Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Urinary Tract Infection

Also indexed as:Bladder Infection, Cystitis, Honeymoon Cystitis, UTI
Urgency? Frequency? Could be a UTI. Triggered by bacteria, UTI, or urinary tract infection, can occur in the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

SupplementAmountWhy
Bromelain
400 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Taking bromelain during a UTI may enhance antibiotic effectiveness.
Cranberry
4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice daily or 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice per day2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with cranberry has been shown to help treat and prevent recurrences.
Probiotics
1 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, twice a day 2 stars[2 stars]
Double-blind research found that probiotics may help prevent UTI recurrence.
Vitamin C
Refer to label instructions 2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin C may treat acute UTIs and help people who are prone to recurrent UTIs.
Asparagus
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Asparagus may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Birch
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Birch may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Blueberry
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Blueberry may help prevent and treat UTIs by keeping bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract.
Buchu
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Buchu leaf preparations have been historically used as a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic.
Couch Grass
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Couch grass may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
D-Mannose
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
D-Mannose may help treat UTIs by binding to bacteria that would otherwise attach to the urinary tract lining.
Goldenrod
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Goldenrod may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Goldenseal
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder
Horseradish
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
The volatile oil of horseradish has been shown to kill bacteria that can cause UTIs.
Horsetail
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Horsetail may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Java Tea
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Java tea may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Juniper
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Juniper may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Lovage
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Lovage may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Multivitamin
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Taking a multivitaminmineral may help to avoid deficiencies and to better resist infections.
Nettle
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Nettle may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Oregon Grape
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Oregon grape contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder.
Parsley
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Parsley may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Plantain
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Plantain has anti-inflammatory effects an may be beneficial in some people with UTIs.
Spiny Restharrow
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Spiny restharrow may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Uva Ursi
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Uva ursi may help treat UTIs by killing bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract.
Vitamin A
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of many infection, supplementing with it may restore levels and help support the immune system.