- 1. Bearberry
- 2. Hydraste
- 3. Corn hair
- 4. Dandelion
- 5. Bucho
- 6. Horsetail
- Important precautions when using teas
The use of teas is a good way to complement the treatment of urinary tract infection, as they can increase the effect of prescription drugs, as well as relieve symptoms more quickly.
However, teas should never replace doctor's advice, especially when antibiotics are being used.
The teas most used in cases of urinary infection include those with antimicrobial action, as they help eliminate the microorganisms that are causing the infection, as well as diuretics, which increase the amount of urine produced, allowing the urinary tract to be cleaned. Some good proven examples are:
1. Bearberry
The leaves of this plant have been used for many years to relieve and treat the symptoms of urinary tract infection and, according to several studies, its effects are related to the presence of a substance, known as arbutin, which has a strong antimicrobial action and, therefore, can eliminate the bacteria, viruses and fungi responsible for most cases of urinary tract infection.
In addition, the bear herb also has a diuretic action, which helps to eliminate more urine during the day, keeping the urinary tract cleaner and free of microorganisms.
Ingredients
- 3 g of dried bearberry leaves; 200 ml of cold water.
Method of preparation
Add the leaves to the water and allow to stand for 12 to 14 hours, in a covered container and protected from light. Then strain the mixture and drink up to 4 cups a day. The ingredients presented usually serve to prepare a cup of tea, so, if desired, increase the quantities to make enough for 1 day.
Attention: bearberry can cause some cases of intoxication and, therefore, should be consumed in moderation, and it is recommended to do the treatment only during the crises of symptoms and for a maximum of 7 days. If symptoms such as nausea or vomiting arise, it is important to stop eating bearberry.
2. Hydraste
Hydraste is another scientifically proven plant that can help treat cases of urinary tract infection, since it is rich in substances such as hydrastine and berberine, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, in addition to there being also some studies that indicate that berberine can until it prevents some bacteria, especially E. coli, from sticking to the walls of the urinary system, being more easily eliminated.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of hydraste root powder; 250 mL of boiling water.
Method of preparation
Place the ingredients in a cup for 10 to 15 minutes and stir. Then strain, allow to warm and consume 2 to 3 times a day.
The hydraste powder for making tea can be difficult to find and, therefore, this plant can also be used in the form of liquid root extract, taking ¼ teaspoon per day, or according to packaging instructions. Another form of consumption is the use of capsules, and in these cases, it is recommended to consume 450 mg 2 to 3 times a day.
3. Corn hair
Corn hair tea is another of the most commonly used home remedies to treat urinary system problems, including urinary tract infection. After some studies, it was found that this tea has good concentrations of tannins, terpenoids and alkaloids, which give it good antimicrobial properties.
In addition, corn hair tea is also a diuretic, which facilitates the elimination of microorganisms from the urinary system.
Ingredients
- 1 handful of dry corn hair; 1 cup of boiling water.
Method of preparation
Put the corn hair together with the water in a cup and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it warm and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
4. Dandelion
The dandelion is a plant with excellent diuretic action that helps to increase the amount of urine, allowing to eliminate more quickly the bacteria that are causing the urinary infection.
Ingredients
- 15 g of dandelion leaves and roots; 250 ml of boiling water.
Method of preparation
Add the dandelion with the boiling water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
5. Bucho
Tripe leaves have diuretic and antimicrobial activity that seem to help fight the microorganisms that cause urinary tract infection, in addition to increasing the amount of urine.
After some studies, these properties of the plant were attributed to its essential oil, which is produced mainly in the leaves. This is because, the oil is able to be absorbed in the stomach and then it is released in the kidneys, where it joins with the urine and promotes an internal "cleaning" of the urinary tract.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry tripe leaves, 1 cup of boiling water.
Method of preparation
Place the leaves in the boiling water and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, allow to warm and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
6. Horsetail
Horsetail is one of the best known natural diuretics around the world and, for this reason, it can be a good ally in the treatment of urinary tract infection, since it facilitates the elimination of the microorganisms responsible for the infection. According to the investigations carried out, this horsetail action is related to the presence of an important diuretic substance, equisetonin.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of mackerel, 1 cup of boiling water.
Method of preparation
Add the ingredients in a cup and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it warm and drink up to 3 cups a day.
Since it is a strong diuretic, which eliminates several types of important minerals, mackerel should not be used for more than 7 days.
Important precautions when using teas
The use of teas or any other natural product to treat health problems should always be guided by a doctor or a health professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants. This is because the dosages need to be well adapted to factors such as the person's age, weight and health history.
In addition, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under 3 years old should avoid using any type of tea without the knowledge of the obstetrician or pediatrician.
Since most of the indicated teas have a diuretic action, it is also very important that their use is not made for very prolonged periods, usually longer than 7 days, as it can result in imbalance of important minerals in the body.
In addition to the use of teas, there are still some changes that can be made in the diet to ensure the success of the treatment. See more tips from our nutritionist:
