Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is a medicinal plant native to North America that has been used by some alternative health care practitioners for urinary tract infections, or UTIs, but its efficacy for treating them has not been confirmed by research. If you suffer from a urinary tract infection and consider taking Echinacea supplements for your condition, talk to your doctor first.
Pros
According to Leslie Beck, registered dietitian and author of " Leslie Beck's Nutrition Encyclopedia," Echinacea is used in herbal medicine for urinary tract infections, colds, flu, and ear, sinus and yeast infections. Beck further explains that in laboratory studies, Echinacea has been found to increase the body's production of white blood cells, thus increasing the ability to fight infections. When you have a strong immune system, you are less likely to develop health problems, particularly infections.
Cons
Echinacea is frequently used for both treating and preventing UTIs, based on the fact that this herb helps boost the immune system, says Dr. Benjamin Kligler in the January 2003 issue of "American Family Physician." However, no rigorous research has evaluated the efficacy of Echinacea for the management of urinary tract infections.
National Institutes of Health also indicates that there is lack of clinical evidence for Echinacea as being effective for UTIs and also warns that the quality of Echinacea supplements available in stores is highly questionable. Some Echinacea products may not even contain Echinacea, and in other cases supplements are contaminated with heavy metals like selenium, lead and arsenic, states National Institutes of Health.
Safety & Drug Interactions
Echinacea is available as over-the-counter supplements in pills, juices or as teas. High-quality Echinacea supplements are likely safe for most people if used over short periods of time. Side effects include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleeping problems and muscle aches. This herb may also cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Echinacea may interfere with a variety of conventional medication, including certain drugs used for heart disease, psychiatric conditions, antibiotics and immuno suppressant agents.
Considerations
Considering the fact that Echinacea has not been adequately studied for treating urinary infection, and also the poor quality of some supplements available in the stores, you should consult an alternative health care practitioner to find out an effective natural treatment that may help improve your condition. Keep in mind that Echinacea is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat urinary tract infections or any other medical condition.
References
- Merck Manual: Urinary Tract Infections
- American Family Physician: Echinacea
- National Institutes of Health: Echinacea
- "Leslie Beck's Nutrition Encyclopedia"; Leslie Beck, RD; 2002
