Tannin and arbutin, the active ingredients, have important qualities that give this herb its impressive powers. Tannin is an astringent, which means that it causes tissue to contract in a way that can make an inhospitable environment for bacteria. In the urinary tract, arbutin becomes an antiseptic, which means that it directly battles the growth of bacteria and other organisms. Other plants do contain arbutin, but the highest amounts are found in uva-ursi , says naturopathic doctor Tori Hudson, N.D., professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and director of A Woman s Time health clinic, both in Portland, Oregon. In addition to being sold in supplement form, uva-ursi is available in some specially blended teas.
Painful urination is one of the earliest and worst symptoms of a bladder infection.
The odd, uncomfortable spasms of pain can continue long after you ve urinated. The muscle-relaxing herb kava kava can be a boon to women who have substantial pain from a bladder infection, says Dr. McClure. Its active ingredients, called kavalactones, have a mild tranquilizing effect, and they also seem to create antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects in the urinary tract. With that combination of benefits, kava is especially well-suited for treating UTIs. Kava comes in tincture form as well as capsules.