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The urinary tract — encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra — is the body's primary filtration and elimination system for liquid waste. Keeping this system healthy is fundamental to overall wellbeing, and yet urinary tract complaints are among the most common reasons people visit a doctor or seek natural remedies. In herbal medicine, we have a rich tradition of urinary herbs — plants that are diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or directly soothing to the urinary mucosa. The articles collected here bring together knowledge about these herbs and the conditions they address, from recurrent UTIs and kidney stones to the more subtle complaints of chronic urinary irritation.
ASOHM News
29 January 2020
What are Juniper Berries? Widely grown in rocky soils throughout the Northern Hemisphere, there are about 60 to 70 species belonging to the Juniper family. All these species contain berries but not all are edible. History of the Juniper Tree Thousands of years ago, our forefathers knew much about the juniper tree. The psalmist spoke […]
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ASOHM News
15 April 2019
Horsetail is native to Europe and its use dates back to Roman times—the bruised plant was applied to bleeding and the young shoots were added to salads for their tonic effect. During the medieval period it was regarded as a valuable wound-healing herb, being very powerful at stopping bleeding, either inward or outward. Rich in […]
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ASOHM News
1 December 2017
I have a love of researching and discovering. My library is crammed with books on herbs as I buy virtually every publication on the subject. Whenever I return to Germany I search for herbal books and manuscripts which have been locked away in libraries and that is where I first discovered Epilobium for prostate problems. […]
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ASOHM News
22 September 2017
Cranberry’s fame as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) came from German chemists in the 19th century, who discovered that, after eating cranberries, people pass urine that contains a bacteria-fighting chemical known as hippuric acid. About...
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Anti-Cancer
11 September 2017
Parsley is readily available and widely used in cookery but it is often under-appreciated. It can be found throughout the year at the market, it’s cheap so just about anyone can buy it. Parsley is a highly nutritious plant and has ample vitamins and antioxidants which can greatly improve our health. Most people do not realize that […]
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Arthritic & Rheumatic Complaints
3 September 2017
Horsetail is a very popular herbal remedy as it is a storehouse of minerals. Due to its high content of silica, horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is recommended when it is necessary for the body to repair bony tissues. Silica helps to fix calcium, so that the body can store more of this mineral and then use it to repair […]
Read article →Urinary tract health encompasses the full spectrum from acute infection to chronic low-grade irritation and structural concerns. Herbal medicine addresses this spectrum with a similarly diverse toolkit — the articles here will help you navigate which herb is appropriate for which situation.
A UTI is an infection of any part of the urinary system — most commonly the bladder (cystitis) or urethra. Antimicrobial herbs such as uva ursi and buchu target the bacteria responsible. Soothing demulcent herbs like corn silk and marshmallow root reduce the burning and urgency. Anti-inflammatory herbs calm the irritated mucosa. And adequate hydration helps flush bacteria from the system.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is rich in silica, which has a toning and strengthening effect on connective tissues including the urinary tract. It is mildly diuretic and anti-inflammatory, and is used for urinary tract irritation, kidney support, and — in longer-term use — for strengthening the tissues that support urinary continence.
Cranberry is the most evidence-backed herb for UTI prevention in women with recurrent infections. Probiotic use — particularly with Lactobacillus strains — has also been shown to reduce recurrence by supporting healthy vaginal and urinary microbiome balance. Uva ursi can be used short-term at the first sign of infection to prevent progression.
Strong diuretic herbs should be used cautiously if kidney function is impaired. Uva ursi should not be used in pregnancy or in kidney disease. Juniper (Juniperus communis) berries are a powerful urinary herb but should not be used in kidney inflammation or pregnancy. These nuances are exactly the kind of knowledge a good herbal education provides.
The urinary system works alongside the bowel, skin, and lymphatic system as one of the body's four channels of elimination. When any channel is compromised, others are put under greater stress. Supporting urinary elimination therefore benefits the entire body's detoxification capacity.
Adequate water intake is the single most important factor in urinary tract health — it dilutes urine, reduces bacterial concentration, and physically flushes the urinary tract. I recommend a minimum of 6–8 glasses of water per day, and more in hot weather or during exercise. Herbal teas — particularly those with urinary herbs — contribute to this intake beautifully.
Yes — both men and women experience changes in urinary function with age. In men, prostate enlargement is a common cause of urinary symptoms from middle age onwards; saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has reasonable evidence for supporting prostate health. In women, post-menopausal hormonal changes affect urethral tissues and increase UTI susceptibility.
Our Lesson 4 covers the urinary system comprehensively — from the anatomy of the kidneys to the herbal treatment of urinary tract infections and kidney disease. It is one of the most practically useful lessons in our entire course. View lesson packages and enrol today.