Herbal Remedies Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection (UTI), also known as cystitis, is a common disorder of the urinary system, especially in women. Burning or pain when urinating is the most common symptom. Proper treatment of a UTI is important to prevent it from spreading to the kidneys, and advice from your doctor is essential.

However, when it comes to treating cystitis, many herbal teas can have a beneficial effect (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and diuretic/draining) to relieve pain and complement existing treatment.

Which herbal teas should I choose to get rid of a urinary tract infection and relieve the symptoms? Is herbal tea an effective old-fashioned remedy for urinary tract infections? Which drinks should I avoid if I have a urinary tract infection?

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is caused by bacteria that enter the body and settle in the urinary tract.
According to the Geneva University Hospitals

Department of Community Medicine
and Emergency Medicine
Department of Primary Care Medicine

– A. Francois1
– H. Brandstätter1
– A.-C. Wishbone1
–  A. Huttner2

1. Primary Care Medicine Service, HUG
2. HUG Infectious Diseases Department

1. DEFINITIONS, EPIDEMIOLOGY
A urinary tract infection is defined as the presence of a pathogenic organism in the urine in the presence of compatible symptoms1.
compatible symptomatology1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be localised in
in the lower urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis) or in the upper urinary tract (pyelonephritis or
(pyelonephritis or pyelitis). These are the most common bacterial infections in women.
Women: 50% of women will have at least one symptomatic episode in their lifetime.
in their lifetime.
One third of women with a first episode of UTI will have recurrent infections2,3,4.
Recurrent infections2,3,4.
UTIs occur in 20% of men.

What you need to know.

– In women with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI and a positive urine dipstick
leukocytes with or without nitrites, urine sediment and culture are not indicated.
Urine sediment and culture are not indicated.
– Due to the change in…

For men, most recommendations are based on expert opinion, and currently experts do not all agree on the current definition, which is that
Any urinary tract infection in men is immediately considered complicated. In
Depending on the clinic and the symptoms, it can be treated in 7-10 days rather than 14 days.

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. It is common in women, in whom uncomplicated cases of cystitis are usually preceded by sexual intercourse. In men, bacterial infection of the bladder is usually complicated by an ascending infection of the urethra or prostate, or secondary to instrumental manoeuvres of the urethra. The most common cause of recurrent cystitis in men is chronic bacterial prostatitis.

According to an article in THE MERCK MANUAL
When symptoms are present, they do not always correspond to the topography of the infection in the urinary tract because of considerable overlap in their semiology, but some general principles are useful.

In urethritis, the main symptom is dysuria associated with urethral discharge, especially in men. The discharge may be purulent, whitish or mucous. Characteristics of the discharge, such as the volume of pus, do not reliably distinguish gonococcal from non-gonococcal urethritis.
The onset of cystitis is usually sudden, with pollakiuria, burning on urination, urgency, or painful passage of small amounts of urine. Nocturia is common, accompanied by suprapubic and lumbar pain. The urine is often cloudy and microscopic (or rarely macroscopic) haematuria may occur. Mild fever may occur. Pneumaturia (expulsion of air with the urine) may be seen if the urinary tract infection originates from an entero-vesical or vesico-vaginal fistula or from emphysematous cystitis.

Which herbal tea should I drink for a bladder infection?

1- Bearberry tea

Bearberry is one of the most recommended herbal teas for urinary tract infections, including cystitis. It has antibacterial properties that help fight the bacteria responsible for the infection. Bearberry contains compounds called hydroquinones, which help fight bacteria. Bearberry may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the inflammation and pain associated with cystitis.

2- Cranberry tea

Cranberry is known for its urinary health benefits and is widely used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections, including cystitis. It contains compounds (proanthocyanidins) that prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Regular consumption of cranberry tea, unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry supplements can help reduce cystitis symptoms and prevent recurrence.

3- Hibiscus tea

Hibiscus is a plant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In addition to reducing inflammation and pain, hibiscus tea can help fight the urinary tract infection that causes cystitis.

4- Nettle Leaf Tea

Nettle leaves are known for their diuretic and detoxifying properties, which means they can help increase urine production and eliminate toxins from the body. Nettle leaf tea may therefore be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of cystitis by promoting the elimination of bacteria in the urine.

5- Camomile Tea

Chamomile is a calming herb that can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pain associated with cystitis. It also has relaxing properties that promote rest and relaxation, which are important for healing.

6- Horsetail tea

Horsetail is a diuretic plant that can increase urine production and help eliminate bacteria in the urinary tract. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the symptoms of cystitis, particularly in the case of spasms.

7- Heather tea

Heather is a plant traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Heather can be taken as a herbal tea to help fight infection and relieve symptoms.

And don’t forget to drink water!

To prevent and treat bladder infections, there’s nothing more important than drinking water – at least 1.5 to 2 litres a day. As soon as you feel any urinary discomfort, drink up to 3 litres of water a day to prevent the onset of cystitis. Continue to drink plenty of fluids even after the symptoms have subsided.

Which drinks should I avoid if I have a urinary tract infection?

If you have a cystitis, whether in its early stages or not, you should avoid coffee, black tea and alcohol, which tend to acidify the urine and irritate the bladder wall.

Conclusion

Nature offers us various medicinal plants to help us stay healthy.
Plants are the basis of all medicine, having been used long before the discovery of the chemical pharmacopoeia. Always consult your doctor or health advisor before taking any herbal tea. Always use a good brand and read the label carefully.