Bladder infections are an uncomfortable experience that may include painful urination, frequent urination, an intense urge to urinate and blood in the urine. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in the body. Certain herbs may be helpful in preventing bladder infections. Herbs can have strong effects on the body and can interact with prescribed medications, so before taking herbs, consult a health-care professional for personalized advice on herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.
Nettle
Nettle is an herb commonly used to treat and prevent ailments of the urinary tract. Nettle is also known as stinging nettle, common nettle and garden nettle, as well as by its Latin names, Urtica dioica and Urtica urens. The nettle plant is native to northern Europe and Asia, but it grows throughout the world. Nettle is known for the stiff hairs that line its stem and leaves, which release irritating chemicals when touched. Nettle has history of medicinal use in treating swelling, joint pain, eczema, gout and hay fever. It is also commonly used for urinary tract problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder infections. It is rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and silicic acid. Nettle may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable or consumed as a tea, tincture, fluid extract or capsule. Tea can be especially useful for bladder infection prevention, because it is processed specifically through the urinary tract.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi, also called Arctostaphylos uva ursi, is a Heath family plant that grows in alpine forests. It's an evergreen shrub with pink or white bell-shaped flowers and red berries. The leaves are used to make medicine. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," uva ursi is a urinary tract antiseptic, meaning it prevents the growth of microbes, like bacteria or other organisms, that cause infection. One of the plant's active constituents is arbutin, which coverts to hydroquinone in the body and is an antimicrobial agent. Additionally, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that uva ursi contains tannins, which fight infection and reduce inflammation. Uva ursi may be consumed as a tea, liquid extract, tincture or capsule.
Plantain
Plantain, also called plantago, is member of the Plantaginaceae family. The leaf is used medically. The fresh leaf can be applied topically to wounds, insect bites and stings. Internally, plantain leaf soothes and heals inflamed mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and urinary tract. According to Tilgner, plantain works in the urinary tract by maintaining the tissue that lines the bladder and repairing damaged cells. Its effects are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Plantain is also a diuretic, meaning it stimulates urination, which can be helpful in both the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. Plantain may be prepared as an infusion or fresh strength liquid extract.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Uva Ursi
