Urinary system – Herbal Reality

Dill

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Goldenrod

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Rosebay willowherb

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Forsythia

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Couch grass

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Fu ling

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Juniper

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Sesame

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Kava

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Cat’s claw

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Thuja

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Herb robert

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Wintergreen

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Black pepper

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Lovage

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Wild indigo

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Lily of the valley

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Birch

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Mulberry

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White deadnettle

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Ground ivy

Jessika Thiele — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:57:14 +0000

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Pellitory of the wall

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Chickweed

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Blackberry

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Goat’s rue

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Yerba maté

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Violets

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Shepherd’s purse

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Irish moss

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Nasturtium

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Usnea

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Bearberry

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Atractylodes

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Olive leaf

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Hibiscus

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Oak

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Kidney stones

Jessika Thiele — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:16:22 +0000

Kidney stones are hard masses of minerals and salt that form in the kidneys and can result, most commonly, in lower back pain.

Understanding kidney stones

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. They can vary in size, ranging from tiny grains to larger stones that can cause severe pain as they pass through the urinary tract (1). Kidney stones are a common urological condition and can affect people of all ages, although they are more prevalent in adults, particularly between the ages of 30 and 60.

Kidney stones are a common condition worldwide. According to estimates from the National Health Service (NHS) in England, kidney stones affect about 10–15% of the population at some point in their lives (2). The prevalence appears to be increasing in recent years, possibly due to changes in dietary habits and lifestyle factors (2,3).

How do kidney stones work?

Kidney stones in different sizes

The pathophysiology of kidney stones involves the formation of solid masses within the urinary tract, typically in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Kidney stones can vary in size, composition, and location, and their formation is influenced by a variety of factors (1).

Kidney stones form when the concentration of certain substances in the urine exceeds their solubility limit, leading to supersaturation. Common substances that can form kidney stones include calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine (1). Factors such as dehydration, diet, medications, and underlying medical conditions can contribute to urine supersaturation (4).

Once urine becomes supersaturated, crystals of various substances may form and aggregate to form small particles or “nuclei.” These nuclei serve as the foundation for the development of kidney stones. Over time, the nuclei can grow in size as additional crystals deposit onto their surface. As crystals continue to grow, they may aggregate and adhere to each other, forming larger aggregates. These aggregates can eventually coalesce into solid kidney stones. The specific composition of the stones depends on the types of substances present in the urine (1).

Stones that form in the kidneys may remain within the kidney’s collecting system, where they can grow further or become lodged in the renal pelvis or calyces. Factors such as urinary stasis, anatomical abnormalities, or ureteral obstruction can contribute to stone retention. As kidney stones grow or move within the urinary tract, they can cause obstruction of the urinary flow (5). Obstruction can lead to urinary stasis, increased pressure within the urinary system, and stretching of the renal capsule, resulting in renal colic—severe flank pain that radiates to the groin or lower abdomen. Prolonged obstruction or irritation of the urinary tract by kidney stones can lead to inflammation and tissue damage (5). In some cases, stones may become coated with bacteria and contribute to urinary tract infections (UTIs) (6).

Understanding the root causes

The main factors contributing to the formation of kidney stones include dehydration, dietary factors and some medical conditions (4).

Dehydration

Dehydration is an important one, as insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of stone formation. Low urine volume reduces the ability of the kidneys to dissolve minerals, making it more likely for crystals to form and aggregate into stones (4).

Food

Food can also be a contributing factor. Food high in oxalate, a high sodium diet and a low calcium diet can precipitate stone formation (4). High oxalate foods can increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Sodium intake can also increase urinary calcium excretion, contributing to the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones (7). A diet high in animal protein, particularly red meat, can increase uric acid production and contribute to uric acid stone formation. There is conflicting evidence as to whether a diet low in calcium may increase or decrease the risk of kidney stones, as it has been proposed that low dietary calcium can increase the absorption of oxalates in the intestines (7).

Medical conditions

Medical conditions that can increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation are hypercalciuria (excessive urinary calcium excretion), hyperoxaluria (elevated levels of oxalate in the urine), cystinuria (an inherited disorder resulting in excessive cystine excretion), gout and UTIs (4). Some bacteria in UTIs can produce urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia, leading to alkaline urine and increased risk of struvite stone formation (8).

Some medications can also increase the risk of kidney stones, including diuretics, calcium-based antacids, certain antibiotics (e.g., sulfonamides), and protease inhibitors used in HIV treatment (4).

Other factors include a family history of kidney stones and obesity, as it is associated with metabolic changes that can increase the risk of kidney stones, including insulin resistance, hypercalciuria, and low urinary citrate levels (4, 9).

Signs and symptoms

Lower back pain is usually the most common symptom. The pain can be sudden and severe, typically located in the back or side, and may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin area. The pain can come in waves and fluctuate in intensity. The discomfort from a kidney stone typically arises from irritation or obstruction, escalating quickly to intense pain. While kidney stones often pass without causing harm, they commonly come with significant discomfort (1, 10).

Haematuria, or blood in the urine, can occur due to irritation of the urinary tract by the passing stone. The urine may appear pink, red, or brownish in colour (10).

Individuals with kidney stones may feel a frequent urge to urinate, and urination may be painful or accompanied by a burning sensation (10).

Some people may experience nausea and vomiting, especially if the pain is severe. In cases where there is an associated UTI or kidney infection (pyelonephritis), fever and chills may develop. The presence of bacteria or pus in the urine due to an infection can cause it to appear cloudy or have a foul odour. Kidney stones can sometimes block the flow of urine, leading to difficulty in passing urine or a decreased urine output (1, 10).

Herbal solutions

The herbal approach to managing kidney stones involves a synergistic blend of medicinal plants that have a wide spectrum of properties (11). The key actions that are needed to help with easing pain, and managing with the passage or dissolution of stones are the following:

Gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum)

Antilithic, helping to prevent the formation of stones or gradually dissolve stones
Antispasmodic and smooth muscle relaxant
Diuretic
Antibacterial
Demulcent

In herbal medicine, plants with antilithic properties are those considered to help prevent the formation of stones or that help gradually dissolve stones.

One of the main medicinal plants that can help dissolve and remove urinary gravel, with extensive case reports of its effectiveness is Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) (12). Its mechanism of action is not clearly understood, but it seems to help remove urinary gravel as well as increase diuresis in people with kidney stones (13). It is therefore also considered a diuretic, and it has been traditionally used for urinary retention (12).

Gravel root

Gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum) has also been traditionally used to help dissolve kidney stones. It contains volatile oils, flavonoids, resins as well as potassium chloride, silica, calcium, sodium, acid phosphate and some pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)(14). Because of these potentially hepatotoxic PAs, continuous long-term use is not recommended, due to hepatotoxicity risk. It should also be avoided in people with liver disease (15).

Varuna

The herb varuna (Crateava nurvala) has been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for the management of urinary stones (16). In experimental models it has shown significant inhibition of bladder stone formation, and in uncontrolled human studies it has been shown to aid the passage of stones as well as help with symptomatic control (16, 17).

Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has a long history of traditional use as an antilithic and diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess fluid from the body by improving urine production (11). A study specifically investigated the efficacy of horsetail in individuals with a history of uric acid kidney stones (18). Encouragingly, the results revealed that those who consumed horsetail experienced a notable increase in diuresis, indicating its effectiveness in increasing urine output.

Another study showed its potential as an antilithic, as the group treated with a formulation containing predominantly horsetail had significantly lower calcium oxalate crystals deposits amount when compared with the placebo-only treated group. These findings emphasise the potential of horsetail as a remedy for managing uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones (19).

Black cumin

There is an interesting study supporting the use of black cumin (Nigella sativa) demonstrating significant antilithic properties. The use of 1g a day of black cumin for 10 weeks helped to significantly eliminate or reduce the size of small kidney stones when compared to placebo (20).

Cramp bark (Viburnum spp.)

Cramp bark

Examples of antispasmodic and smooth muscle relaxants that can help ease pain and the passage of small stones or gravel include cramp bark (Viburnum spp.) and wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). These can be helpful in the management of kidney stones when used in conjunction with herbs that have antilithic and diuretic actions.

Diuretics

Diuretics are an important aspect of the herbal strategy. They can increase urine output and promote the flushing out of substances that contribute to stone formation (11). These herbs work by stimulating the kidneys to produce more urine, which helps to dilute the concentration of stone-forming substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urinary tract. Increased urine flow can also facilitate the passage of small stones and prevent the aggregation of mineral deposits. Examples of these herbs are dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale), cleavers (Galium aparine), celery seed (Apium graveolens), parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and juniper (Juniperus communis) (21).

Infection can provide a focus for stone formation, and stones can contribute to infection (6). Therefore, the use of anti-infective and anti-bacterial herbs may be relevant. This includes antibacterial herbs like echinacea root (Echinacea spp.), buchu (Agathosma betulina) and cranberry (Vaccinium spp.). It is important to consider that there is some clinical evidence to suggest that cranberry may slightly increase the risk of oxalate stone formation, due to the high oxalate content of cranberry (22).

Demulcents

Demulcent herbs to relieve inflammation and irritation in the kidney, urethra or bladder are also important. Examples of herbs that can be useful to manage kidney stones are marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and couch grass (Elymus repens). Couch grass is not only a demulcent but also inhibits the growth of microorganisms and has a diuretic action (11).

Holistic solutions

Conventional medical treatment can aid with the passage of stones, and minimally invasive surgery can break down bigger stones. However, there is an important role for diet, lifestyle choice and the use of herbs to help prevent stone formation and/or assist in the dissolution and passage of smaller stones (23).

Adequate hydration is crucial for preventing kidney stone formation. Drinking plenty of water helps to dilute urine and prevent the concentration of stone-forming substances (4). Aiming to drink at least 8–10 glasses of water per day is recommended. Sweetened and carbonated drinks have been associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones in several studies (24). One study reported a 23% increased risk in kidney stone formation in people drinking one carbonated drink a day (25).

Certain dietary modifications can also help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. These are valuable in people who already have an increased risk of developing them. Limiting intake of foods high in oxalate is recommended, for example spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate. Moderating the consumption of foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish, is advisable to prevent uric acid stone formation. High coffee intake has also been associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones (4). On the other hand, increasing the intake of citrate-rich foods like lemons, oranges, and melons can help inhibit stone formation (23).

Lifestyle choices can also have an impact. Engaging in physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and therefore reduce the risk of obesity-related kidney stones. Chronic stress can also contribute to kidney stone formation, so stress management techniques that work for the individual are beneficial (26). Both smoking and heavy alcohol intake can impair kidney function and increase the risk of kidney stones, so it is advised to avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption (27).

References

Moe OW. Kidney stones: pathophysiology and medical management. Lancet. 2006 Feb 4;367(9507):333-44.
Littlejohns TJ, Neal NL, Bradbury KE, Heers H, Allen NE, Turney BW. Fluid intake and dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in UK Biobank: a population-based prospective cohort study. Eur Urol Focus. 2020 Jul;6(4):752-61.
Turney BW, Appleby PN, Reynard JM, Noble JG, Key TJ, Allen NE. Diet and risk of kidney stones in the Oxford cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Eur J Epidemiol. 2014 May;29:363-9.
Sofia NH, Walter TM, Sanatorium T. Prevalence and risk factors of kidney stone. Glob J Res Anal. 2016;5(3):183-7.
Rule AD, Bergstralh EJ, Melton LJ 3rd, Li X, Weaver AL, Lieske JC. Kidney stones and the risk for chronic kidney disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009 Apr;4(4):804.
Kramer G, Klingler HC, Steiner GE. Role of bacteria in the development of kidney stones. Curr Opin Urol. 2000 Jan;10(1):35-8.
Cappuccio FP, Kalaitzidis R, Duneclift S, Eastwood JB. Unravelling the links between calcium excretion, salt intake, hypertension, kidney stones and bone metabolism. J Nephrol. 2000 May-Jun;13(3):169-77.
Bichler KH, Eipper E, Naber K, Braun V, Zimmermann R, Lahme S. Urinary infection stones. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2002 Jun;19(6):488-98.
Hess B. Metabolic syndrome, obesity and kidney stones. Arab J Urol. 2012 Sep;10(3):258-64.
Parmar MS. Kidney stones. BMJ. 2004 Jun 12;328(7453):1420-4.
Bone K, Mills S. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2012
European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Solidago virgaurea L., herba. 2008.
Yarnell E. Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. World J Urol. 2002 Oct;20(5):285-93.
Hoffmann D. The Herbal Handbook: a user’s guide to medical herbalism. Inner Traditions/Bear & Co; 1998.
Neuman MG, Cohen L, Opris M, Nanau RM, Jeong H. Hepatotoxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2015;18(4):825-43.
Tolsarwad GS, Biradar MM, Shinde SA. Potential pharmacognostic interventions of Crataeva nurvala: A pharmacological views. Innov Pharm Pharmacother. 2020;8:66-73.
Agarwal S, Gupta SJ, Saxena AK, Gupta N, Agarwal S. Urolithic property of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): An experimental study. Ayu. 2010 Jul;31(3):361.
Wright CI, Van-Buren L, Kroner CI, Koning MM. Herbal medicines as diuretics: a review of the scientific evidence. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Oct 8;114(1):1-31.
Boeing T, Tafarelo Moreno KG, Gasparotto Junior A, Mota da Silva L, de Souza P. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Equisetum (Equisetaceae): A narrative review of the species with therapeutic potential for kidney diseases. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021:6658434.
Ardakani Movaghati MR, Yousefi M, Saghebi SA, Sadeghi Vazin M, Iraji A, Mosavat SH. Efficacy of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) on kidney stone dissolution: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2019 May;33(5):1404-12.
Hoffman D. Holistic herbal. Element Books; 1988.
McHarg T, Rodgers A, Charlton K. Influence of cranberry juice on the urinary risk factors for calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. BJU Int. 2003 Nov;92(7):765-8.
Gul Z, Monga M. Medical and dietary therapy for kidney stone prevention. Korean J Urol. 2014 Dec;55(12):775.
Saldana TM, Basso O, Darden R, Sandler DP. Carbonated beverages and chronic kidney disease. Epidemiology. 2007 Jul;18(4):501.
Ferraro PM, Taylor EN, Gambaro G, Curhan GC. Soda and other beverages and the risk of kidney stones. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013 Aug;8(8):1389.
Meschi T, Nouvenne A, Borghi L. Lifestyle recommendations to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Urol Clin North Am. 2011 Aug;38(3):313-20.27. Huang Y, Wang H, Xu C, Zhou F, Su H, Zhang Y. Associations between smoke exposure and kidney stones: results from the NHANES (2007–2018) and Mendelian randomization analysis. Front Med. 2023;10:1218051.

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Angelica

Jessika Thiele — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:22:12 +0000

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Mugwort

Jessika Thiele — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 19:12:23 +0000

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False unicorn

Jessika Thiele — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:35:48 +0000

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Urinary tract infections

Jessika Thiele — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 18:41:16 +0000

Urinary tract infections, otherwise known as UTIs, can affect all genders. We explore the causes and treatments for a urinary tract infection.

Understanding urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary Tract Infections, otherwise known as UTIs and sometimes called Cystitis, can affect all genders. However, women are the largest population affected, with around 60% of all women experiencing one in their lifetimes’. In fact, UTIs are the most frequent and common bacterial infection that women suffer with, accounting for nearly 25% of all infections in females.

UTIs at their best can feel uncomfortable, at their worst unbearable, with painful urination, an increased urgency to ‘go’, and in some cases blood in the urine. In more complex cases, an infection can return again, once it is believed clear, or it can go deeper into the surrounding tissues causing longer term infections, making it harder to clear. In some cases UTIs can travel up the urethra to the bladder and beyond to the kidneys, the resulting situation is a kidney infection, which, as a minimum, requires conventional medical care, alongside anything complementary you may want to include (1).

How do UTIs work ?

There are 3 types of UTIs, all of which can affect either the urinary bladder, the urethra (the tube urine passes through from the bladder to the outside world) and the kidneys: Acute, recurrent and chronic.

Recurrent and chronic urinary tract infections can develop following the onset of an acute infection, and in all cases the acute infection is by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. In cases that are left untreated, there is a risk that it can spread upwards through the urinary system and cause a kidney infection.

Recurrent infections have shown to be influenced by microbes from adjacent microbiomes such as Gardnerella vaginalis or Klebsiella pneaumoniae which may be present in the vaginal microbiome. These then awaken any reservoirs of E Coli bacteria present and a new infection kicks off again.

Chronic types can be characterised by a range of microbes which infiltrate the urinary epithelial lining and can become active again in the right conditions.

It used to be thought that the urinary bladder and associated structures were sterile unless there was an active infection present. Today it is understood that the urinary system has its own microbiome and it is thought that a healthy microbiome may protect against infection. Many physiological factors of an individual affect the urinary microbiome such as pH, blood pressure and kidney filtration, as well as immune interaction. It is likely that future research will focus on the urinary microbiome to understand the nuances of the environment and roles different bacteria play therein.

Due to their anatomical positioning, the urinary microbiome is influenced by those of the vagina and the gut, and cross-propagation between the sites is a frequent cause of infection.

As more research is undertaken, it is becoming clear that the urothelium (the lining of the urinary tract) is key in the development and maintenance of the urinary microbiome. However, it is this lining which is often infiltrated and damaged by the pathogenic bacteria that are responsible for the infection (2).

Understanding the root

Often, the most common causal factor in the development of a UTI is penetrative intercourse, whereby the UTI causing bacteria, if present, can get pushed from the opening of the urethra up into the urethra and urinary bladder.

Other risk factors for developing urinary tract infections or recurrent/chronic forms include low immunity, meaning that the body is unable to mount a sufficient immune response in the presence of these bacteria; structural changes or defects, such as a deformed or kinked urethra; hormonal changes that happen at puberty, pregnancy and around the menopause and beyond, where significant changes in oestrogen levels affect the integrity of the urothelium, again making it more susceptible to pathogenic bacteria.

It is important to note an adjacent condition, called Interstitial Cystitis, which may present with many of the same symptoms as UTIs. However, on testing, there is often no sign of pathogenic bacteria, and the urinary microbiome will be similar to that of someone who does not have a UTI. Instead the epithelial lining of the bladder and urethra has become chronically inflamed and irritated, possibly after suffering with recurrent/chronic urinary tract infections previously, which causes pain and other symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections

Symptoms

Frequent painful urination
Urgency
Nocturia (urination at night)
Changes in the colour of urine (cloudy, dark and strong smelling)
Burning or stinging pain on urination
Fever and malaise
Blood in the urine
Pain in the pelvic area/back (if kidney infection)

Signs elicited on testing

Diagnosis is usually on testing and via symptoms. Traditionally, dip-stick testing has been used in clinics as a first line test, where presence of white blood cells, nitrates and proteins indicate a UTI may be likely. For more complex cases, mid-stream urine collection and culture is able to detect any causal microbes that successfully culture in the lab (3).

However, with developments in testing which utilise DNA and microbiome analysis, urinary microbiome tests for females are now available for private use, which are designed to investigate the assigned-female-at-birth urinary microbiome by assessing key commensal and pathogenic bacteria commonly associated with urinary conditions. These gather a more accurate picture of which microbes are implicated, allowing for more specific therapeutic deployment.

Herbal solutions

Herbally, look to use teas rather than tinctures when dealing with a UTI, as the dosage form of teas will ‘flush’ through the urinary tract in a larger volume than tinctures will.

There are several classes of herbs that can be used in concert to deal with UTIs.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Urinary demulcents

Urinary demulcents are herbs that contain high levels of mucilage and have a soothing action on the urothelium, making them handy where irritation and inflammation are a feature. Mucilage provides a bland protective coating to the mucous membranes, providing their ameliorating effects, which are most welcome (4).

Noted urinary demulcents include corn silk (Zea mays), marshmallow root (Althea officinalis radix) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata). It’s interesting to note that Corn Silk has shown some potential for reducing the white blood cell counts (which indicate infection) in the urine (2).

Anti-microbials herbs

Anti-microbials herbs such as Boldo (Peumus boldus), Buchu (Barosma betulina), Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), and in particular Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), are all considered anti-microbials and have shown to be of specific use when trying to clear the pathogens causing UITs.

Diuretics herbs

Diuretics herbs, such as Buchu and Parsley leaf (Petroselinum crisps folia), are handy to ‘push’ the herbal tea through the system, making sure the herbs get to where they are needed to go to work, by increasing the flow of urine from the kidneys. In fact a study shows that parsley specifically targets bacteria that are present in UTI’s (5). You can cut up a handful of parsley and steep in hot water, and drink 3 times a day.

While there are a class of allopathic drugs known as diuretics (which have a similar overall action), these often cause potassium depletion. Some herbal diuretics, such as dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinalis folia) are able to ‘offset’ this side effect by also providing an abundant potassium content (4).

Aside from dandelion, many of the herbs from the demulcent category (corn silk, marshmallow root) and those from the anti-microbial category (buchu, barberry) also have a diuretic action, making them a perfect choice to include in your tea and demonstrating the wonderful synergy that phytochemistry can provide in therapeutic action.

While these are good to try yourself at home as teas when you have an acute UTI, if things do not improve, get worse or reoccur it would be wise to seek help from a medical herbalist, alongside your GP, to get to the root of what is going on for you and help clear it effectively.

Holistic solutions

Should you find yourself with what you suspect is a UTI, it’s always recommended to get it checked by the GP, as it is imperative that it doesn’t travel up the urinary tract, causing a kidney infection.

If you are susceptible to getting UTIs there are some classic steps that you can take as part of every day care to try and minimise occurrence. These include making sure you urinate as soon as possible after intercourse, in the hope that this will flush out any bacteria that may have been translocated there during sex. Wiping after urination is just as important, with a front to back wipe, rather than wiping from the vagina forwards, because the vagina can be a reservoir for microbes that can cause UTIs. Using bamboo toilet paper might be a good idea too as this type typically produces less paper ‘dust’ which can be irritating to the area if susceptible.

Two supplements that have become widely recommended in recent years are Cranberry and D-Mannose. Although the research on both has varied widely in the dosage and dosage form used, there is evidence to show efficacy in prevention of recurrent UTIs for both: Cranberry juice (make sure it is without sugar) and D-Mannose (a monosaccharide naturally occurring in fruits) in powdered form are both thought to be responsible for stopping E Coli bacteria adhering to the urothelial walls. Maintenace doses of D-Mannose powder of 1500-2000mg taken once or twice a day, in combination with Cranberry juice may help prevent recurrent UTIs, whereas a higher dose is needed in acute infections.

If suffering with UTIs recurrently it would be good to see if any foods or drinks are implicated in triggering an outbreak (typically spicy foods and alcohol are commonly thought to be culprits) and consider looking at taking a urinary microbiome test to get a full understanding of your particular urinary microbiome, so you can use targeted therapeutics with a practitioner to get to the root of it.

If there is thought to be a physical cause, abdominal massage from a specialist practitioner may prove beneficial.

References

Al-Badr A, Al-Shaikh G. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Management in Women: A review. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2013 Aug;13(3):359-67. doi: 10.12816/0003256. Epub 2013 Jun 25. PMID: 23984019; PMCID: PMC3749018.
Urinary Microbiome Clinical Considerations. Invivo Healthcare, 2023.
Deakin, P. Blood Tests and some other stuff. herbdoctorphil, 2022
Bartram, T. Bartram’s Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine. Robinsons. London, 1998
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Yarrow

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Horsetail

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Damiana

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Cramp bark

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Barberry

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Agrimony

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Rhubarb

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Cleavers

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Rosehip

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Schisandra

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Gravel root

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Saw palmetto

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Meadowsweet

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Greater celandine

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Liquorice

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Henbane

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Dandelion

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Shatavari

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Cardamom

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Astragalus

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Green tea

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Sweet flag

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Manjistha

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Bitter melon

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Gokshura

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Bibhitaki

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Bhumiamalaki

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Bala

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Amla

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Celery seeds

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Beetroot

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Corn silk

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Slippery elm

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Lemon balm

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Burdock

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Turmeric

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Nettle

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Motherwort

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Mint

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