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Herbal Remedies for Bladder Infection

• CRANBERRY Cranberries have a long history of use for the prevention and treatment of UTIs. It was once believed that cranberries work because they acidify the urine. It is now believed, however, that they work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder. Bacteria produce protein fibers called adhesins, which allow them to attach to mucous membranes, such as those in the bladder. Cranberry extracts and juice have been found to inhibit adhesins of a number of bacteria that commonly cause UTIs, including E. coli, Proteus, Klebsiella and other Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas. A test-tube study also found that blueberry juice was able to prevent the adhesin activity of bacteria (in particular, that of E. coli). Cranberry juice has been found to be effective for the prevention of UTIs in older women. A double-blind study examined 153 women whose average age was 78 years. For a period of six months, half were given a commercial cranberry drink and half were given a placebo that was made to look and taste like cranberry juice. They both contained the same amount of vitamin C. Even though it wasn't a potent cranberry extract or unsweetened juice, there was a 58% decrease in bacterial and white-blood-cell counts in the women taking the cranberry juice when compared to the placebo group.

Dosage: Cranberry is best used as a preventive remedy, especially for women who are prone to recurrent UTIs. Drink 8 to 16 oz daily of unsweetened cranberry juice, or take 2 capsules of powdered cranberry extract two to three times daily.

• UVA URSI (ArctostaphyLos uva-ursi) One of the most important herbs for the treatment of UTIs is uva ursi or bearberry. Until the advent of antibiotics, arbutin, an active constituent of uva ursi, was a primary mode of treatment for bladder infections in Europe and the United States. But while it remains a part of the drug formularies in Europe, it was dropped from the U.S. formulary (the National Formulary) in 1950. Uva ursi has both antibiotic and diuretic activities. When the anti-bacterial effect of urine on people who had taken either uva ursi or isolated arbutin was put to the test (in a test tube), it was found to have activity against several bacteria, including some of those most commonly found in the urinary tract (E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus). Another study, double-blind, of 57 women tested the herb's effectiveness for prevention of UTIs. Half were given uva ursi, while the other half took a placebo for one year. At the end of the year, five of the placebo group and none in the uva ursi group had gotten bladder infections. This herb is best used, however, at the first sign of a UTI and throughout the course of the infection rather than for long-term prevention.

Dosage: Take 250 to 500 mg of extract (standardized to contain 20% arbutin) three times daily. Uva ursi works most efficiently in an alkaline urine, so it is best not used with supplements that might acidify the urine, such as cranberries or vitamin C. This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Overdoses may cause nausea, vomiting, ringing of the ears and convulsions.

• GOLDENSEAL or OREGON GRAPE (Hydrastis canadensis, Berberis aquifolium) These berberine-containing plants can be very effective for UTIs because of berberine's broad spectrum of action against a large number of different bacteria. Like the arbutin in uva ursi, berberine works best in an alkaline environment.

Dosage: If the supplement is very concentrated for berberine content (8% berberine), the recommended dosage is 200 mg three times daily. If taken as a liquid tincture, 1 to 2 teaspoons three times daily are recommended. This herb should not be taken during pregnancy. Berberine can raise blood sugar. Avoid these herbs if you have high blood pressure. Also, berberine can lower absorption of certain B vitamins.