Herbal and Nutritional Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections

Several herbs and nutrients have been used to treat urinary tract infections. Included among these are parsley, asparagus, garlic, alfalfa, birch, couch grass, echinacea, spinosa, goldenrod, lovage, horsetail, spiny restharrow, juniper, nettle, and java tea.

These products all work by increasing urine volume, which results in increased filtration and the flushing of bacteria from the urinary system. Most of these nutrients or herbs are available in supplement or tea form.

Horseradish is a common food that can also be used to treat UTIs. The oil that is released from horseradish has been shown to contain antibacterial properties, making it an effective treatment for infection.

Plants containing berberine (an alkaloid), have also been reported to be effective for treating UTIs. Goldenseal is one example of a plant that is high in berberine.

Uva ursi has been used in Europe for decades to treat UTIs. This herb is a trailing evergreen shrub that is found in the alpine forests in many regions, including Europe, North America, Siberia, the Himalayas, and the Iberian Peninsula.

When uva ursi is ingested, it converts into the active agent, hydroquinone, which kills bacteria. Most herbal professional recommend using this herb for only a short time to treat an infection.

Uva ursi is considered safe when taken in proper doses, for short periods (three times a day is the recommended usage). Nursing or pregnant mothers, and people with high blood pressure, should not take this herb, as minor side effects have been reported.

Lactobacilli (a friendly bacteria), has been known for many years to protect against urinary tract and gential infections.
It is found in several yogurt products, and many women have claimed that they have been able to decrease the occurrence of UTIs by eating yogurt. It reportedly works by maintaining acidity in the genitalia, and hindering the growth of E coli. There are also other products containing lactobacilli found in health stores.

Studies have indicated that a daily application of creams containing estrogen helps to significantly reduce recurring infections, when compared to women who don't apply these creams. One theory about the effectiveness of estrogen, is that it has a protective effect on the vaginal mucosa. Another theory, is that estrogen lowers the vaginal pH, which makes it more diifcult for bacteria to grow.

Taking estrogen pills does not have the same effect as applying estrogen creams, however, and the reason for this is not fully understood.