Urinary tract infections are a common ailment among Americans. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that UTIs are the No. 2 most common infection, and that UTIs are responsible for over 8 million physician visits annually. More women are affected by this condition than men. Certain herbs, including pau d'arco, may be beneficial in treating your urinary tract infections, but it is always wise to clear the use of herbs with your doctor first.
Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs can manifest in anybody at any age, notes the Lab Tests Online website, although 40 percent of women and only 12 percent of men will develop a UTI at some point during their lives. Women may be more prone to develop UTIs due to their shorter urethra, which provides an easier path for certain bacteria to migrate up the urinary tract. Most UTIs affect structures in your lower urinary tract, such as your bladder and urethra, causing increased urinary urgency and burning when urinating. Some UTIs, however, may spread to your kidneys, causing serious health complications.
Plant Information
Pau d'arco is a type of tree indigenous to certain parts of South America, such as Brazil. The pau d'arco tree can grow up to 120 feet tall, bears pink or violet flowers and possesses an inner bark that contains numerous medicinal substances, including lapachol, beta carotene and beta-sitosterol. This herbal remedy may be consumed in tablet form, as a dried bark tea or as a tincture. Because of the increased demand from consumers for this herb, pau d'arco trees have become endangered.
Herb Actions
Pau d'arco has been used in treating numerous health problems and posseses several health actions. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy," pau d'arco has traditionally been used in treating urinary tract infections and infectious diseases, prostatitis or prostate inflammation, lupus and wounds. This herbal remedy is well-known for its antifungal, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions. The two principle active compounds in pau d'arco are lapachol and beta-lapachone.
Disclaimer
Though a fairly common condition, UTIs should not be left untreated. If you develop the common signs and symptoms of a UTI, report them to your primary care provider as soon as possible for a proper evaluation and an individualized treatment plan. Your doctor can counsel you on the benefits, risks, side effects and limitations of herbal remedies -- including pau d'arco -- for this health purpose. A health care professional who specializes in botanical medicine may provide you with the most accurate and relevant information about beneficial herbs in treating your UTI.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
- Lab Tests Online: Urinary Tract Infection
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
