Recipes For Bladder Health

A Welsh herbalist from the 1200s recommended the use of uva ursi for kidney and bladder problems. Native Americans also used uva ursi leaves to treat inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract. In modern herbal treatment, uva ursi is still used for its antibacterial properties. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and buchu (Agathosma betulina, synonym Barosma betulina) have also been used historically to combat bladder infections. Although none of these herbs are appropriate for long-term use to prevent infection, herbalists often recommend such herbs to nip beginning bladder infections in the bud.

Recipes for bladder health

Before recommending recipes for bladder health, we’d like to stress the importance of proper medical treatment of UTIs. These remedies are not intended as a replacement for antibiotic treatment. They may, however, help prevent recurrent infections.

Cranberry Mocktail 
1 cup (235 ml) unsweetened cranberry juice ¾ cup (175 ml) carbonated (sparkling) water 2 lemon slices 2 teaspoons (14 g) honey
Preparation and use:
Mix together all the ingredients. Aim to drink both servings of this cocktail in one day.
Yield: 2 servings recipe
Variation: Substitute apple juice or sparkling cider for the carbonated water and omit the honey.
How it works:
Research studies show that cranberry juice and concentrated cranberry tablets reduce UTI recurrences. Also, the tannins that create the characteristic mouth-puckering effect of cranberries are also astringent in the urinary system. (Astringents tighten tissues and are thought to reduce surface irritation and inflammation. Cranberry is acidic, but it takes a lot of volume to acidify the urine enough to kill bacteria.)
Note:
The daily volume of cranberry juice used in studies ranges from 2 tablespoons (30 ml) to 1 cup (235 ml) of pure cranberry juice. Higher doses can loosen stools. If you find you can’t stomach cranberry juice, try taking concentrated cranberry in capsule form as directed on the label. Be aware that commercially prepared cranberry juice drinks contain added water and sugar. Do not combine cranberry with the bloodthinning medication warfarin (Coumadin) without first discussing with your doctor. Case reports suggest cranberry may augment the effect of Coumadin, further reducing the ability of blood to clot. However, the problem has not been detected in clinical trials.

Beneficial Blueberry Smoothie
1 cup (230 g) plain yogurt ½ cup (75 g) blueberries ½ cup (120 ml) “crabapple” juice (cranberry juice and apple juice combined)
Preparation and use:
Mix all the ingredients in a blender. Enjoy.
Yield: 1 serving
How it works:
Blueberries belong to the same plant family as cranberries. They, too, contain flavonoids that inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to bodily surfaces. The yogurt contains beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that can help restore normal bowel bacteria if you’ve taken antibiotics to treat a UTI. However, the research is inconclusive as to whether probiotics (taken by mouth or used intravaginally) help prevent recurrent cystitis.

Honeyed Garlic Tea
2 cups (475 ml) water 4 garlic cloves 1 to 2 teaspoons (7 to 14 g) honey
Preparation and use:
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Crush the garlic cloves and put in a mug (consider placing the crushed garlic inside a muslin bag or mesh tea ball). Pour the boiled water over the garlic. Cover the mug with a saucer. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the garlic, add the honey, and drink.
Yield: 1 serving
How it works:
Garlic is active against E. coli and other bacteria that can cause UTIs.

Nutrient-Rich Dandelion Tea 
If in season, pick spring dandelion leaves—as long as they’re not exposed to pesticides or growing near a road. Bundle and hang to dry in a warm, dim place. Once dry to the touch, crumble the leaves; place in a clean, dry jar; and store in the cupboard. You may also be able to find them dried or fresh at a natural food store. 1 quart (946 ml) water 3 tablespoons (4.5 g) dried, chopped dandelion leaves 1 teaspoon (0.5 g) chopped dried peppermint leaves, or 2 teaspoons (4 g) fresh, chopped Honey, as needed
Preparation and use:
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Turn off the heat and add the dandelion and peppermint. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain. Sweeten with honey to taste. Drink throughout the day.
Yield: 4 servings
How it works:
Dandelion is nutrient-rich and gently increases urine output. You can also enjoy the tender greens in salads, steamed, or sautéed. Peppermint is antispasmodic and also tastes pleasant.

Yogurt-Berry Ice
This delicious dessert is smooth and creamy and delivers friendly bacteria to your system. For a drinkable smoothie version, see the variation below. 2 cups (about 200 g) frozen mixed berries, or ²∕3 bag (16-ounces, or 455 g) ½ cup (115 g) plain yogurt 3 tablespoons (60 g) honey ¹∕8 teaspoon almond extract
Preparation and use:
Allow the berries to thaw for 7 to 10 minutes. Pour into a blender or processor and grind until the fruit pieces look like shaved ice. While the blender is running, add the yogurt, honey, and almond extract. Continue blending until the mixture is creamy. Eat immediately, as the texture will change when refrozen.
Yield: 4 servings recipe
Variation: For drinkable smoothies, add ½ cup (120 ml) of almond milk.
How it works:
Antibiotics effectively treat UTIs. However, they also kill some of the normal, friendly bacteria in the bowel. Probiotics, taken in supplement form, help recolonize normal bacteria and prevent side effects such as diarrhea. Yogurt and other fermented foods, which contain beneficial bacteria, may also help.

Soothing Sitz 
Bath If using oats for this recipe, be sure to put them in a coffee mill and grind them to a powder; otherwise, they’ll clog the drain. 2 to 3 cups (576 to 864 g) salt(442 to 663 g), baking soda, or (160 to 240 g)colloidal oatmeal
Preparation and use:
Fill your bathtub with water as warm as you can stand it. Pour in the salt, baking soda, or oatmeal and disperse. Soak for at least 30 minutes.
Yield: 1 application recipe
Variation:
You can also use 2 to 3 cups (475 to 700 ml) of vinegar, but don’t combine it with baking soda, or you’ll have a fizzy reaction.
How it works:
The warmth of the water with the soothing ingredients helps relax the urethra. Baking soda and salt can soothe irritated membranes. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes wound healing. Vinegar, which you can also add, is mildly acidic and helps relieve irritation of the vagina and urethra. Note: Clean your feet before sitting in the tub so you do not introduce new bacteria. Encourage children who have trouble urinating because of pain to go ahead and squat in the water and let it go. Then have them step out of the tub immediately.

When Simple Doesn’t Work 
If you have recurring infections, you may want to see a urologist. He or she may prescribe antibiotics for a specific event, or a low dose of antibiotics over an extended time period, which can help avoid repeat infections. Also, you may want to purchase an over-the-counter, in-home test kit that can help you determine whether you need to call the doctor.

When to call the Doctor
Call during office hours if:
• Your symptoms are consistent with a bladder infection.
• Antibiotics haven’t brought relief after twenty-four hours. Seek urgent medical care if:
• You’re pregnant and think you have a UTI.
• You have blood in your urine.
• You develop additional symptoms, such as flank pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
• You have diabetes or an immune defi - ciency syndrome (e.g., AIDS) with new signs of a UTI.