Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a bacterial infection in the urinary system, which consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Symptoms of a UTI include pressure in the lower abdomen, reddish or cloudy colored urine, a burning sensation while urinating as well as fever and fatigue. Your doctor may perform a urine test to see if you have a UTI. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment typically consists of medications designed to eliminate the infection. Slippery elm tea is used by alternative medicine proponents to treat a variety of ailments, which includes UTIs, and if you use this remedy you must consume safe amounts. Talk with your doctor before using slippery elm tea to determine its safety.
Active Compounds
The primary active compound of slipper elm is a substance known as mucilage. When this substance comes in contact with water, it immediately begins to coat the mouth, throat and intestines to relieve symptoms such as sore throat and cough. As mucilage enters the intestinal tract, it causes a reflux stimulation, which increases mucus secretion and results in a reduction of acidity in the gastrointestinal tract. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports slipper elm also contains antioxidants, which are used by the body to fight off free radicals and repair damage done by the rogue atoms.
Recommended Amount
While there is no standard dosage of slippery elm tea to treat urinary tract infections, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming slippery elm tea up to three times per day for its health benefits. Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil, and pour it over 2 tbsp. of powdered slippery elm bark. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes; strain and consume.
Evidence
The use of slippery elm tea for urinary tract infections is steeped in folklore, however, there is no scientific evidence to support claims of its efficacy. It is suggested by Dr. Eyal Lebel, a Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist, that slippery elm may protect and soothe bladder walls by stimulating mucus membranes. Because research has not proven slippery elm tea as an effective urinary tract infection remedy, take caution when implementing this herb into your supplementation routine.
Safety Considerations
As with any natural supplement, discuss the use and recommended daily dosage of slippery elm with your physician. While no side effects have been reported, it may slow or hinder the absorption of medications. Upon publication, there are no reported adverse reactions when taken with other medications or supplements.
References
- MedlinePlus; Urinary Tract Infections; August 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Urinary Tract Infection; June 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Slippery Elm; Steven D. Ehrlich; February 2009
- Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine; Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Interstitial Cystitis; Dr. Eyal Lebel
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