Pau d’Arco for Bladder Infection and Its Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Sponsored by:

Bladder infection is the most common type of urinary tract infection affecting the bladder. Also known as acute cystitis, it means that the bladder is inflamed because of proliferation of bacteria in the urine. Although bladder infection causes discomfort, it can easily be treated. About 85% of cases of UTI are caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli). When the bacteria enter the urethra, they can reach all the way inside the bladder and cause an infection. Perhaps the most common treatment for bladder infection is antibiotic therapy, but the sad fact is that antibiotic-taking patients have a 25% possibility of getting a recurring infection within the same year. As such, more and more people want a natural way of treating urinary tract infection. If you are suffering from recurrent UTI and searching for simple herbal treatment, you may consider taking Pau d’Arco for bladder infection.

Bacteria can enter the urethra in several ways. It is important to treat bladder infection promptly. Bladder infection is not a communicable disease but sexually active women often get it, and experts often term this “honeymoon cystitis”. In some cases, Chlamydia may cause urinary tract infection. People who need urinary catheters may increase their risk for developing UTI by 30%. Common symptoms of bladder infections are distinguished by the urgent desire to urinate, frequent urination, bladder spasms, burning sensation during urination (dysuria) and the sensation of wanting to urinate even if little or no urine comes out. Sometimes, mild fever and cloudy, foul-smelling or bloody urine occur.

Pau d’Arco for bladder infections possesses natural antimicrobial properties that can effectively fight against bacteria causing infections. Pau d’Arco has been traditionally used in treating bladder infections and other forms of infectious diseases. This herbal remedy is known as an antiparasitic, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent.

One of the active components of Pau d’arco is quercetin, one of many bioflavonoids with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Quercetin consistently shows the strongest activity among flavonoids in Pau d’arco as an anti-inflammatory agent, deactivating the enzyme that causes the inflammation. Quercetin shows a significant anti-inflammatory action due to a number of activities that includes inhibition of mast cells, degranulation of basophile, secretion of neutrophil and monocytic lysosomes, lipid peroxidation and formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins include leukotrienes that promote inflammation by vasoconstriction. These activities cause stabilization of membrane, which is part of the anti-inflammation process. Quercetin also demonstrates inhibition of hyaluronidase, an enzyme responsible for breakdown of collagen of ground substance and connective tissue. Another component, Lapachol, is one of the main contributors for Pau d’Arco’s antimicrobial activity.

Although bladder infection is a fairly common condition, bladder infection must not be left untreated. If you suspect the common signs or symptoms of UTI, you can consult your doctor or primary health care provider for assessment and treatment plan. Your doctor can also explain to you the benefits, risk and limitations of herbal remedies such as Pau d’Arco for bladder infection. A naturopathic doctor a healthcare professional specializing in botanical medicine may also provide you with the most specific and relevant details about beneficial herbs for urinary tract infection.