- The little red infection fighter
To prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), drink 11/2 – 4 cups (375-1000ml) unsweetened cranberry juice each day. Capsules and tablets of dried cranberry powder are also available — the usual dosage is between 500-2000mg per day; check the label. Medical researchers learned as early as the 1840s that the hippuric acid in cranberries inhibits the growth of E. coli bacteria, the most common cause of UTI. The acid also keeps E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract walls and from spreading from the bladder to the kidneys. Caution: cranberry juice can interfere with the action of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, so consult a doctor before using.
- Eat parsley to ease your pain
Crush parsley leaves, add 1 teaspoon to 1 cup (250ml) boiling water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain, then drink up to 3 cups (750ml) parsley tea a day. Because a volatile oil contained in the leaves and roots of parsley has diuretic properties, parsley tea is useful for treating mild bladder problems, reducing urinary tract inflammation and even helping the passage of small kidney stones. Caution: if you have chronic kidney disease consult a doctor before using parsley; excessive ingestion of the herb can cause the skin to be photosensitive.
- Cornsilk — a natural diuretic
Cornsilk — the ‘silk’ or fronds from maize — is a natural diuretic. Buy capsules of freeze-dried cornsilk from health food shops, or dried cornsilk from online suppliers. Use 2 teaspoons chopped dried herbs to 2/3 cup (180ml) boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, then drink 3-5 cups (750-1250ml) daily. This natural remedy has been shown in tests to have anti-inflammatory properties that fight UTIs; it is also a traditional remedy for cystitis and inflammation of the urethra and prostate.
- Learn to love lovage
To ease the discomfort associated with mild inflammation of the urinary tract, make lovage tea by pouring 1 cup (250ml) boiling water over 1 teaspoon crushed dried lovage root, which is a member of the carrot family but tastes more like celery. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink. Caution: do not use lovage if you have a history of chronic kidney problems.
- Drink to the health of your kidneys
Making sure you drink one 250-ml glass of unsweetened cranberry juice a day will help the overall health of your kidneys. Too much commercially sweetened fruit juice, however, can overload the kidneys. For example, the ascorbic acid in orange juice may be too acidic for cystitis sufferers. A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in water can help to make urine more alkaline. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before trying this remedy. Caution: do not drink cranberry juice if you are taking warfarin or other anticoagulants.
- Praise the weed and pass the teapot!
Dandelion has at least two benefits for the kidneys: it increases urine flow and reduces fluid retention resulting from kidney disorders, and it may be able to speed the passing of a small kidney stone. If you feel the pain that signals movement of a stone, drink as much dandelion tea as you can. A strong diuretic, dandelion stimulates blood circulation through the kidneys, increasing urine output and helping to flush out the stone. Dandelion tea bags are available, but you can also make your own. Wash dandelion leaves and roots thoroughly and then chop finely. Add 3 tablespoons to 2 cups (500ml) water boil for 3 minutes and let it sit for 10- 12 minutes before straining.