Issues of the Urinary Tract and Bladder

Infection along the urinary tract are most commonly seen as an inflammation of the bladder and are usually caused by a bacteria found in the bowel - Escherichia coli. This type of infection is more prevalent in women. An increased amount of E. coli bacteria travels from the anal area to the vagina, enters the urethra, and migrates to the bladder. If left untreated, these bacteria can then voyage from the bladder to the kidneys, potentially causing inssues with the kidneys. The symptoms that include painful and frequent urination, a bladder that never feels entirely empty, pain and pressure in the lower pelvis, fever, and chills. The urine may have a strong odor and may contain blood and mucous.

Recurrent issues with the urinary tract and bladder, when not caused by structural abnormalities or hereditary sensitivity, are often associated with a compromised immune system and overabundance of yeast in the blood stream often due to antibiotic usage or over-consumption of sugar, simple starches, alcohol, and caffeine.

Over the twenty years I have been in practice as an herbalist I have seen natural therapies be very effective for treatment and prevention of bladder issues. It is best to take action at the first sign of infection to avoid any complications. The following describes two suggested regimens - one for an acute condition and another for follow up care and prevention.

Suggested Herbal Therapy

Kidney Plus™
BLADDER SUPPORT: Promotes Cleansing of Kidney and Bladder*
The herbs in this tonic such as Uva Ursi, Juniper, and Buchu have traditionally been used to cleanse the bladder and kidneys of excess bacteria.* The soothing diuretic properties of Pipsissewa and St. John’s Wort ease burning in the bladder and promotes a healthy inflammation response by the kidneys, bladder, and urinary ducts that arise from the urethra or prostate.* It is best to start taking this formula at the first sign of infection. To soothe the burning during urination drink the Kidney Tea™ throughout the day.* However, if recurrences happen, it may be necessary to add Herbal Biotic™ and Fungal-Defend™ tonics.
Ingredients: Uva Ursi leaf, Juniper berry, Buchu leaf, Pipsissewa leaf, St. John’s Wort flower tops, Echinacea root, Yarrow flower, Cayenne pepper.
Suggested use: Take 60 drops (2 droppersful) three to five times daily.

Herbal-Biotic™
RESTORES OVERALL HEALTH TO BODY SYSTEMS*
This formula contains natural antibiotic properties that are known to fight stubborn infections, while supporting the overall health of the body.* The herbs contain the alkaloid berberine, that helps fight infection without disturbing the healthy bacteria in the gut.* Herbal-Biotic™ is used by many for persistent and recurrent inflammation of mucous membranes, such as in the urinary tract.* The herbs have astringent qualities that relieve inflamed, boggy mucous membranes.* Berberine increases the secretion of bile and bilirubin, making it an effective liver-strengthening tonic.*
Ingredients: Oregon Grape root, Golden Seal root, Yerba Mansa root.
Suggested use: Take 60 drops (2 droppersful) three to five times daily.

Fungal-Defend™
SUPPORTS HEALTHY INTESTINAL FLORA*
Recurrent issues with the urinary tract can often be rooted in an excess of bad bateria in the bloodstream or colon due to medications and/or overdoing it with sugary and starchy foods and alcoholic beverages. This tonic contains herbs that traditionally have been used to support a healthy intestinal flora.* It can also help promote a healthy immune response.*
Ingredients: Thuja tops, Spilanthes herb,Usnea tree lichen, Pau d’Arco bark, Echinacea root, Calendula flower, Cayenne pepper.
Suggested use: Take 60 drops (2 droppersful) three to five times daily.

Special Dosage Note: The above three mentioned extracts can be mixed in the same glass of water.

Kidney Tea™
SOOTHING DIURETIC TEA*
This soothing diuretic tea cools burning urination.* The demulcent properties of the herbs, such as Marshmallow and Plantain help relieve and cool irritation in the urinary tract.* It gently increases urine output and relieves the body of excess fluid retention.* It is best taken with Kidney Plus™.
Method of preparation: This tea comes loose which makes the herbs stronger medicinally than those found in tea bags. An easy way to make this tea is to percolate it in a coffee pot or use a French press. Use about a tsp. per cup of tea desired. It can also be simmered on the stove but do not use a tea ball because the herbs are too mucilaginous, steep the herbs and then strain them with a mesh strainer. Suggested use: Drink 3 to 6 cups of tea continuously throughout the day to soothe burning and inflammation.
Ingredients: Organic or Wildharvest Marshmallow root, Juniper berry, Plantain leaf, Dandelion root, Parsley root, Mullein leaf, Horsetail herb, Nettle leaf, Rosehips.

Other Suggestions
Get as much rest and sleep as possible until the symptoms subside.
Ultimate C (The Herbalist): Take two 500 mg. caps 3 to 5 times daily.
Supports immune system.*
Vitamin E (The Herbalist): Take two 400 iu. gel caps daily.
Supports immune system.*
Flora Elite (Interplexus): Take 2 caps daily on an empty stomach.
Blend of probiotics that helps restore healthy bacteria and "friendly" bacteria, especially beneficial if antibiotics are used.*

Preventative Regimen to Promote Healthy Urinary Tract

Kidney Blend™
SOOTHING DIURETIC: Promotes Healthy Kidney and Bladder*
The herbs in this tonic help restore and strengthen kidney and bladder health following recurrences of urinary tract issues. *The mineral and inulin rich content of Dandelion and Burdock help eliminate excess fluid retention.* Uva Ursi is widely used as a mild disinfectant for the kidneys and bladder, cleansing the urinary tract as well.* Corn Silk soothes irritated tissue.* St. John’s Wort relaxes a nervous bladder.* Echinacea restores proper immune vigor.* Yarrow and Cayenne promote healthy circulation to restore urinary tract health.* All of these herbs have diuretic qualities.*
Suggested use: Take 60 drops (2 dropperful) two to four times daily.
Ingredients: Dandelion root, Burdock seed, Corn Silk stigma and style, Uva Ursi leaf, St. John’s Wort flower tops, Echinacea root, Yarrow flower tops, Cayenne pepper.

Supplement Therapy

Cranberry Caps (Eclectic Institute): Take 2 to 3 daily.
Cranberry produces hippuric acid in the urine which inhibits bacterial growth and acidifies the urine.* It also prevents bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder.*
Cal-Mag (The Herbalist): Take 3 daily.
Calming and supportive to the bladder and kidneys.* Reduces bladder irritability.*
Seasonal Cleansing: To promote the overall health of the body it is advisable to do a cleanse as each season changes. Choose between the Detox-It Kit and the Fresh Start Kit.

Dietary Suggestions

Health Promoting Foods

Whole grains - basmati rice, quinoa, barley, wild rice, oats, and sprouted mixed grain bread.
Fresh mixed vegetable juice - carrot, apple, beet, celery, ginger.
Vegetables - sprouts, leafy greens, kale, chard, artichokes, and asparagus.
Seeds and nut butters - sesame (tahini), sunflower, almond.
Legumes - lentils, azuki, black bean, and split pea.
Fowl or meats, raised organically - chicken, turkey, duck, beef, lamb. Limit to two servings a week.
Fish (ocean-caught) - wild salmon, halibut, sardines, herring, and albacore tuna.
High omega-3 eggs (poached or soft-boiled) contain DHA, Vitamin E, and B12.
Fruits - apples, pears, peaches, melons, and berries -fully ripened and organic are best. Limit 2 to 3 pieces a day. (Black cherry juice is excellent for gout.)
Cultured foods - yogurt and kefir.
Extra virgin coconut oil (the best for cooking), olive oil, flax seed oil.

Limit These Foods and Beverages

Unbleached, bleached, and fortified white flours products - bread, crackers, cookies and pasta.
Ice cream and frozen yogurt, imitation eggs, milk and milk products, including reduced fat and nonfat.
Beverages - coffee, soft drinks, concentrated fruit juices, diet drinks, tap water, alcoholic drinks.
Sweeteners - barley malt, corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin), and glucose.
Deep-fried chicken, meat, fish, or vegetables.
Shellfish, farm raised fish - Atlantic salmon.
Pork and pork products.

Additional Health Practices

Exercise! Yoga, Pilates, brisk walking.
Dry skin brushing with long-handled skin brush. Brush entire body before shower or bath to increase circulation, remove dead skin, and aid detoxification.
Sauna/steam detoxification.
Drink at least four pints of distilled or artesian water daily.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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