Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria and are characterized by symptoms including a burning sensation during urination, cramping in the lower abdomen and blood in your urine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than half of all women will have a urinary tract infection at some point. If you have a urinary tract infection, your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to help clear up the infection. An herb known as uva ursi is sometimes used as a complementary medicine for urinary tract infections, although evidence to prove it works is limited. Talk to your doctor if you are considering using uva ursi to treat your condition, and don't use it in place of medical treatments.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Uva ursi is an evergreen bush, the leaves of which are used to prepare herbal medicines. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems notes that uva ursi has a long history of use as a treatment for urinary conditions. Its leaves contain a compound known as arbutin, which the intestine converts into an antiseptic-like chemical known as hydroquinone. Although it is sometimes used to treat a urinary infection, taking this herb will not help to prevent an infection.
Administration
Uva ursi may be taken as a tea by steeping the leaves in hot water. However, it is also available in capsules and tablets. The UMMC suggests taking 250 mg to 500 mg of a standardized extract of uva ursi three times daily for up to four days to treat a urinary tract infection. Don't take it for any longer that this without consulting a doctor. Also check with your doctor that this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Few studies have evaluated the role of uva ursi in the treatment of urinary tract infections. However, a medical review article published in the September 2008 issue of "Alternative Medicine Reviews" states that uva ursi may be helpful when used at the first sign of infection. An early article published in the "International Journal of Neurology" in 1994 states that uva ursi's antiseptic properties confer beneficial effects, but adds that more effective treatments for urinary tract infections exist.
Safety Considerations
RxList states that short-term uva ursi use is likely safe for most adults, but adds that it may cause side effects including nausea and vomiting. It may also discolor your urine. RxList warns that taking high doses may cause serious adverse effects including breathing problems, convulsions and even death. Don't use this herb if you suffer from retinal thinning. Also avoid it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection in Women
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Uva Ursi
- "Alternative Medicine Reviews"; Natural Approaches to Prevention and Treatment of Infections of the Lower Urinary Tract; K.A. Head; September 2008
- "International Journal of Neurology"; Urolithiasis and Phytotherapy; F. Grases; 1994
- RxList: Uva Ursi
