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CRANBERRY

(Vaccinium macrocarpon)

This herb is used in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections and cystitis.

Reduces urinary tract mucus production in patients who have had urinary surgery and patients who are immobilized or catheterized.

The dose of cranberry used in clinical trials was 75 mL per day of cranberry juice or 400 to 800 mg per day of 25:1 dry concentrate) which is the same as 10-20gr of fresh berries per day.

Cranberry should be avoided in patients with renal failure and in those who tend to develop uric acid or calcium oxalate stones (due to the high oxalate content of cranberry).

 

 

BUCHU LEAF

(Agathosma betulina)

Diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic, the latter activity is considered to be due to its essential oil content. The underside of the Buchu leaves has oil glands containing an essential oil which consists mainly of the monoterpene, diosphenol.

It is imperative to make certain that the correct species has been used as the essential oil of other herbs such as ovate buchu (Agathosma crenulata) have lower diosphenol content and higher pulegone content. Pulegone is a potentially toxic constituent.

Buchu can be taken as a tea, with the dose being 5gr steeped in hot water up to four times daily.

 

BEARBERRY/ UVA URSI

(Arctostaphylos uva ursi)

Often found in combination with buchu as a tea that can be taken to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI).

A dose of 5 grams in hot water can be drunk up to four times daily to treat inflammation and infection.

This tea was customarily used for its astringent action and is of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys; where it soothes inflammation of the urinary tract.

 

HORSERADISH

(Armoracia rusticana)

Strong antimicrobial effect.

Works by attacking the cellular membrane of the bacterium.

 

CORN SILK

(Zea mays)

Best used in combination with other stronger antiseptic herbs to treat bladder infections. Will provide adequate symptom relief from burning and pain associated with a urinary tract infection.