Bladder infections, commonly referred to as cystitis -- or urinary tract infections, more generally -- are more common among women than men, reports the National Health Service of the United Kingdom. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with this condition include lower abdominal discomfort, a frequent urge to urinate and dysuria, or painful urination. Certain herbal teas may help treat your bladder infection, but herbs should always be used under the care of a licensed health care professional.
Bladder Infection Information
Bladder infections may occur in up to 80 percent of women at some point in their lives, states IrishHealth.com. Women develop more bladder infections than men due to the shorter length of their urethra, which allows bacteria easier access to their bladder. Some of the leading causes of or risk factors for bladder infections include being pregnant, having sexual intercourse, possessing poor toilet hygiene habits and insufficient emptying of your bladder.
Appropriate Herbal Teas
Certain herbal remedies, when combined and taken as a tea, may be helpful in disinfecting your urinary tract structures, including your bladder. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician, herbal medicine expert and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that several herbs may be taken in tea form to help treat infection and inflammation of your bladder, including dandelion, couch grass, nettle, plantain, marshmallow, buchu, usnea, corn silk and uva ursi. Not all herbs historically used for this purpose have been extensively studied in a clinical research setting.
A Potent Botanical
Corn silk is a potent botanical remedy that may be helpful in treating your bladder infections. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that corn silk is a soothing diuretic that helps treat inflammation and irritation of your urinary tract structures, including your bladder. Tilgner notes that corn silk possesses antimicrobial and antiseptic action and helps restore regular tissue tone in your bladder. This herb is also safe for children, states Tilgner. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat any medical condition.
Additional Information
Bladder infections should be dealt with as quickly as possible. There are many possible treatment approaches to this common condition, but the most effective approach usually combines several therapies, including alternative and more conventional therapies. Before using herbal remedies to help treat your bladder infection, discuss the proper methods of ingestion, appropriate dosage and expected side effects of herbal teas with your health care provider. A botanically trained health care provider can counsel you on the best herbs for your condition.
References
- National Health Service: Urinary Tract Infection, Adults
- IrishHealth.com: Cystitis
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
