Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) With Herbs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, especially in women. Its familiar symptoms include a cloudy, bloody or very smelly urine, burning sensation when passing urine, and frequent urination.
Luckily, there are herbs that can be useful when it comes to dealing with this condition. Check them out below.

Dandelion

When taken by mouth, a combination of dandelion root and leaf extracts of another herb called bearberry (Uva Ursi) may help reduce the number of occurrences of UTIs in women. Dandelion helps increase urine flow while bearberry leaf helps keel bacteria.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, plant compounds that are well known for having strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Test-tube research showed that Epigallocatechin (EGC), a compound in green tea, has potent antibacterial effects against UTI-causing strains of E. coli.

Chamomile

Chamomile has a diuretic effect and contains beneficial plant compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Experts believed that these features may help reduce inflammation, inhibit bacterial growth, and flush the urinary tract of infectious bacteria. Consume chamomile tea to enjoy this benefit.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow roots work as a diuretic. It helps flush out excess fluid thus helping cleanse the kidneys and the bladder.

There were researchers showing that its extract can support overall urinary health. Research from 2015  suggests that its antibacterial effect may be useful in treating urinary tract infections. In a 2016 study, results showed that the soothing effect of marshmallow roots can relieve internal irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract.

Reap this benefit by consuming a few cups of marshmallow root tea throughout the day. Make fresh marshmallow root tea by adding a cup of boiling water to 2 teaspoons of dried root.

Bearberry

Also known as uva ursi, bearberry acts as an antibacterial, urinary antiseptic, astringent and healer to the mucous membranes of the urinary tract. It is also a diuretic.

Garlic

Throughout history, this popular herb has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has been known for its ability to treat a range of physical ailments, including viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.

Garlic’s allicin content has been found to exhibit strong antibacterial effects against a variety of infectious, UTI-causing bacteria — including E. coli.

Garlic can be consumed in its whole, raw form, but supplemental doses are usually sold as extracts and consumed in capsule form.

Corn Silk

Corn silk has soothing mucilaginous or demulcent properties that soothe the irritated mucous membranes. Aside from this, it also has a diuretic effect as well as rich in silica and other minerals, which help strengthen the tissues.