Maintaining a healthy urinary tract is important in the prevention and treatment of bladder infections. Bladder infections are painful, unwanted bacterial infections that can interfere with your daily routine. There are many alternative medicine treatments for bladder infections -- including oregano. According to the "Journal of Natural Medicine," oil of oregano has numerous properties that can help prevent and fight conditions of the urinary system, including antimicrobial, antioxidant and kidney protection properties.
Bladder Infections
Bladder infections, sometimes referred to as cystitis or urinary tract infections, are infections of the bladder caused by bacteria. Bladder infections are more common in females, pregnant women, those with diabetes and the sexually active. Symptoms of a bladder infection include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, voiding little at a time, foul-smelling urine, cloudy urine, back pain, stomach pain, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. While bladder infections are usually not cause for concern, they need to be examined and treated by a physician to prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys, which can cause permanent damage. Treatment usually includes antibiotics, drinking plenty of fluids and over-the-counter medication to help alleviate pain.
Antimicrobial Properties of Oregano
A majority of bladder infections are caused by a bacteria known as E. coli. The 2001 edition of the "Journal of Food Protection," indicates that oregano has powerful antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial properties can help to destroy the E. coli that is the cause of a majority of bladder infections. Oregano oil has properties similar to strong prescription antibiotics when it comes to treating infections. Oregano oil is also effective in helping to prevent failures of antibiotics when it comes to treating bladder infections caused by drug-resistant strains of E. coli.
Antioxidant Properties of Oregano
Antioxidants help to prevent your body from free radical damage. Free radicals can cause cancer along with many bacterial infections. Oil of oregano contains free radical properties that can help to prevent bacteria from binding itself to the walls of your bladder. Antioxidants create a hostile environment, which makes it much more difficult for bacteria to thrive in your bladder. According to the "Journal of Natural Health," oregano has antioxidant properties higher than those of apples and oranges, which are known to help boost the health of your immune system.
Oregano and Kidneys
When left untreated, bladder infections can spread to your kidneys. Infections of the kidneys can result in hospitalization and the need for intravenous medications. Kidney infections can result in permanent damage to your kidneys. Oil of oregano contains glucosides, which help to control blood sugars and hypertension, which are often related to kidney failure, according to the "Journal of Natural Medicine." Before using oregano for bladder infections, kidney health or the health of your urinary system, always consult your doctor.
References
- "Journal of Natural Medicine"; A New Phenolic Glucoside from an Uzbek Medicinal Plant, Origanum Tyttanthum; Takeda Y. et. Al.; Jan. 2008
- "Journal of Food Protection"; Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils From Plants Against Selected Pathogenic and Saprophytic Microorganisms; M. Elgayyar, et al.; Jul. 2001
- Merck Manuals: Bladder Infections; Stewart Shankel MD; Sept. 2007
