A bacterial infection can develop in any part of the urinary system and cause a urinary tract infection, or UTI. The most common forms of UTIs are cystitis, or bladder infections, and urethritis, an infection of the urethra, according to Mayoclinic.com. Conventional treatment may include antibiotics and analgesics. Herbs have a long history of treating UTIs and act to combat bacteria and relieve pain. It is important to consult a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis before starting herbal treatment for UTIs.
Bearberry
Bearberry, also known as uva ursi or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is an evergreen shrub with bright red berries native to Europe, Asia and North America. Traditional healers use a tea made with the leaves to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, painful urination and excessive uric acid. The main ingredient is a phenolic glycoside called arbutin, which becomes hydroquinone in the urine. Hydroquinone is active against many bacteria and is a potent urinary antiseptic and astringent in the urinary tract. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend bearberry tea in small amounts and diluted with other herbal teas. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster state that bearberry is active against E. coli and will increase urination, thus flushing out the toxins from the urinary tract. Bearberry should not be used for more than one week, or more than five times per year. Bearberry should not be used during pregnancy or if there is any kidney disorder or gastrointestinal inflammation.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod, Solidago virgaurea or S. canadensis, is a genus of tall perennials with bright yellow flowers found in fields and roadsides throughout the world. Traditionally used as a diuretic to treat urinary tract infections, these plants are also useful for urinary and kidney stones, wounds, rheumatism and coughs. The plant contains flavonoids, saponins, phenolic glycosides and volatile oil, and the active ingredients are the saponins and leiocarposide, a phenolic bisglucoside that has diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Dr Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend goldenrod for bladder infections to fight bacteria, reduce inflammation and control painful spasms. Steven Foster and James A. Duke note that goldenrod leaves are officially approved in Germany to treat inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. Goldenrod should not be used by patients with edema that is due to heart or kidney disorders.
Couch Grass
Couch grass, or Elymus repens and Agropyron repens, is a perennial grass native to Asia, Europe and the Americas. Traditional healers use the roots and rhizomes, or underground stems, to treat inflammatory infections of the respiratory tract and urinary tract, prostate problems, gout and rheumatism. The active ingredients are mucilage, polysaccharides and volatile oil that contains agropyrene, carvacrol, thymol and carvone. The volatile oil is antimicrobial and the mucilage coats and soothes the mucus membranes of the inflamed urinary tract. Clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that couch grass has demulcent properties that relieve the irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract. Agropyrene, a major constituent in the volatile oil, has broad antibiotic properties. People with allergies to couch grass should avoid using teas or tinctures.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Urinary Tract Infection
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing": Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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