If you ask a dozen herbalists what their favorite urinary system tonic is, you'll probably get a dozen different answers. Even though there is little scientific support for using most herbs for bladder infections, they are popular home remedies. There's nothing like a bladder infection, also known as cystitis, to make you miserable, and whether you take antibiotics or herbs to set things straight, you want them to work fast.
Cranberry
Cranberry juice occupies a prestigious position among herbal treatments for cystitis. Research shows that it confers some benefits, and many physicians recommend its use for preventing recurrent bladder infections. According to a 2002 article in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," regular use of cranberry juice cocktail prevents bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. While they may not cure an established infection, cranberry products can help prevent new ones, and they may help to clear early infections or reduce your symptoms until you can see a physician. It isn't clear how much cranberry is needed to prevent cystitis, but one study suggested that 16 8-oz. glasses daily were required. Fortunately, the JAMA study showed some benefit with as little as 8 oz. of cranberry juice cocktail. For people who wish to boost their dosage and avoid the sugars that usually accompany cranberry juice, capsules containing cranberry concentrate are commercially available.
Blueberry
According to James Duke, Ph. D., author of "The Green Pharmacy," blueberries possess many of the same properties that cranberries do. Both of these Vaccinia species prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, and bacteria that don't stick to the bladder cannot infect it. Blueberries and cranberries contain arbutin, a chemical that has both antibiotic and diuretic properties. Ostensibly, any herb that prevents bacterial adhesion, interferes with bacterial growth and increases the flow of fluid through the urinary tract should prove helpful for dealing with cystitis.
Uva-Ursi
Also known as bearberry or kinnikinick, uva-ursi has a long history of use for treating acute bladder infections and preventing recurrent ones. Similar in some respects to the Vaccinia species, uva-ursi prevents the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder wall. According to the European Medicines Agency, uva-ursi contains arbutin and other antibacterial hydroquinones, which are chemically similar to some commonly-prescribed antibiotics. The German Commission E has approved uva-ursi for use in infections of the urinary tract. The tannins in uva-ursi can cause stomach upset, and excessive or prolonged use of this herb can cause liver damage. The herb should not be used with any foods or drugs that acidify the urine, which reduces its effectiveness. Uva-ursi should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or by children under the age of 12.
Others
Many herbs have acquired reputations as diuretics, immune boosters, urinary tract disinfectants, tonics or anti-inflammatories. Astragalus, buchu, Artemisia, dandelion, birch, corn silk, Oregon grape root, goldenseal and others have been employed in the folk treatment of bladder infections. Some of these herbs' properties may have been confirmed in animal studies or even in human clinical trials, but in most cases, the data supporting their use for cystitis is insufficient. People who choose herbs to treat potentially serious medical conditions should be aware of the risks, benefits, side effects and potential interactions between prescription drugs and herbal products.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Cranberry Juice and Adhesion of Antibiotic-Resistant Uropathogens; Howell A, Foxman B; 2002
- "The Green Pharmacy"; James A. Duke, Ph. D.; 1997
- "European Medicines Agency: Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products"; Assessment Report on Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng, folium; 2010
- "Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition: Uva-Ursi"; Thomas Fleming, PharmD., Chief Editor; 2000
