7 Diseases of the Urogenital Tract – Acute and chronic infections of the urogenital tract and bladder are more common in women than in men owing to differences in the pelvic anatomy. As in irritable bladder (see p. 204), increased urinary frequency and painful urination are the typical presenting symptoms. – Urine tests for identification of the bacterial pathogen facilitate the differential diagnosis and selection of an appropriate antibiotic. – The adequate intake of fluids (at least 2 liters per day) plays an essential role in the elimination of urinary tract infections. – Herbal teas can be used to dilute the urine. Warm sitz baths and graduated footbaths can enhance the effects of herbal teas. – In urinary tract infection (UTI) without kidney involvement, herbal diuretics are administered for increased urinary excretion of the causative organisms. – Herbal diuretics help to eliminate water and harmful substances, such as bacteria. Some diuretic herbs (goldenrod, for example) have additional spasmolytic and/or analgesic effects. – UTI with kidney involvement requires primary antibiotic treatment. However, antibiotics are often unable to eliminate the infection completely, and many patients develop recurrences or antibody resistance, resulting in chronic disease. In these cases, herbal diuretics can be a useful adjunctive treatment measure. – Considering their effectiveness and very low rate side effects, the administration of diuretic herbs is very helpful in chronic urinary tract infection. We recommend the use of effective herb combinations. – Action: In alkaline urine, arbutin is metabolized to the bacteriostatic substance hydroquinone. – Indications: For increased urinary excretion in cases of acute urinary tract infection. – Contraindications • Pregnancy and breast feeding. Should not be used by children under 12 years of age. • Arbutin-containing products should not be used for more than 1 week at a time or more than 5 times a year. Hence, they are not suitable for treatment of chronic disease. – Dosage and administration: Commercial bearberry leaf teas and medicaments should be taken as recommended by the manufacturer, usually 3 to 5 times a day. When using bearberry leaves alone, the tea should be prepared as a cold infusion (see p. 123) to minimize the amount of tannins extracted. Owing to its strong taste, we recommend mixing bearberry leaves with other herbal diuretic herbs. – Side effects: The tannins in bearberry leaf can cause stomach irritation. – Interactions: Bearberry leaf should always be taken with foods (tomatoes, potatoes, fruit, etc.) or chemicals (e. g., sodium bicarbonate) that alkalinize the urine. – Commercial products are readily available standardized to 20% arbutin. Many brands of unstandardized tinctures in 30-mL dropper bottles are available, as is the bulk herb to make tea. – Tea Rx for supportive treatment of acute inflammations of the lower uri-nary tract: Species Urologicae DAB 6/NRF: Uvae ursi folium 20 g, Orthosiphonis folium 10 g, Equiseti herba 20 g; Betulae folium 20 g, bean pods 20 g, Mate leaves 10 g. Pour 150 mL of hot water onto 1 teaspoon of the herbs, then cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Take 1 cup, 6 times a day. – Action: These herbal remedies have diuretic effects owing to their content of essential oils, saponins, and flavonoids. The diuretic effect of some (especially dandelion leaf) may be due to potassium salts with osmotic effects. – Indications: Acute and chronic urinary tract infections. – Contraindications: Medications containing alcohol should not be used together with these herbal remedies. Do not use during pregnancy. – Dosage and administration: Commercial teas and medications should be taken as recommended by the manufacturer, generally 3 to 5 times a day. – Side effects: Individuals with edema due to heart or kidney failure should not use herbal diuretics. – Herbal diuretics are used for increased urinary excretion of harmful chemicals and organisms. This form of diuretic therapy is contraindicated in patients with edema due to heart or kidney failure.
7.1 Urinary Tract Infections
Clinical Considerations
General comments
General and herbal treatment measures
Therapy with herbal diuretics (also called aquaretics) is contra-indicated in patients with edema due to heart or kidney failure.
Clinical value of herbal medicine
Recommended Herbal Remedies (Overview) and Range of Applications
Arbutin-containing Herbs
Bearberry leaf (Uvae ursi folium, see p. 123).
Other Herbal Diuretics
Birch leaf (Betulae folium, see p. 39); goldenrod herb (Solidaginis virgaurea herba, see p. 63); orthosiphon leaf (Orthosiphonis folium, see p. 79); stinging nettle herb (Urticae herba, see p. 78); horsetail herb (Equiseti herba, see p. 97); parsley root (Petroselini radix, see p. 101); dandelion root and herb (Taraxaci radix cum herba, see p. 54).
7.2 Dysuria
Clinical Considerations
General comments: Dysuria is a generic term referring to all conditions associated with painful or difficult urination. This includes mild to moderate uri-nary tract infection and stone-related urinary retention.
General and herbal treatment measures
Clinical value of herbal medicine: Herbal diuretics promote the urinary excretion of harmful substances and organisms. Unlike chemical diuretics, diuretic herbs do not attack the renal tubules, but increase the filtration rate and primary urine volume through increased blood flow and osmosis.
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