Best Herbal Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs

One out of every five women suffers from Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs. Though it is not life threatening, it can be treated with antibiotics and medications that kill the bacteria causing UTIs. One can also opt to treat the condition through herbs and supplements that can effectively treat the condition without any side effects.

Found in most herbal stores, the herbs must only be taken once you have consulted a medical practitioner.

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Herbal Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs

Herbs or herbal supplements are safe way of treating conditions such as infections in the urinary tract. A few of the best known herbs are listed below:

Butterbur

Known to treat other physical problems such as seasonal allergies and other digestive problems, the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory elements are also very effective in treating urinary infections and inflammations. But known for often interacting with other medicines and drugs, one must consult a physician before using it to treat UTIs.

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Cranberry

Considered one of the best herbs to treat UTIs, cranberry is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, such as proanthocyanidins, that kill the bacteria effectively. For patients suffering from this physical disorder can take freshly extracted cranberry juice but for best results one must dilute it with water. For those who cannot find freshly extracted cranberry juice, one can take cranberry capsules and tablets that are readily available in the herbal stores. Daily consumption is recommended and is known to also lessen the frequency of such disorders happening.

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Lomatium

An antifungal and antibacterial herb, lomatium is one of the popular urinary tract infection herbs. Regular intake of the herb enhances the immune system that prevents the infection from happening. In most cases, the plant can also kill the bacteria, which causes the infection. Found in North America, the plant has been used by local healers and herbalists for years.

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Buchu

Most doctors consider this to be an effective antiseptic that can help fight UTI. Known to contain a component called diosphenol, buchu leaves are made into capsules that help in flushing out the bacteria from the system through triggering frequent urination. In most cases, doctors are concerned about using buchu for treatment of urinary tract infections because it can often lead to weakness caused by frequent urination. To prevent such occurrences, most physicians prescribe the intake of potassium tablets along with buchu supplements to balance the energy levels. If one is pregnant, buchu herbal medication should not be consumed.

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Purslane

One of the lesser known herbs, it is one of the oldest known remedies for urinary tract infections. Being rich in vitamins, it is known to stimulate the kidney that in turn cleans the urinary tract.

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Uva ursi

Also known as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, it can be consumed orally to treat infections in the urinary tract. It treats the infection by enhancing the kidney functionality, which in turn leads to frequent urination that helps in flushing out the bacteria. Most doctors claim that UTI can only be treated if and when the bacteria are flushed out of the system and this is done effectively by uva ursi supplements. Known to contain components such as arbutin, tannins, and hydroquinone, the herb is very effective but requires a doctor consultation before one can take uva ursi for their medical problems.

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Dandelion

One more herb that can help flush out the bacteria is dandelion. Known for its diuretic functionality, dandelion makes the health of the urinary tract better and prevents any infections from happening in the near future. Known to contain high levels of potassium, fresh dandelion leaves can be used as a garnish for their meals. Alternatively, one can make dandelion tea by steeping dandelion leaves into boiling water for over 15 minutes. This tea can be consumed on a daily basis and is known to be very effective in fighting off UTI causing bacteria.

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Marshmallow Root

Not a common herb, marshmallow root is an acidic herb that cleanses the bladder. Highly recommended by doctors, one can drink a cup of marshmallow root tea on a daily basis to stop the growth of bacteria and also eliminate it within a short period of time.

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Saw Palmetto

Botanically called Serenoa repens, it is known to clean the urinary tract with its fat-soluble elements. One of the most common urinary tract infection symptoms is nocturia and this can be effectively treated if the patient takes at least one saw palmetto supplement or capsule on a daily basis.

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Goldenseal

Grown in parts ofNorth America, it is known to contain berberine that effectively alleviates the infection. Berberine is a known compound that helps in detaching the bacteria from the urinary tract and flushing it out. The herb is also known to prevent future occurrences of UTIs.

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Garlic

A popular kitchen herb, garlic is probably one of the easiest treatments that is also very effective in treating urinary tract infections. Known to contain amino acid, it treats and prevents UTIs. Patients can easily brew a cup of hot tea with crushed garlic to treat the disorder. Drinking this on a daily basis eliminates the infection and is known to be more effective than most over-the-counter medicines for UTIs.

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Horseradish

Consuming raw horseradish to treat symptoms of UTIs is common among patients. Known to also treat other disorders and illnesses associated with bladders, one can easily make a mixture of water and horseradish oil to treat the disorder. An effective European herb, it is very effective if one consumes it on a daily basis.

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Echinacea

One of the oldest known herbs for treating urinary tract infections, echinace is grown in parts of North America. Containing immunostimulating properties, echinace supplements should not be consumed if one is on drugs and medicines for tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

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Turmeric

Another popular kitchen herb, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties such as curcumin. Though one can use powder or raw turmeric, as per the convenience, one can also consume turmeric capsules and tablets to treat the disorder. Check with a doctor before one uses it extensively because turmeric contains blood thinning properties, which can trigger other health problems.

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Slippery Elm

One of the native herbs from North America, it is known to soothe the bladder coats that reduces inflammation that often causes urinary tract infections.