Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common, and they are caused by various bacteria making their way into the urethra and up into the urinary tract where they cause an infection. The symptoms of a UTI include burning, itching and problems urinating, and they can affect anyone at any age. Many times, urinary tract infections go untreated and may resolve on their own after a certain period of time. However, typically antibiotics are used in order to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection.
There are many natural compounds that are found in plants that also boast antibacterial properties and may be able to hasten the treatment of a urinary tract infection. Herbal remedies are not a substitute for medical care, and medications should never be discontinued in favor of alternative or holistic remedies. However, for those looking for a beneficial boost to their infectious condition, a tea for UTI symptoms may be just the trick.
Some herbs can help to kill bacteria within our bodies. And, unlike medications, herbs also possess nutritional value that cannot be found in a medicine. These nutrients boosts can help make the body more able to fight off the infection causing a UTI, furthering their potential benefit.
We put together a list of the best ten herbs to consider in a tea for UTI treatment. Any herbal treatment should be considered in conjunction to medications and doctor recommended care, and not instead of. Additionally, herbs and herbal tea recipes should never be used without first consulting with a health care provider to ensure that they are safe for you and won’t interact with any medications that you are currently taking or other health conditions that you may have. For a supplemental boost to help eradicate infections of the urinary tract and their unpleasant symptoms, check out our top ten list of the best herbs to use in a tea for UTI relief!
1. Horseradish
Most people don’t think of the spicy root first when it comes to making tea, but horseradish boasts radical antibacterial properties that may make you think twice! The herb can be boiled and simmered into a unique tea and combined with other herbs for a more pleasing flavor. The antimicrobial properties of horseradish are thought to be present due to mustard volatile oils found in the root.
2. Nasturtium
Like horseradish, nasturtium, another member of the mustard family, provides its benefits in UTI relief thanks to natural antimicrobial properties. In a study where the aforementioned horseradish was combined with nasturtium, participants experienced an almost parallel reduction in symptoms. The two can be combined in a tea for UTI treatment or paired with others in a variety of herbal tea recipes.
3. Grape Seed
Like other natural bacteria fighting herbs, grape seed is thought to be useful in the fight against the infections that cause UTIs due to natural antibacterial properties. Grape seed specifically is thought to be particularly useful against the strains of bacteria that are most commonly responsible for causing them in the first place. Grape seed can be added to a tea for UTI treatment, and is commonly done so in ground form. Another interesting word of note, grape seed also boasts antifungal and antiviral properties, furthering its infection fighting benefits.
4. Thyme
Thyme is one of the most potent bacteria fighters in nature, despite the fact that the herb is better known for its culinary applications than its incredible variety of medicinal benefits. In addition to potentially combating the bacteria responsible for UTI development, thyme is also thought to support overall urinary health. Thyme can be easily added to a tea for UTI relief and works well with other herbs.
5. Couch Grass
Studies have been concluded that point to the herb couch grass as being effective at maintaining urinary health. This is important because an unhealthy urinary tract is much less effective at combating infections on its own. Couch grass can be incorporated into a tea for UTI relief to help boost the health of the entire urinary tract which can help in healing. The herb is also an anti-inflammatory and can therefore provide some symptom relief as well.
6. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root works in two ways to help urinary tract infections. It contains compounds that can help coat and soothe an irritated system. Additionally, it contains antibacterial properties to help counter the source of the infection. Marshmallow root makes a perfect base for a tea for UTI relief, and the fresh root can be boiled and then simmered for ten minutes with other herbs added afterwards such as those for inflammation relief or those with more bacteria killing properties. Marshmallow root is a common constituent of many herbal tea recipes for its mucilage content and subsequent coating properties.
7. Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm is a natural, mild diuretic and that’s one of the reasons that it makes an excellent tea for UTI relief, particularly in people who are having trouble urinating as a result of the infection. Slippery elm also contains mucilage like number six on our list, which can add to a coating and soothing sensation for the irritated urinary tract.
8. Uva Ursi
Uva ursi has been used in folk medicine for the relief of both urinary tract and bladder infections. Bear in mind however that the leaves are tough and should be subjected to an overnight soak before tea making commences. Uva ursi should not be used for long periods of time and should not be used in children either.
9. Horsetail
Noted for relief from kidney disorders and bladder infections, horsetail boasts both diuretic and astringent properties. Interestingly enough, while it contains a wide variety of beneficial compounds, it also contains trace amounts of nicotine. Horsetail is thought to help flush infection from the urinary tract by gently bringing on healthy urine flow. This is often used in a tea for UTI treatment, but is typically combined with other complimentary herbs.
10. Goldenrod
Like horsetail, goldenrod is a natural and mild diuretic that can stimulate the flow of urine purportedly in order to more quickly remove infection from the urinary tract. Goldenrod also boasts antibacterial properties as well, furthering the herb’s use in a tea for UTI relief.
