Urinary tract infections are infections in the bladder, kidneys, ureter or urethra. They cause a range of symptoms, including lower abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a burning sensation while urinating. Mustard oil derived from herbs in the same family as mustard can help treat a urinary tract infection, according to a study published in the "Arzneimittel-Forschung" journal in 2006. Other herbs may be effective too, but ask your doctor before taking supplements.
UTIs
There are several types of urinary tract infections that affect different organs. Cystitis is a bladder infection and the most common type of UTI. Urethritis is an infection of the urethra, which is a tube that connects the bladder to the genitals. Ureteritis is an infection in a ureter; ureters are tubes that link the kidneys and bladder. A urinary tract infection in the kidneys is called pyelonephritis. UTIs occur when microorganisms get into the urinary tract. Sometimes, microorganisms like bacteria cling to the urethra's opening. Bacteria may also get into the kidneys. A blockage can also be to blame.
Horseradish
Horseradish is traditionally used for treating colds and respiratory infections, or prepared with mustard oil for topical use, according to Drugs.com. The study published in the "Arzneimittel-Forschung" journal found that combining roots from horseradish with nasturtium was effective for treating urinary tract infections and upper respiratory infections. Mustard oils made from either are known to have antibacterial activity. In this study, the mustard oils from both were activated in the gastrointestinal tract and shown to fight relevant pathogens. Pathogens are infectious agents that cause disease, more commonly referred to as germs.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with a mustard-like scent. Turmeric and mustard oil are commonly mixed in ointments and tinctures for treating various conditions in Ayurveda, an alternative medicine that originated in India. Turmeric is also used as a dye in yellow mustard. According to an article on the website of the California College of Ayurveda, people have used this herb for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic properties that are believed to be effective for treating infections, including urinary tract infections. Consult your physician before using turmeric with mustard oil or any alternative medicine treatment.
Additional Herbs
Other herbs are useful in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. Cranberries are best known for preventing UTIs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Cranberries kill the Escherichia coli bacteria that can cause infections. However, cranberry does not treat an existing infection. Goldenseal also fights E. coli and other bacteria. The herb contains a chemical called berberine that is often suggested for treating a UTI, according to the center. Barberry is another herb that contains berberine. It can help with bladder and urinary tract infections. A professional herbalist may also suggest echinacea.
References
- Arzneimittel-Forschung; In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Antibacterial Activity of a Combination of the Haulm of Nasturtium (Tropaeoli Majoris Herba) and of the Roots of Horseradish (Armoraciae Rusticanae Radix)
- California College of Ayurveda: Turmeric -- “The Golden Goddess”
- Mark's Daily Apple: Smart Spice -- Turmeric
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Horseradish
- Drugs.com: Horseradish
- New Mexico State University: Urinary Tract Infections
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