Herbs For A Urinary Infection

Urinary tract infections are responsible for approximately 8.3 million doctor visits annually in the United States, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Although both men and women can develop urinary tract infections, women are more susceptible. About 20 percent of women develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. Meet with your doctor to discuss procedures, alternatives and risks before using herbs to treat your urinary tract infection.

Urinary Tract Infections

Your urinary tract is comprised of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection can develop in any of these areas. According to the FamilyDoctor.org, most urinary tract infections result from bacteria, and the most common locations for infections are the bladder and urethra. Some of the signs and symptoms associated with urinary tract infections include a burning sensation during urination, increased urinary urgency and an inability to void urine.

Herbal Treatments

Herbal treatments have been used for centuries to help combat urinary tract infections, or cystitis. According to Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of the book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," garlic, goldenseal and uva ursi, also known as bearberry, are herbal remedies helpful in treating your urinary tract infection. Other herbs that may help with treatment include echinacea, buchu, usnea and corn silk, especially when taken in conjunction with uva ursi.

Most Popular Herb

Uva ursi is a small shrub with evergreen leaves and red berries. It grows in colder climates and, when consumed as an herbal supplement, may cause a green tinge to appear in your urine. Uva ursi has been used to treat urinary tract problems such as cystitis and urolithiasis, or the formation of stones in your urinary tract. Pizzorno states that uva ursi is an effective urinary tract antiseptic because of a component called arbutin. This herb may work best against certain microorganisms, including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.

Considerations

Before you take herbs to treat your urinary tract infection, visit your doctor to determine if herbal medicine is appropriate for you. Certain herbs can cause serious side effects and should be avoided or used only under the guidance of a licensed health-care professional. Some herbs should be avoided if you are pregnant or nursing. A botanically trained health-care professional can provide you with detailed information about herbs and their side effects.