Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your cystitis, or bladder infection. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, infections of your urinary tract, including your bladder, are one of the most common types of infection among Americans. Certain herbs, in conjunction with conventional biomedical therapies, may be effective in treating your bladder infection. Before taking herbs to help treat your bladder infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that may be helpful in treating your bladder infection. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, echinacea, also known as Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia, is a plant native to the United States and southern Canada. Echinacea, a member of the Aster family, has a sweet, pungent taste and cooling, drying and stimulating tendencies. The root, seeds and flowers of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including urinary tract infections. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that echinacea is an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal that is specific for infectious conditions, such as bladder infection. Before taking echinacea to help treat your bladder infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your bladder infection. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that uva ursi, also known as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, is a trailing evergreen shrub that grows in alpine forests in North America, Europe and the Himalayas. Although this plant is slow growing, it tends to grow where other plants cannot, including canyon walls. Uva ursi, a member of the heath family, possesses a slightly sweet and astringent taste. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including bladder infections. According to Tilgner, uva ursi is a urinary tract antiseptic and diuretic. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that arbutin is the active ingredient in uva ursi that combats urinary tract invaders. Before taking uva ursi to help treat your bladder infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Buchu
Buchu is an herb that may be effective in treating your bladder infection. According to the Botanical website, buchu, also known as Barosma betulina, is a small shrubby plant with glossy and leathery leaves and small white flowers. Buchu has an aromatic taste and peppermint-like odor. The leaves are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including bladder infections. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that buchu is a mild urinary tract stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that is cleansing and tonic to your bladder and the mucus membranes of your urinary tract. Buchu is indicated when you experience painful urination, subacute or chronic bladder irritation, cystitis or urethritis. Before taking buchu to help treat your bladder infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
