Herbs for Urinary Tract Infections — Herbal Wisdom Institute

By Kris Vaughan, CHMost women have had at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. They all agree   it is one of the most uncomfortable conditions they have experienced; it hurts to urinate and there is an increased need to urinate with intense pressure above the pubic bone, often with a dragging pain at the end of the urine stream. Usually these symptoms mean an immediate trip to the doctor for antibiotics but we are lucky to have many herbal remedies available to us for natural treatment of bladder or urinary tract infections.What Causes UTI’sA urinary tract infection is most often caused by the presence of E. coli (approximately 80%) but may also come from klebsiella, enterobacter, staphylococcus, and other bacteria. The bacteria have mechanisms that allow them to adhere to the lining of the bladder and the mucosal wall of the entire urinary tract causing inflammation, cloudy urine with an unpleasant odor, and bladder and pelvic pain. Several factors increase the likelihood of developing a UTI.Being femaleSounds unfair, I know, but it’s a simple matter of anatomy. Women are more prone to UTI’s than men because of the close proximity of the urethra’s to the anus. The bacteria have a shorter distance to travel in order to colonize in the lining of the urethra and the bladder.Hormonal changes during pregnancy change the tone of the kidneys. Pressure is placed on the bladder from the growing uterus and may cause congestion in the bladder and the inability to completely empty the bladder.Estrogen and progesterone shifts during menopause alter the pH of the urine and cause changes in tissue structure. Women over 65 have the highest rates of UTI’s.Chemical FactorsAntibacterial soaps, sprays, douches, feminine deodorants and contraceptive jellies and creams all alter the normal pH of the urinary tract allowing an environment for bacteria to colonize. Barrier contraceptives such as diaphragms may irritate the urethra and allow for bacterial adhesion.There is increased change in tissue pH and structure with the consumption of foods with pesticides on them. These chemicals also lower our body’s natural ability to recognize the bacteria and mount a proper immune system response.Antibiotic use depletes the friendly bacteria normally present in the genitourinary tract and allows an overgrowth of candida albicans. The overgrowth of candida can alter the pH of the urinary tract and contribute to recurrent UTI’s.StressWhen we are under stress, especially chronic stress, we have increased production of our adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), glucocorticoids, and aldosterone. All of these reduce the number of circulating white blood cells that normally fight off infectious bacteria. The reduction in white blood cells increases our susceptibility to infection.Treating a UTI NaturallyAdequate water intake is essential in preventing the occurrence of UTI’s and for basic daily hydration of our cells and tissues. On average I recommend a person consume a minimum of half their body weight in ounces of water daily. That means if you weigh 150 pounds you should be consuming a minimum of 75 ounces of water each day. When a UTI develops, it is critically important that we increase our water intake to 3 or more quarts of water a day for 3-5 days in order to flush the urinary tract continually to aid in removing the bacteria.The plant world has much to offer us in treating and preventing UTI’s. Herbs give a variety of actions useful in the urinary tract beyond the simple antibiotic action.·      Antimicrobial herbs to clear bacterial infection·      Anti-inflammatory herbs to soothe pain and discomfort ·      Astringent herbs to relieve any bleeding that may be present in the urine·      Diuretic herbs help to flush the urinary tract by causing the kidneys to excrete more fluid·      Antispasmodic herbs if necessary for the intense pain