Are Uva-ursi and Echinacea good for UTIs?
Uva-ursi, traditionally, and still to this day, has been used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and more specific cases of cystitis due to its antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. The beneficial effects of Uva-ursi on the urinary are further enhanced when combined with echinacea, which has immune-supporting and antibacterial properties.
How can Uva-ursi help treat UTIs?
As explored in the research, there are various ways in which Uva-ursi can potentially help with UTIs. Here I explore these beneficial modes of action in more detail:
1. It's antiseptic
Primarily, Uva-ursi is antiseptic and anti-microbial. This is handy as it means it is perfectly placed to help counter the bad bacteria which can easily take hold throughout the urinary tract give rise to UTIs.
Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria entering the urethra. Research has explored the mechanisms by which some of the active ingredients within Uva-ursi; namely a glycoside called arbutin, and how they are antiseptic in action.
Amazingly, key components within Uva-ursi may be able to alter the structure of the bad bacteria causing UTIs, therefore deeming them void as they fail to latch on to your vulnerable urinary tract cells, and are instead excreted from your system. (1)
2. It has an affinity for the urinary tract
Like many herbs, the benefits of Uva-ursi are thought to be heightened due to their affinity for certain areas of the body; and in the case of Uva-ursi, the urinary tract.
The active ingredient of Uva-ursi, being the aglycone hydroquinone of arbutin, has been detected in the urine of research subjects after the consumption of Uva-ursi. (2) This means, vitally, after ingestion, the arbutin follows the process of being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, passing into the bloodstream, where it is then excreted by the kidneys. However, crucially it remains unchanged during this process, as it proceeds down the rest of the urinary tract and into the urine.
Only then, once present in the urine, is arbutin hydrolysed and split into glucose and hydroquinone. It is this hydroquinone component specifically that possesses a direct antiseptic action in the kidneys, ureter and particularly the bladder. So, this is how Uva-ursi is thought to exert its positive effects in the exact area of the body that we need it to – fascinating!
3. It's astringent
The high tannin content of Uva-ursi means it has a significant astringent effect on the membranes of the urinary tract. These unique strengthening and toning actions are thought to be particularly beneficial where recurrent infections have weakened the bladder lining.
See, a weakened or damaged lining will become more vulnerable to repeat infections; meaning, Uva-ursi is also supporting the healing process protects against reinfection. This may also be where the traditional use of 'strengthening the immune response' for Uva-ursi itself comes from (3), although, of course, this effect can be heightened further when combined with other immune-supporting herbs such echinacea, as I'll go on to explain below.
4. It's anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is also thought to be a major underlying driving factor in cases of both infective and interstitial cystitis.
In preliminary trials, Uva-ursi extracts, plus arbutin isolates, demonstrated impressive anti-inflammatory properties. (4)
5. It's diuretic
The positive effects of 'diuretics' can be somewhat debated. Yes, in the case of UTIs we want the urinary tract to keep flushing through (carrying any bad bacteria with it), but with conventional diuretics, we can risk losing vital nutrients during this process too.
Luckily, Uva-ursi is considered to be a non-irritating diuretic (3), unlike some common dietary constituents such as caffeine.
Also, early studies have found Uva-ursi to significantly increase urine output, but crucially without affecting sodium or potassium excretion and therefore helping to support overall hydration status; (5). In this way it acts positively as an 'aquaretic'.
This benefit is further supported if someone is careful to keep up their basic water intake of course; a minimum of two litres for most people is recommended, especially if they have an active UTI.
6. It means fewer antibiotics
People are often keen for more natural alternatives to conventional treatment options for a number of reasons, but when it comes to supporting urinary tract health, helping to limit antibiotic resistance (or indeed, avoid any unwanted side effects of said medications) are some common reasons.
New research suggests that Uva-ursi could help to reduce antibiotics use, although, of course, symptoms should always be monitored closely during this process. (6)(7)
I touch more on how to use Uva-ursi safely, below.
How can Echinacea help treat UTIs?
Here I explore these beneficial modes of action in Echinacea to show why it can be a good for helping to treat a UTI:
1. It’s anti-infective and antibacterial
Echinacea has been extensively researched over the years and has been found to display, well-established anti-infective, antibacterial properties. (8) This means it can help to fight off the bad bacteria that can contribute to UTIs, before they have a chance to latch on to your urinary tract and give rise to all the symptoms we know only too well – from the burning when peeing, to the frequent need to go to the loo!
2. It helps support the immune system
However, crucially, echinacea is also thought to be a useful immune modulator. This means it can help the immune system to save its energy to respond appropriately to real threats (such as the bacteria likely to contribute a UTI), but remain nicely in balance when there are no perceived threats. (9)
How to take Uva-ursi & Echinacea for UTIs
Uva-ursi and Echinacea are often be found together in liquid drop form, or of course, the key components can be found separately in tablet, tincture or tea form.
The benefits of taking the herbs Uva-ursi and Echinacea in an already combined liquid drop form, is that the two herbs can be present in optimal proportions for supporting the health of the urinary tract specifically.
Safety
Like many herbs, Uva-ursi and Echinacea shouldn't be taken continually if they are not having the desired effect – in this case, further help should be sought from a healthcare professional.
Generally speaking, though, Uva-ursi and Echinacea have very few contraindications (apart from immuno-suppressant medications), and are well tolerated by the majority.
