A bladder infection, also known as a urinary tract infection, or UTI, is the second most common type of bacterial infection and may occur in nearly 15 million Americans in one year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Information Clearinghouse. It affects over five times as many women as men and can cause such symptoms as painful urination, urinary urgency, abdominal pain and fatigue. If left untreated, it may progress to kidney infection, which can be more serious. Bladder infection is treated with antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, but some may also wish to take herbal medication to stop or prevent further occurrences. Before taking any herbal supplements, talk to your health professional.
About Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone-type antibiotic. The quinolone category also includes other members like levofloxacin and ofloxacin, which may be used for more resistant infections in the bladder and other areas of the body. Other antibiotics like amoxicillin and the combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are also commonly used to treat simple UTIs. Ciprofloxacin may have side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, dizziness and drowsiness, blurry vision, and anxiety or insomnia. It may also have more serious side effects that include joint problems affecting the tendons, seizures and allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor before adding herbs to your treatment regimen and tell your doctor about any side effects that you may experience. Seek emergency attention for any serious side effects.
Artemisia
Artemisia is thought to have antibiotic activity in bladder infections and, according to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," by certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, may help to treat some infections that are not easily treated with other agents. Artemisia or wormwood may help to treat Klebsiella infections, which can infect the urinary tract. It has been used by traditional Chinese medical practitioners but developed a reputation of being an intoxicant, which was later determined to be due to the high alcohol content of the medication form in which it was used, though it may cause gastrointestinal upset and should not be taken with antacids. It should also not be taken by those with a history of seizure disorder as it may decrease the effectiveness of antiepileptic medication. Check with your doctor before using artemisia to ensure proper dosage and your well-being.
Astragalus
Astragalus is another anti-infective agent that may help in bladder infection. Astragalus may help to treat the Proteus species of bacteria and may help to reduce the development of kidney stones. It is believed to stimulate the immune system but should not be taken by those with a severe infection as it may provoke an excessive immune response. It may reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medications. Talk to your doctor about your condition and any medications you are taking before using astragalus.
Butcher's Broom
Urinary retention happens when the bladder is not emptied completely and a small amount of urine is left in the bladder. It may occur because of difficult or painful urination due to a UTI. The urine that remains in the bladder may allow more bacteria to grow, worsening the infection. According to "Prescription for Herbal Healing," butcher's broom reduces urinary retention and may provide help for urinary spasms, leading to pain that can happen with UTIs. Butcher's broom may increase blood pressure and prostate difficulties and should not be combined with antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs.
Cranberry Extract
Cranberry juice is one of the most commonly recommended home remedies for bladder infections. It may help by preventing bacteria from adhering to the wall of the bladder. Stopping bacterial wall adherence will allow the bacteria to be flushed from the bladder when urine is passed and prevent further growth in the bladder. Cranberry juice is also thought to be effective at preventing recurrence of bladder infections. For maximum effectiveness, it should be consumed as 100 percent, unsweetened juice and not as cranberry "cocktail" or a mixture of other juices, which may have a lot of sugar. Cranberry extract may also be purchased in the form of tablets or capsules as a supplement. Most health care experts advise drinking plenty of plain water during a bladder infection to help flush the system and remove remaining bacteria.
References
- Drugs.com: Cipro Consumer Information
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease Information Clearinghouse: Kidney and Urologic Diseases Statistics for the United States
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC: 2002
