If blood appears in your urine, it is a symptom of an underlying condition and must be checked by a physician. Once a diagnosis has been made to determine the cause, complementary remedies can be taken alongside standard medical care to resolve the bleeding and reduce irritation or infection. Possible causes for blood in the urine include infection, cancer, prostate disease and kidney stones. Some foods such as beets may cause urine to temporarily appear red. Consult with a physician and a registered medical herbalist to determine if herbs are OK for you to take.
Shepherd's Purse
Shepherd's purse is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines for internal bleeding of the urinary system. According to Kerry Bone, author of "The Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs," shepherd's purse extract is antihemorrhagic and significantly reduces internal bleeding from the digestive, reproductive and urinary system. Shepherd's purse is also a urinary antiseptic and antipyretic, and contains a range of antioxidant bioflavonoids. Very little research has been performed on the action of this plant, but its content of polypeptide chemicals are believed to be responsible for its antihemorrhagic properties. Check with your doctor and a registered medical herbalist to make sure shepherd's purse is OK for you to take.
Lady's Mantle
Lady's mantle has been used as a reproductive and urinary tonic for women since the middle ages. According to Anne McInture, author of "The Floral Healer," the leaves and flowers of lady's mantle are rich in tannins -- active compounds with astringent, antihemorrhagic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. When taken internally, lady's mantle extract helps to reduce menstrual bleeding, urinary bleeding and diarrhea, and is used as a diuretic for the kidneys. Herbs rich in tannins may reduce absorption of nutrients when taken alongside food, so lady's mantle is best taken away from food. Lady's mantle may interfere with prescription medications, so check with your doctor before purchasing lady's mantle products.
Marshmallow
According to Henry Potter, herbalist and author of "Potter's Encyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations," the roots and leaves of marshmallow are both rich in mucopolysaccharides -- compounds that coat and soothe mucus membranes in the body, including the mouth, throat, digestive system and urinary system. Marshmallow root is used for urinary inflammation, irritation and cystitis, when cooling and soothing is required. In addition to improving symptoms of your condition, marshmallow root has a mild stimulatory effect on the immune system. Consult with a registered medical herbalist and doctor on whether marshmallow root or leaves are an appropriate product for you.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a common medicinal plant and weed found throughout the world in gardens, lawns and meadows. According to Drug Information Online, yarrow extract contains active compounds which inhibit bacteria and fungi, reduce bleeding and improves circulation. The active chemical achilleine reduces internal and external bleeding, and reduced blood clotting in rabbits by up to 32 percent. Yarrow is especially effective if urinary bleeding is related to infection, and may help to reduce inflammation and irritation that causes discomfort. Yarrow may interact with some prescription medications, so check with your doctor before purchasing yarrow products.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod, also known as Solidago, is a traditional medicinal plant for healing wounds and reducing inflammation. According to Zoe Hawes, author of "Wild Drugs," the aerial parts of goldenrod are effective for treating disorders of the urinary tract and kidneys. Goldenrod reduces muscle spasms, is antiseptic and increases urination, making it useful in kidney stones, urinary tract infections and irritation to the bladder and kidneys. Goldenrod can easily be mistaken for ragwort, so make sure to identify wild plants properly, and consult with a health care professional before purchasing goldenrod products.
References
- "The Clinical Guide for Blending Liquid Herbs"; Kerry Bone; 2003
- "The Complete Floral Healer"; Anne McIntyre; 1996
- "Potter's Encyopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations"; Henry Potter; 1998
- Drugs.com: Yarrow
- "Wild Drugs"; Zoe Hawes; 2010
