Urinary tract infections

Acremonium

Acremonium chrysogenum

Cephalosporins are used for urinary tract infections, as well as respiratory and skin infections; they are excreted in the urine.

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Prevention only. The 2023 Cochrane review (50 trials, 8,857 people) found, with moderate certainty, that cranberry products reduced symptomatic, culture-confirmed UTIs overall (risk ratio 0.70). Benefit was seen in women with recurrent UTIs (RR 0.74), children (RR 0.46) and people at risk after a medical intervention (RR 0.47), but little or none in elderly institutionalised people, pregnant women or adults with neurogenic bladder. Compared with preventive antibiotics, it may make little or no difference. NCCIH stresses that cranberry is not a treatment for an existing UTI.

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium–horseradish tablets: in a phase III double-blind RCT of 217 women with recurrent cystitis, six months of prophylaxis cut the risk of recurrence by 36% versus placebo (HR 0.64; 36% vs 48% recurred by day 180), with adverse events similar to placebo. A smaller trial against co-trimoxazole for acute cystitis was stopped early and could not show non-inferiority. A 2022 systematic review found the phytotherapy evidence for recurrent cystitis too heterogeneous for firm recommendations.

Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

EMA accepts traditional use for symptoms of mild recurrent lower urinary tract infections in adult women, after a doctor has excluded serious conditions, while noting no clinical studies of bearberry alone. A 2021 German double-blind trial in 398 women with uncomplicated cystitis compared bearberry extract (arbutin 105 mg, 2 tablets 3 times daily for 5 days) with a single dose of fosfomycin: antibiotic courses fell by 63.6%, but symptom burden was 36.5% higher and failed non-inferiority, and 8 women developed pyelonephritis on bearberry against 2 on fosfomycin.

Camelthorn

Alhagi maurorum

Used for dysuria and urinary tract disorders; in catheterised mice an ethanol extract given for 7 days before infection lowered Proteus mirabilis counts in the kidneys.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

EMA traditional use to increase urine flow as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. A pilot study in 17 volunteers found a leaf extract increased urination frequency over the following hours; there are no larger trials.

Fringed pink

Dianthus superbus

Qumai is traditionally used as a diuretic to relieve painful urination and for urinary tract infection. In a randomised trial in 122 women with recurrent UTI, Bazheng powder, a ten-ingredient formula containing 10 g D. superbus, gave clinical cure and recurrence rates similar to antibiotics, though antibiotics relieved symptoms better. The herb's own contribution cannot be separated from the formula's.

Heather

Calluna vulgaris

Used for urinary-tract infections in traditional medicine and as a tea for kidney and urinary-tract complaints in Austria. An aqueous extract inhibited E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis and especially Proteus vulgaris in vitro (MIC 2.5–20 mg/ml); there are no clinical studies.

Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana

In a manufacturer-sponsored phase III double-blind trial in 217 women with recurrent cystitis, the nasturtium–horseradish combination taken for six months gave a first-recurrence rate of 36% versus 48% on placebo (hazard ratio 0.64). A manufacturer-funded German database cohort also linked it to fewer early relapses than antibiotics. These test the combination, not horseradish alone.

Lingonberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

In an open randomised trial in 150 Finnish women with E. coli bladder infection, 50 ml/day of cranberry-lingonberry juice concentrate for 6 months cut recurrences at 6 months from 36% (no treatment) to 16%. A 2024 review notes there is no clinical evidence for lingonberry alone. The leaves are a folk remedy for urinary infections.

Maidenhair fern

Adiantum capillus-veneris

In a randomised trial in 66 women with uncomplicated UTI, a Unani powder of cucumber, bottle gourd, purslane, mallow and maidenhair, plus violet syrup, gave symptom relief and culture clearance similar to nitrofurantoin (82% vs 88% negative cultures). Small multi-herb study; the fern's own contribution is unknown.

Senegal mahogany

Khaya senegalensis

Among the plants most cited for urinary tract infections in a Beninese survey. Bark extracts inhibited uropathogenic bacteria in vitro and a hydroethanolic extract increased urine output in rats; its pain-relieving effect in a rat cramp test was weak (22% inhibition).

Tongue fern

Pyrrosia lingua

It is described as diuretic and 'strangury-relieving' and is used in China for urinary infections alongside antibiotics. In the laboratory, its caffeoylquinic acids (chlorogenic acid, sibiricose A5) combined with levofloxacin reduced biofilm formation by uropathogenic E. coli. These are laboratory data only.

African yellow wood

Annickia chlorantha

Stem bark decoction is taken by mouth for urinary tract infections in West and Central African practice.

Amur cork tree

Phellodendron amurense

Listed for urinary tract infections in pharmacopoeias (WHO). The Chinese Pharmacopoeia uses it for painful, difficult urination from 'heat' and for urinary tract infection. No clinical trials of the bark.

Ash

Fraxinus excelsior

EMA traditional use to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. EMA suggests the high mannitol content (about 16–29% of the leaf) may explain a mild diuretic effect; an aqueous Fraxinus excelsior extract increased urine and sodium excretion in rats.

Asian plantain

Plantago asiatica

In Chinese medicine the seed is used for 'clearing heat and inducing diuresis for treating stranguria' (painful, difficult urination); the whole plant is described as diuretic and heat-clearing. Lab and animal studies report diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects; no controlled human trials were found.

Bishop's weed

Ammi majus

Traditional use for urinary tract infections recorded by WHO; untested.

Black nightshade

Solanum nigrum

Used in Chinese medicine for urinary tract infections and poor urination, and as a diuretic with Alisma and Akebia for oedema.

Blackcurrant

Ribes nigrum

EMA traditional use to increase urine and flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints; not a treatment for infection. The diuretic effect is supported only by animal data and the leaf's high potassium-to-sodium ratio.

Blue water lily

Nymphaea nouchali

Ayurvedic and Siddha use for urinary disorders; seed and flower extracts inhibited several human pathogenic bacteria in vitro.

Buchu

Agathosma betulina

Its main traditional and 19th-century pharmacopoeial use, for kidney and urinary-tract infections and 'irritability of the bladder'. No clinical trials exist; in lab tests water and alcohol extracts and the essential oil were inactive against urinary pathogens, and only a solvent extract unlike any traditional preparation showed weak activity.

Butcher's broom

Ruscus aculeatus

Folk medicine has used the rhizome and root for urinary complaints and oedema; there is no clinical testing for this.

Cherokee rose

Rosa laevigata

Root is a main ingredient of Sanjin Tablets, a Chinese patent medicine indicated for acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis and urinary tract infections; root extracts were antibacterial in vitro.

Chocolate vine

Akebia quinata

The stem has been used to treat urinary-tract inflammatory disease; it is a traditional diuretic. No clinical trials were found.

Clearing nut

Strychnos potatorum

In Indian folk practice a seed paste with tender coconut water is taken for urinary disorders and urine retention, and Ayurveda uses the seeds for strangury and urinary discharges.

Cogongrass

Imperata cylindrica

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists it for 'heat strangury with painful urination', and Ayurvedic texts (Sushruta) place Kusha among remedies for Mootrakruchchhra (painful urination). The Indian volunteer trial reported fewer pus cells and less albumin in the urine, but it did not test people with infections.

Common bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

EMA traditional use for the pods: to increase the amount of urine and flush the urinary tract, as an adjuvant in minor urinary tract complaints. This rests on long-standing use. There are no clinical studies of the pods.

Copaiba

Copaifera officinalis

Ethnopharmacological uses include cystitis, urinary incontinence and gonorrhoea; no clinical evidence.

Couch grass

Elymus repens

EMA traditional use: to increase the amount of urine and flush the urinary tract, as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. The EMA found no well-controlled trials. In rats, a diuretic effect appeared only with a cold macerate, not with the infusions or decoctions actually used. A lipophilic p-coumaric ester from the rhizome stopped E. coli sticking to bladder cells in the lab.

Cubeb

Piper cubeba

Unani formulations containing it (Jawarish Zarooni, Majoon-e-Antaki and others) are used for cystitis, retention of urine and gonorrhoea; extracts and oil inhibit bacteria in the lab, but this has not been tested in people.

European goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

EMA accepts traditional use 'to increase the amount of urine, as adjuvant in treatment of minor urinary complaints'. Open, uncontrolled post-marketing studies (22 to 1,487 people) reported fewer symptoms of cystitis and irritable bladder, but EMA's assessors judged their quality could not be evaluated and limited the indication to traditional use. It is an add-on to flushing, not a treatment for infection.

Field horsetail

Equisetum arvense

EMA traditional use: to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. In one double-blind trial in 36 healthy men, 900 mg/day of a dry extract for four days produced a negative fluid balance similar to hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg and unlike placebo, but EMA judged the trial too small and the extract too poorly described to support more than traditional use. A doctor should be seen for fever, painful urination, spasms or blood in the urine.

Garden strawberry

Fragaria x ananassa

EMA traditional use to increase urine flow and relieve minor urinary tract complaints, alongside drinking plenty of fluid. No clinical trials.

Greater burdock

Arctium lappa

EMA traditional-use indication: to increase urine output and flush the urinary tract, as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. Not for infection itself; EMA advises seeing a doctor if fever, painful urination, spasms or blood in the urine occur. No clinical trials.

Indian mallow

Abutilon indicum

In Unani medicine the bark is prescribed for urinary complaints and strangury, leaf decoction for bladder inflammation, and seed powder for chronic cystitis. A seed extract was diuretic in animals; no human data.

Java tea

Orthosiphon aristatus

EMA traditional use: to increase urine and flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary tract complaints. EMA judged the clinical data too weak for a well-established use; a 40-person crossover study found no change in urine output, and lab tests found the leaf flavones had no antibacterial action against urinary bacteria.

Juniper

Juniperus communis

EMA traditional use of the cone berry to increase urine and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. No clinical studies have been published; rat studies show increased urine output.

Kava

Piper methysticum

Formerly used in Western medicine as a liquid extract for inflammation of the urinary and genital tract (Martindale); not supported by modern evidence.

Kawakawa

Piper excelsum

Traditionally used for genitourinary infections and complaints.

Knotgrass

Polygonum aviculare

EMA traditional use: to increase urine flow to flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. Chinese medicine uses bian xu for dysuria. No controlled trials.

Lophatherum

Lophatherum gracile

Listed for painful urination and used to 'induce diuresis'; a diuretic action (increased excretion of water, sodium and urea) is reported from laboratory and animal work only.

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

EMA traditional use: to increase the amount of urine to flush the urinary tract, as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. Commission E approved it for irrigation therapy in inflammation of the lower urinary tract. No published clinical trials; animal experiments gave only a slight or no diuretic effect.

Lungwort

Pulmonaria officinalis

Some ethnomedical sources describe infusions or decoctions for urinary disorders and cystitis, as a diuretic; untested.

Maize

Zea mays

The EMA draft monograph (2025) proposes traditional use for relief of symptoms of minor urinary tract complaints, to increase urine flow alongside drinking enough fluid. There are no good trials.

Mānuka

Leptospermum scoparium

Māori infusions were also used for urinary problems; not clinically tested.

Mexican marigold

Tagetes erecta

Brunfels recorded it for bladder pain and painful urination, and to promote urination and expel bladder stones; extracts increased urine output in animals.

Mountain knotgrass

Aerva lanata

The root is described as demulcent and diuretic for strangury (slow, painful urination). Siddha texts list sirupeelai for urinary disorders (neeradaippu, moothira kiricharam). Not clinically tested for urinary infection.

Ox knee

Achyranthes bidentata

Used for stranguria (painful, difficult urination) and oedema, as a diuretic.

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Used in Greek and Roman medicine for urinary tract infections, and in 19th-century American medicine for retention of urine, strangury and gonorrhoea. No clinical evidence.

Peruvian pepper

Schinus molle

Mexican urban herbal practice (Guadalajara) records pirul for urinary tract infections and as a diuretic. No clinical data.

Pineapple flower

Eucomis autumnalis

The bulb is used for urinary diseases, and the genus more widely for kidney and bladder infections and venereal disease. In Limpopo markets the bulb is sold for sexually transmitted infections. Extracts of the genus showed antibacterial activity in laboratory screens. No clinical data.

Portia tree

Thespesia populnea

The fruits are used for urinary-tract infections in the Cook Islands, and the bark for cystitis in French Polynesia.

Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

Chinese medicine also uses it to 'alleviate stranguria' (painful urination) and for leucorrhoea.

Resurrection bush

Myrothamnus flabellifolia

The upper aerial parts are reported in African traditional medicine for infections of the urinary as well as the respiratory system; untested clinically.

Rupturewort

Herniaria glabra

EMA traditional use: to increase the amount of urine to flush the urinary tract, as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints, based on at least 30 years of use; older handbooks list it for chronic cystitis and urethritis. EMA found no clinical data. A decoction extract inhibited uropathogenic E. coli and its biofilms in the laboratory.

Shepherd's purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1983) listed it for acute catarrhal cystitis, combined with buchu; the EMA judged the data insufficient to include this use.

Silver birch

Betula pendula

EMA traditional use to increase the amount of urine and flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. Evidence is one pilot trial in 15 patients and an uncontrolled study; EMA judged this insufficient for well-established use. It is not a treatment for infection itself.

Small-flowered willowherb

Epilobium parviflorum

Tea is used in folk medicine for urethritis, micturition disorders and bladder and kidney complaints. No clinical evidence.

Spiny restharrow

Ononis spinosa

EMA traditional-use indication: to increase the amount of urine and flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. The HMPC found no clinical studies, so well-established use could not be supported. A doctor should be seen if fever, painful urination, spasm or blood in the urine appear.

Spreading hedyotis

Scleromitrion diffusum

Used in China for urethritis and other inflammation-linked conditions; a water extract protected against kidney inflammation in mice.

Stinging nettle

Urtica dioica

EMA traditional use of nettle leaf and herb to increase urine and flush the urinary tract as an adjunct in minor urinary complaints, with plenty of fluid. Not a treatment for infection.

Vetiver

Chrysopogon zizanioides

Ayurvedic and ancient Tamil texts are reported to record its use for urinary tract infections and rheumatism. Not tested clinically.

White's ginger

Mondia whitei

In Cameroon the roots are used for urinary tract infection, jaundice and headache, and the whole plant for diarrhoea.

Wild carrot

Daucus carota

Wild carrot essential oil is used in European folk medicine as an antiseptic for cystitis and prostatitis. No clinical data.

Wild pansy

Viola tricolor

Used traditionally as a diuretic for cystitis and painful urination; a Polish herbal tea is registered for mild urinary complaints. Early animal tests in rabbits and mice found no increase in urine volume. EMA did not accept this indication.

Wild strawberry

Fragaria vesca

EMA traditional use to relieve minor urinary tract complaints by increasing urine flow, alongside drinking enough fluid. Not tested in trials.

Yellow-berried nightshade

Solanum virginianum

Used for urinary problems; an aqueous extract (200–400 mg/kg) increased urine output in rats.

Yerba mate

Ilex paraguariensis

EMA traditional use as a herbal tea to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract, as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. It does not treat infection; fever, painful urination, spasms or blood in the urine need a doctor.