Bladder infections are the result of bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Antibiotics are used as the conventional medical treatment for urinary tract infections. Additionally, yarrow and other herbal remedies may help kill bacteria and alleviate symptoms. Check with your medical doctor before using herbs or other natural supplements for medicinal purposes.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a wildflower that grows throughout the countryside of North America. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, it is naturally antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory. In addition to treating bacterial infections and fevers, herbalists use yarrow for respiratory infections, to treat skin problems and relieve kidney stones. Herbal yarrow can be taken as an herbal tea, or found in liquid extract and capsule form. However, little scientific evidence exists validating yarrow's safety and efficacy. Consult your health care provider before trying this herb.
Cranberry
Cranberries are a time-honored home remedy for bladder infections. Some scientific validation is now available that supports the empirical evidence. In a 2004 report from "American Family Physician", Dr. Darren Lynch explains that chemical constituents in cranberry juice prevent bacteria in the urinary tract from growing in their host. He notes that cranberry is an effective prophylactic, or preventive treatment for bladder infections. Unsweetened cranberry juice is most effective, however, cranberry juice extract may also be found in liquid extract and capsule form. Talk to your doctor before using cranberries for to treat UTIs.
Cornsilk
Cornsilk is another age-old home remedy for bladder and other urinary tract infections. It was traditionally used in Native American medicine to treat UTIs, cystitis and kidney infections, as well as bed-wetting or urinary incontinence in children. According to SpaceAge.com, cornsilk tea is naturally diuretic due to its significant potassium content. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of urinary tract problems. It is typically taken as an herbal tea, but may also be found in liquid extract and capsule forms. Scientific evidence is lacking that supports medicinal use of cornsilk tea. Consult a trained health care practitioner for proper use of this herb.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is another wildflower used in Native American medicine. It is considered a natural antiobiotic by herbalists and is commonly found in herbal cold and flu remedies along with echinacea. It is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that while it has not been studied scientifically, it is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of purposes, including the treatment of bacterial infections such as UTIs. It is readily found in herbal teas, liquid extract and capsule form. Talk to your medical doctor before using goldenseal for medicinal purposes.
