Urinary Relief | Natural Diuretic
Traditional herbal remedy used to relieve urinary tract irritation thanks to its astringent and diuretic properties.
Although usually minor and self-limiting, "slitting" of the urine is a very common and painful infection. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications such as pyelonephritis, a kidney infection.
Several plants have diuretic, antibiotic or anti-inflammatory properties, but very few have all the properties required to adequately relieve urinary tract infections.
The herbalist tradition therefore employs synergistic complexes in which each plant is used for its own effect, but the whole is more effective than the individual parts.
Actions and pharmacology
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea (see Echinaforce fact sheet) is recognized for its effect on the immune system. In this formula, it is used to increase immune system involvement and improve the body's defenses.
The German Commission E recognizes the use of echinacea as a supportive therapy in the treatment of chronic lower urinary tract infections.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
Bearberry is a mild diuretic and urinary tract anti-inflammatory. It is also reputed to dissolve kidney stones (litholytic). This effect has been demonstrated in vivo on animals.(1) Bearberry's active ingredients are arbutin, methylarbutin, hydroquinones, flavonoids and tannins. Arbutin and hydroquinones have a proven urinary antiseptic effect. Bearberry is effective against most bacteria commonly found in urinary tract infections(2).
The German Commission E recognizes the use of bearberry for inflammatory disorders of the urinary system.
