suggested as a remedy for skin and vaginal yeast infections.
Cranberry
Cranberry may prevent bladder infections by keeping bacteria from clinging to cells that line the bladder, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. More research is necessary to determine whether cranberry products can effectively treat an existing bladder infection.
Echinacea
Echinacea is often used to prevent and treat urinary tract infection, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. While credible evidence to substantiate the use of echinacea for bladder infections is lacking, its immune system enhancing capabilities get the credit for its purported effects.
Horsetail
Horsetail is also sometimes suggested as an herbal remedy for bladder disorders, according to Intelihealth. Horsetail appears to act as diuretic which may help eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is used in Europe to treat inflammation in the urinary tract as well as prevent or encourage the passage of kidney stones, according to the UMMC. While goldenrod appears to act as a diuretic, more human studies are needed to determine whether it is truly beneficial in the treatment of bladder infections.
Uva Ursi
Prior to the discovery of antibiotics uva ursi was used to urinary tract infections and inflammation of the bladder. According to the UMMC, uva ursi may have first been used by Native Americans to treat urinary tract infections and seems to work best when it's taken at the first inkling that an infection is present.
