Herbal Remedies for a UTI

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a viral or bacterial infection that occurs in your bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra. Symptoms may include pain, burning, cloudy or dark urine, and frequent urination. If you don't treat a UTI, it can lead to serious chronic or acute kidney problems. Herbs have a long history as urinary tract medicinals and may help fight the infection and sooth the pain. Consult your health-care professional before starting herbal therapy.

Sage

Sage, or Salvia spp., is an aromatic cooking herb used medicinally throughout the world. Traditional healers use the dried leaves to treat gingivitis, sore throat, indigestion, diarrhea, night sweats and diabetes. Active ingredients include rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, carnosol and an essential oil containing alpha- and beta-thujone, borneol, camphor and 1,8-cineole. Sage has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent and carminative actions, making it a useful herb to treat a UTI. A study by R. S. Pereira and colleagues published in the Revista de Saude Publica tested the essential oil of Salvia officinalis against bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections. The oil was highly effective against Escherichia coli, a major cause of UTIs, and somewhat effective against five other strains. A study by M. M. Peng and colleagues published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested a traditional Chinese medicine formula containing Salvia plebeia and found it effective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. The formula also relieved pain, inflammation and fever. Do not use sage internally for long periods. Consult a health-care professional for dosage instructions.

Cranberry

Cranberry, or Vaccinium macrocarpon and V. oxycoccos, is a small bush that produces bitter, dark red berries. Traditional healers use the fruit to treat UTIs and kidney disorders. Active ingredients include anthocyanins, vitamin C and quinic, malic, citric and hippuric acids, and the berries have antimicrobial action. A report by Rainer Nowack and Wilhelm Schmitt published in the September 2008 issue of Phytomedicine stated that cranberry juice probably works by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urethra and bladder. The authors also state that the juice and extract may be useful in preventing recurrence, especially in people with a history of UTIs caused by Escherichia coli. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend drinking unsweetened cranberry juice each day if you have recurring infections.

Bearberry

Bearberry, or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is an evergreen shrub with red berries native to Europe, Asia and North America. Traditional healers use the leaves to treat infections and inflammations of the urinary tract. The leaves contain arbutin, a phenolic glycoside that metabolizes to an active ingredient called hydroquinone, which has antibacterial, antifungal and astringent actions. Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink state that hydroquinone has an antiseptic effect on the membranes of the urinary tract. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend bearberry capsules, tincture or tea because it increases urination and fights Escherichia coli. Do not use this herb for more than seven days or if you are pregnant or have kidney or gastrointestinal disorders. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for dosage instructions.