Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are a serious health condition that can lead to several health complications if left untreated, including kidney infections. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that UTIs are responsible for millions of physician visits each year. UTIs have different names, based on the location of the infection within your urinary tract. Before ingesting herbs to help treat your UTI, discuss the safety and effectiveness of herbs for this condition with your doctor.
UTIs and Kidney Infections
PubMed Health states that UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria that invade your urethra and bladder. Bacterial infections may spread to your kidneys. In most cases, your body possesses an ability to eliminate these harmful bacteria, although certain medical conditions may increase your likelihood of developing UTIs, including kidney stones, enlarged prostrate, diabetes, bowel incontinence, pregnancy and certain surgical procedures. If you have a kidney infection, you may experience chills, night sweats, fatigue, fever, back, side or groin pain, nausea and vomiting.
Appropriate Herbal Treatments
In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and master herbalist, states that numerous herbal remedies may be appropriate for treating urinary tract infections, including buchu, cedar, chaparral, Oregon grape, mullein, poplar, plantain, uva ursi and yerba santa. Other herbal treatments for urinary tract infections include birch leaves, hydrangea, marshmallow root, juniper berries and echinacea flower root. Cranberry is another potent herbal treatment for UTIs.
Featured Herbal Treatment
The leaves of Cedrus libani, a type of cedar tree indigenous to the Mediterranean region, is often used to help treat UTIs. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition researcher, certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," cedar possesses antiviral and anti-fungal properties, helps clear mucus from your respiratory tract and is a urinary antiseptic. Cedar is also used to stimulate your immune system and boost blood flow through your veins. The leaves of this tree species contain quinic acid and borneol.
Considerations
UTIs, especially kidney infections, can have serious health complications, especially if they are not treated promptly. Possible health consequences associated with this condition include permanent kidney damage, blood poisoning or septicemia an increased risk of low birth weight babies in pregnant women. Before using herbal remedies to treat your UTI and kidney infection, discuss the long-term health implications of herbs. Some herbs may not be right for you or should only be used for a limited period of time.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
- PubMed Health: Urinary Tract Infection - Adults
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
