Antibiotics are effective for cystitis, but not always the best solution. An effective alternative is offered by herbal preparations for the urinary tract and bladder teas, which have been evaluated by Öko-Test. What are the effective alternatives to antibiotics?
- Goldenrod helps to flush the urinary tract better and thus promotes the elimination of bacteria.
- © iStock.com/Wylius
Every second woman suffers from cystitis at least once in her life. Most often antibiotics are prescribed, which, however, often only temporarily lead to freedom from symptoms. A third of those affected keep getting new urinary tract infections. There are herbal alternatives to symptoms such as burning pain and urge to urinate – from medicinal plant teas to over-the-counter medicines from the pharmacy.
"Öko-Test" examined 36 over-the-counter supplements that manufacturers had identified as being effective against urinary tract infections – including 13 over-the-counter medicines, 21 bladder and kidney teas, and two preparations with the sugar D-mannose as the active substance. Which preparations are recommended?
At a glance:
Nine natural aids for a strong bladder
Bladder teas: not very effective, but heavily loaded
The result of the testers was devastating: a large part of the bladder teas failed with the grade "insufficient". Not only were some products ineffective in cystitis, but many teas were also contaminated with plant toxins. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids found damage the liver and have been shown to be carcinogenic in animal experiments. Only four teas were rated "satisfactory" or "sufficient".
In addition, the reviewers criticized artificial colors and the addition of alcohol in some over-the-counter products. For preparations with the sugar D-mannose and the amino acid methionine there is no scientific proof of effectiveness, according to the "Öko-Test" editorial team.
Herbal remedies for cystitis
As the test winner and recommended, only two OTC preparations emerged from the investigation among herbal medicinal products:
Aqualibra (Medice; active ingredients: dry extracts from common hackle root, goldenrod herb and orthosiphon leaves)
Ardeynephron (Ardeypharm; active ingredient: orthosiphon leaf dry extract)
Both preparations certified "Öko-Test" to be free of harmful residues and to supplement the flushing therapy for cystitis in a meaningful way. Accompanying this rinsing therapy should be drunk at least two liters of liquid a day. However, these preparations are not suitable for pregnant women and people with edema due to reduced cardiac and / or renal activity.
How do grass roots, goldenrod herb and orthosiphon leaves work?
The active ingredients from goldenrod herb, squirrel root and orthosiphon contained in the test winner have established themselves in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The three herbal active ingredients complement each other and can provide relief from practically all symptoms of cystitis:
Goldenrod herb: With a high hydration at the same time, goldenrod herb has a diuretic effect and helps to flush the urinary tract better. By stimulating the excretion of urine through the kidneys, pathogens are also eliminated more quickly. In addition, goldenrod herb is anti-inflammatory and soothes the burning sensation when urinating, which is one of the main complaints with urinary tract infections. Goldenrod also has an antispasmodic effect, which favors complete emptying of the bladder.
Orthosiphon blades: Orthosiphon (mustache) prevents bacteria from nesting in the bladder in the first place by preventing the formation of the docking points – the so-called fimbriae. This also reduces the risk of bladder infection returning after it has subsided.
Common hackle root: Extract from the hackle root mainly helps to relieve pain associated with cystitis by also helping to flush out germs.
What to do with cystitis?
TargetVideo
Antibiotics for cystitis
However, the most common therapy for cystitis is to take an antibiotic that kills the triggering germs. Antibiotic therapy is essential in some cases, but there are disadvantages.
The large-scale prescription of these potent drugs promotes resistance development and makes antibiotics ineffective in the long run. In addition, therapy with antibiotics can in certain cases increase the risk that the bladder infection will return soon, since such therapy also kills bacteria that protect against urinary tract infections.
The German Society for Urology (DGU) also recommends taking a critical look at the use of antibiotics for urinary tract infections in order to "avoid unnecessary therapies and reduce the development of resistance". For urinary tract infections with mild to moderate complaints, the recommendation is to consider purely symptomatic treatment together with the patient as an alternative to antibiotic therapy.
That is why more and more doctors are starting to try symptomatic therapy: those affected take pain medication to alleviate the symptoms and at the same time take diuretic measures – for example, by taking the above-mentioned preparations with the active ingredients hackled root, goldenrod herb and orthosiphon leaves – for rinsing.
Tips for preventing bladder infections
Always important for urinary tract infections, according to experts: keep warm, drink plenty of tea or water and see a doctor for symptoms such as fever and blood in the urine. Pregnant women should always have the suspicion of a urinary tract infection clarified by a doctor.
To prevent cystitis, women are advised to urinate as soon as possible after sex to flush out pathogens. A daily hydration of at least one and a half liters also makes it difficult for bacteria to multiply in the bladder.
Diseases where antibiotics are unnecessary
