A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common medical condition caused by bacteria, such as E. coli in the body. Symptoms of infection may include a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy urine or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain and discomfort. A UTI is treated medically with prescription antibiotics. Additionally, certain herbs and holistic treatments may help treat as well as prevent urinary tract infections. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying holistic supplements.
Cranberries
Cranberries have a long history as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. Up until 2010, there was a lack of scientific evidence to support using cranberries medically to treat a UTI. However, in a presentation at the American Chemical Society's national conference in August of 2010, Terri Camesano, professor of chemical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, offered a promising study in support of the folk legend. Camesano explains that bacteria need to attach to a host and form colonies in order to cause an infection. In the WPI study, subjects were given either cranberry juice or a placebo. Urine samples of the cranberry juice drinkers showed that E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus present were unable to form colonies. The researchers concluded that cranberry's ability to inhibit bacterial growth may account for its ability to help alleviate symptoms and prevent infection.
Water
In addition to cranberry juice, UTI sufferers should drink plenty of water daily. Not only is water essential for keeping the digestive system functioning properly, but according to experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center, it also helps fight infection by cleansing the urinary tract of bacteria. The main bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections is E. coli. This bacteria is found in food, in the digestive tract and sexual organs. Drinking adequate water, 2 to 3 liters per day, is essential for cleansing the body systems which harbor potentially harmful bacteria. In addition, food, especially produce, should be thoroughly washed before consumption.
Herbs
There are a few herbs which are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections by herbalists and other natural health practitioners. Goldenseal, not to be confused with goldenrod, is a flowering herb found throughout North America. Experts from the Urology Channel note that goldenseal has a "long and well-documented history as a powerful antimicrobial agent." It is used to kill bacteria, and can be considered a natural antibiotic. A thousand mg per day or one to two teaspoons of liquid tincture daily are recommended to treat UTI's. Other naturally antibacterial and antiseptic herbs which may be recommended for urinary tract infections include Uva Ursi, cleavers and marshmallow root. Diuretic herbs, such as horsetail, cornsilk or buchu, may also be recommended to help alleviate fluid retention.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Urinary Tract Infection -- Causes
- "Cranberry Juice Shows Promise in Blocking Staph Infections"; Health Keepers Magazine; Oct. 2010, p. 31
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infections
- Urology Channel: Urinary Tract Infection Alternative Treatment
