Urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and multiply within the bladder or kidneys. When confined to the bladder, urinary tract infection causes irritating symptoms like burning urination, lower abdominal pain and malodorous urine; however, when it progresses to the kidneys, UTI can cause life-threatening complications. While prescription antibiotics are the only cure for UTI, there are a variety of herbal treatments that may help support urinary health until you can see a doctor.
Uva Ursi
Also known as bearberry, uva ursi has been used traditionally around the world as a treatment for UTI. It has antiseptic and diuretic properties that are thought to help kill bacteria and flush them from the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), uva ursi was the treatment of choice for UTI before the advent of modern antibiotics. Its leaves contain arbutin--a potent antiseptic compound--in quantities ranging from 5 to 15 percent. It is also high in tannins, which help tighten mucous membranes and fight inflammation throughout the body.
Uva ursi can be brewed into a tea or taken in supplement form for its healing effects. Since it contains hydroquinone--a potential liver toxin--uva ursi should not be used regularly for more than five days in a row.
Dandelion Root
Long revered for its effectiveness as a detoxification aid, dandelion root may be helpful in cleansing the urinary system of infection. It has been used traditionally by Native American healers as a remedy for both kidney disease and water retention. Dandelion root has diuretic properties that may help the kidneys produce urine in larger quantities to flush harmful bacteria out of the body. According to experts at the UMMC, dandelion root increases urine output by prompting the kidneys to excrete higher levels of salt and water.
Because it is a diuretic, dandelion root can increase the excretion of certain medications, such as lithium, antacids and some antibiotics, thereby lowering their efficacy. It may also trigger allergic reactions in people allergic to marigold, chrysanthemum and ragweed and should not be taken by people with gallstones.
Cranberry
Cranberry is among the most well-known folk remedies for urinary tract infection. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, cranberry is a safe, effective therapy for preventing UTI that works by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. It is also rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and Vitamin C, which may help support healthy immune function.
While it is a viable preventive measure, cranberry is significantly less effective in treating existing infections. It can increase oxalate levels in the urine, which may speed the formation of kidney stones in those with a history of the condition. When purchasing cranberry juice, it is recommended to choose brands made from 100 percent cranberry juice with no sugar added, as sugar can feed bacteria in the urinary tract. The recommended dose of cranberry is 8 oz. of juice three times daily or 400 mg. extract.
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