Infections of the urinary tract, often referred to as UTIs, occur when bacteria enters the urethra and causes an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra. When this happens, physicians often prescribe antibiotics or many people turn to herbal remedies. Recently, scientists have started studying turmeric, a plant used in many Indian dishes and for its medicinal properties, including its use as an antibacterial agent, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Speak with your doctor before using any herbal supplement medicinally.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a relative of ginger and a perennial plant found natively in Asia, China and India. The plant has oblong shaped leaves and dull yellow tube-like flowers, and herbalists use the bulb and rhizomes medicinally to treat many ailments. Turmeric's main active ingredient is a substance known as curcumin. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your body's cells from damage and keeps dangerous particles called free radicals from tampering with your DNA. Many researchers believe that curcumin is the portion of the plant that may prove helpful in treating many maladies from cancer to osteoarthritis, notes UMMC.
Urinary Tract Infections
Though bacteria enter your urinary tract frequently, your body can often defend itself, preventing an infection from occurring. Certain conditions increase the likelihood of infection. Women are more prone to UTIs because their urethra is shorter and sits closer to the anus. Menopause, sexual activity and diaphragm usage also help contribute to women developing a UTI. People with urinary catheters, diabetes, bowel incontinence, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, narrowed urethra or diabetes also have an increased potential for UTIs.
UTI Symptoms
Symptoms of a UTI will often include cloudy or bloody urine, low-grade fever, pain, pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen, and increased urinary frequency. If your kidneys are infected, you may experience chills, shaking, night sweats, fatigue, fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, flushing of the skin, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
The Science
Testing of turmeric and curcumin is still in the early phases of lab and animal studies. However, these early studies suggest that turmeric may have antibacterial properties that might someday prove helpful in treating bacterial infections such as those of the urinary tract, according to UMMC. Unfortunately, a lack of human clinical trials makes it impossible to judge whether turmeric will have the same effect on humans as it does in the laboratory. Always check with your physician before attempting to use herbal supplements medicinally.
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