Herbal Medicines & Treatment For Utis

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common health problem, especially for women. One in five women who get UTIs will experience another one, and some women may have three or more a year, reports WomensHealth.gov. A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that occurs anywhere in your urinary tract, including your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. There are many possible causes of a urinary tract infection. Certain herbs may help treat your urinary tract infection, although you should always discuss the benefits and risks of herbal treatments with your doctor before using botanical medicines.

UTI Causes

Women are at greater risk of developing UTIs, according to MayoClinic.com. Causes include sexual intercourse, kidney stones, certain types of birth control and waiting too long before voiding. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of UTIs include a persistent urge to urinate, cloudy-looking urine and pelvic pain in women. If you are a sexually active woman using a diaphragm for birth control, you have a greater risk for developing UTIs.

Herbal Treatments

Herbal treatments for UTIs have been used for centuries. According to Dr. William Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic doctor, herbal medicine expert and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," there is a certain class of herbs known as antiseptics. Antiseptic herbs disrupt the action of microorganisms, which helps prevent infection. Herbal remedies that may help treat infections in your urinary tract include yarrow, horseradish, pipsissewa, uva ursi, Spanish fly, wild parsnip and lomatium.

A Popular Herb

Lomatium is a popular herb used to help treat UTIs. Mitchell notes that lomatium is an effective urinary tract medicine. Lomatium is purported to have anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral action. Lomatium may also help boost your immune system. Lomatium is specific for urinary and respiratory tract infections that are challenging to treat. Lomatium is a plant indigenous to western North America. The plant's starchy root, which is edible, is used to make herbal medicine.

Considerations

If you think you have a UTI, visit your physician for an evaluation. Urinary tract infections can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Using herbs for your UTI does not guarantee a cure. Herbs may also cause unwanted side effects in some individuals. If you are pregnant, use extra caution when taking herbs, as some herbs may affect your pregnancy. To optimize the beneficial effects of herbal remedies, seek the advice of a qualified health care professional.