Natural solutions for urinary health problems
In my private practice, I frequently support patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder issues using herbal medicine, alongside dietary and lifestyle changes. Here’s how to start supporting your urinary system naturally:
Diet & Lifestyle Tips
✅ Cut out sugar – Bacteria love sugar. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, including dried fruit. Fresh or frozen fruit (1–2 portions daily) is fine, thanks to its fibre, vitamins and water content.
✅ Avoid alcohol – It’s a bladder irritant and weakens the immune system.
✅ Reduce caffeine – Coffee and tea can aggravate sensitive bladders.
✅ Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas helps flush out bacteria and keeps the bladder clean.
✅ Try unsweetened cranberry juice – It can make the bladder environment less hospitable to bacteria. Ensure it contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Cranberry capsules or tablets can also be effective at high doses.
✅ Rest and keep warm – Particularly around your lower back and kidney area. Stress reduction is also key for immune health.
When to See Your GP
🚩 If you experience lower or mid-back pain, it may indicate a kidney infection—this needs urgent medical attention.
🚩 If you notice blood in your urine (especially without an infection), speak to your GP to rule out more serious conditions such as bladder cancer. Though rare, early diagnosis is crucial.
Herbal Medicine for UTIs
Western herbal medicine offers a range of herbs to soothe and strengthen the urinary tract. I use bespoke combinations of herbal tinctures and teas to address both infection and chronic bladder irritation.
How Tinctures Work
Herbal tinctures are made by soaking medicinal plant material in alcohol to extract the active compounds. Because alcohol can irritate the bladder in sensitive individuals, I always recommend diluting tinctures well, e.g., 1 teaspoon in a full glass of water. Dosage varies depending on the herbs used, symptom severity, and individual health – from 5ml twice daily to much higher doses when tackling an acute infection.
My Top Herbs for UTIs
🌿 Echinacea – Supports the immune system to help fight infection. Safe and effective at higher doses.
🌿 Buchu – A strong urinary antiseptic, available as a tea or tincture.
🌿 Bearberry leaf – Also known as Uva Ursi, this is another very useful and effective herb for cystitis and UTIs.
🌿 Cornsilk – The silky threads from corn cobs. Soothes the bladder lining and calms irritation.
🌿 Marshmallow Root – A wonderfully healing and soothing herb for inflamed tissues.
I have put these tinctures together into a urinary support blend called Bladder Ease which you can find here.
Herbal Teas for Support
Herbs like Buchu, Uva Ursi, Cornsilk, and Marshmallow also work well in tea form. My urinary system tea is a blend of these three teas, all organically grown. You can find it here. You can also find each of these organic teas sold individually here.
Marshmallow root and leaf is very soothing to a sore, inflammed bladder. For a cold infusion of marshmallow root powder: Mix 1 teaspoon of powder into a glass of water and leave overnight. Stir and drink in the morning. Alternatively, use the leaves to make a herbal infusion.
Chamomile tea is a great fallback – anti-inflammatory, calming, and mildly diuretic. It can be used alongside other treatments.
Other helpful herbs which work well as teas for soothing irritation and inflammation in the urinary system include:
- Parsley Piert
Need Tailored Support?
If you’re struggling with UTIs or chronic bladder irritation, it’s worth booking a consultation with me, or another qualified medical herbalist. You’ll receive an individualised treatment that supports your whole body – not just addressing the symptoms.
Explore my online shop for a selection of herbal teas and tinctures designed to support urinary health.
⚠️ This article is intended for general interest and information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your GP or a medical herbalist before beginning any new treatment. Some herbs may not be suitable for everyone, or may interact with medications. Allergic reactions, although rare, can occur.
