A urinary tract infection is often considered a "woman's illness." Similarly, vitex is known as a "woman's herb." Although you may be tempted to use vitex for any malady specific to women, the herb's usefulness does not extend to urinary tract infections. UTIs have their share of folk remedies attached to them -- some of them valid -- but vitex is not one of them. Ask your doctor about the best treatment for your urinary tract infection.
Condition
In most cases, a person suffering from a urinary tract infection is a woman. The bacterial infection affects at least one in two women at some point in her life. If you have pain or bleeding during urination, or feel the need to urinate more often, you may have a UTI. Other common symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue and pain during sexual intercourse. A number of factors may encourage an unhealthy balance of bacteria in your urinary tract. These include the use of antibiotics and birth control pills, diabetes, changing sex partners or sexual frequency, detergents or soaps, pregnancy and contracting E. coli.
Standard Treatment
Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics, and possibly a painkiller, if she confirms you have a UTI, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you often suffer from these infections, longer courses of antibiotics may be needed. Severe infections may require hospitalization. Recommended home treatments include using a heating pad and drinking plenty of water. Ask your doctor about whether discontinuing douches or other feminine products may prevent future outbreaks. Your doctor may also discuss preventive hygiene-related practices for after sex or when going to the bathroom.
Vitex Uses
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, herbalists primarily suggest vitex for a woman with breast pain and cramping before or during her period, or one who has complications from menopause. The herbal remedy, also known as chasteberry, comes from the berry of the Vitex agnus-castus plant, and is available as an extract in supplement form. The ancients used vitex to stimulate breast milk flow, as well as for problems related to menstrual cycles. It has also been studied for use against acne and infertility, with mixed results. No anecdotal or medical evidence suggests using vitex to treat UTIs.
Herbs for UTIs
Cranberry juice, a classic natural UTI treatment, works by preventing harmful bacteria from attaching to bladder tissue, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Blueberry juice or cranberry pills may also help. Other potential preventive or curative herbs for UTIs include green tea, milk thistle, uva-ursi, cat's claw, reishi mushrooms and buchu.
