There are a few herbs that are often prescribed by herbalists to address urinary tract infections, including bearberry, corn silk, buchu, couch grass and horsetail.
A urinary antiseptic, bearberry supports the body in healing and soothing infections, irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract and bladder. Its antimicrobial, cleansing and astringent (skin toning) properties make it particularly useful in aiding the healing urinary tract infections and soothing the urinary tract.
Corn silk, the smooth, creamy-yellow strands inside the husks of corn (ideally harvested before pollination) is rich in nutrients and is a wonderfully soothing remedy for the urinary system. It is powerfully anti-inflammatory and soothes acute and chronic inflammatory conditions of the bladder and kidneys. It also reduces fluid retention and aids the elimination of toxins via the kidneys.
Another diuretic and urinary antiseptic, buchu is excellent for soothing urinary tract infections. It improves circulation to the urinary system and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It eases acute and chronic inflammation in the urinary system. High in B vitamins, it reduces water retention and eases the flow of urine.
Couch grass is another herb which is very rich in a moistening substance called mucilage, which is very effective at cooling irritation and inflammation – particularly in the urinary tract. It contains mannitol, saponins and vanillin, which act as diuretics, increasing the flow of urine and thereby supporting the excretion of wastes, including excess sodium and uric acid. It is excellent for infections and inflammatory conditions such as cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis, as well as irritable bladder and painful urination (dysuria). It contains silicic acid, which is healing and strengthening to the urinary tract and sphincters, and is useful for healing after an infection and for treating bedwetting and urinary incontinence.
High in silica, selenium and zinc, horsetail is a potent ‘remineraliser’. It preserves the elasticity of connective tissues and supports the elimination of metabolic waste from the body, especially through urine. It gently tones the tissues of the urinary system, and can help with urinary incontinence and bedwetting in children. It is used to soothe inflammation in the bladder, urethra and prostate. As a diuretic (increases urine output and enhances elimination of waste products via the urine), horsetail can also support the body in preventing the formation and recurrence of kidney stones.
All of these herbs are included in our Urinary Support Tea, which was crafted especially to support urinary health — and particularly to help the body deal with infections, inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract or bladder (cystitis).