Women's Urinary Tract Infections:
Prevention and Treatment with Herbal Extracts
by Julie Plunkett, Herbalist

Women are much more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men, due to the fact that the female urethra is rather short, in close proximity to the anus, and a site where common bacteria colonize - particularly E. coli (Escherichia coli), an intestinal bacteria responsible for over 80% of women’s UTIs.

Signs of a UTI might include an urgency to urinate, pain when urinating, scalding urine, pelvic aching, lower/ middle back pain, fever and malaise (with any of the previously mentioned symptoms), occasional blood in the urine, and cloudy or odiferous urine.

UTIs have become increasingly ‘antibiotic resistant’, subsequently making herbal therapies critical. While upper UTIs (kidneys/ureters) are potentially serious, typically requiring medical attention, lower UTIs (bladder/urethra) are common and usually respond well to herbal therapies. Treating a lower UTI early can help prevent it from advancing into an upper UTI.

Strategies to reduce susceptibility to UTIs:

• Showering versus bathing (avoid ‘bubble baths’)
• Always wipe front-to-back
• Shower with soap before and after sexual contact
• Genital fragility or injury may lead to UTI. Apply Herbal Ed’s Salve or Calendula Oil to the vulva/urethra after showering. Herb Pharm’s Phytoestrogen Tonic and Alfalfa Extracts (30 to 40 drops, 2-4 times per day, orally) may reduce fragility by mimicking estrogen’s ‘lubricating’ action
• Reduce/eliminate sugar at earliest sign of a UTI

Herbal extracts for prevention and treatment:
Drinking plenty of pure water is crucial when preventing and treating UTIs.

UVA URSI EXTRACT (Archtostaphylos uva-ursi) is an antibacterial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic; it has been proven effective against E. coli and other urinary pathogens; take 30 to 40 drops, 3-5 times per day.

CRANBERRY EXTRACT (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
is delicious, rich in anti-oxidants, and can be used ongoing as a preventive. Cranberry flavones have been proven to reduce adherence of E. coli to urinary tract membranes by up to 97%. Take 40 to 50 drops, 3-5 times per day. As a bonus, Cranberry has also been proven to reduce periodontal disease and ulcers.

GOLDENROD/HORSETAIL COMPOUND is a soothing combination of diuretic herbs, contributing valuable secondary actions: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, toning, astringent, and tissue healing. The compound contains fresh flowering tops of Goldenrod, fresh Corn Silk, fresh Horsetail, fresh Pipsissewa, and dried Juniper Berry extracts. Take 30 to 40 drops 3-5 times per day in a large glass of water.

PHARMA KAVA EXTRACT (Piper methysticum) is an effective urinary analgesic. It is indicated where there is any urinary pain. Take 30 to 40 drops, 1-5 times per day, as needed. It can also be added to the above-mentioned extracts.

SUPER ECHINACEA EXTRACT (Echinacea purpurea) is excellent for UTIs. It is anti-microbial, cleansing and healing to tissues and boosts ‘local immunity’ of the urinary tract and general immune function. Take 30 to 40 drops, 3-5 times a day.

USNEA EXTRACT (Usnea barbata) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, effective for non-E. coli UTIs. Take 30 to 40 drops, 2-5 times per day.

CLEAVERS EXTRACT (Gallium aparine) is a wonder-ful, cooling urinary cleanser and tonic, helping to remove urinary wastes and mucus. Take 30 to 40 drops, 2-5 times a day.