You know an herb is good when cultures on different sides of the globe use it for the same thing. The Chinese, Europeans, and American Indians all used the leaves and fresh berries of the Uva Ursi for bladder infections, kidney stones and incontinence. North American colonists found that Native Americans used the herb as a urinary remedy, and even mixed it with other plants to smoke.
Commonly known as Bearberry, Uva Ursi is a short evergreen shrub with small leathery leaves. Medical herbalists report that the diuretic action comes from arbutin, which is absorbed, remains unchanged and then excreted by the kidneys producing and antiseptic effect on the urinary mucus membranes.
Uva Ursi strengthens the urinary passages and is good for inflammation of every part of the urinary system. It also increases the flow of urine and cleanses the spleen. In his book, The Little Herb Encyclopedia, Jack Ritchason writes, “Uva ursi is an astringent herb with strong affinity for the urinary system. It has been used to help correct bedwetting, bladder diseases, cystitis, kidney congestion and infections of the kidneys and urinary tract (234).”
This herb also helps urine that is high in acid maintain a healthy pH balance.
In Heal Your Life with Home Remedies, Hanna Kroeger recommends the “trace minerals from Uva ursi” along with “vitamins A, B6, C and E” as a remedy for bladder infection (133).
Urva Ursi should not be taken by pregnant women because it stimulates the uterine contractions.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is an elegant shrub that grows in the southern and midwestern part of the United States. It contains bitter compounds that make it a great blood purifier and cleanser of the entire urinary tract.
Hydrangea is very helpful for urinary problems, preventing the formation of gravel, helping any deposits to pass through the ureters from the kidney to the bladder. It increases the flow of urine and will remove bladder stones as well as the accompanying pain. Hydrangea acts as a solvent to help break down and prevent further formation of stones and deposits in the urinary and glandular systems.
Hydrangea is a diuretic herb that promotes the overall health of the prostate gland, by reducing inflammation, infection and swelling.
It also contains nutrients and minerals including high concentrations of calcium that is so important for strong bones and healthy connective tissues, and it is helpful for the swelling of arthritis and can ease the effects of severe rheumatism.
Many herbs will work well on a particular illness, while others may work better for one person than another. If you are allergy prone or uncomfortable using medicinal herbs, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your doctor before using any herbal products.
Another good herbal remedy for kidney infections is cranberry juice. But, although natural remedies are being studied for urinary tract infection, it is important to seek medical attention and not self-medicate. If improperly treated, a urinary tract infection may spread to the kidneys. This can occur even though a person’s symptoms appear to improve.
A diet which consists of processed food like cheese, chocolate, dairy products should be avoided. You should also avoid spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes which otherwise is also harmful. Avoid carbonated drinks like beer, soda or any other drink with fizz.
For those interested in an herbal remedy, a capsule called Junipers can be helpful. This herbal capsule contains parsley root, juniper berries, goldenseal root, marshmallow root, lovelia herb, uya ursi leaf, and ginger root. Each of these herbs is known for its ability to cleanse the body.
Consuming large amounts of acidophilus bifidus can also help eliminate bladder infection. Acidophilus bifidus are tiny live organisms found in yogurt. They can also be purchased in a condensed over-the-counter tablet form from the supermarket or drug store.