Herbal Treatment For Recurrent UTI: Dr. Ashley Girard, N.D. (Part 3)

In this video series, Dr. Ashley Girard, a naturopathic doctor based in Ontario, Canada, shares how naturopathy can help people facing chronic UTIs and bladder conditions.

Pharmaceuticals work as isolated molecules delivered at high concentrations, with a known mechanism of action. Meanwhile, herbs are made up of multiple different molecules and compounds, such as hydroquinone, tannins, and astringents. The fact that herbs are complex and consist of multiple compounds is thought to be a positive thing, in that they may target multiple different actions in the body within one medicine.

There are several herbs known to have antimicrobial properties that are appropriate for the urinary tract. For example, uva ursi, oregano oil, and volatile oils. Dr. Girard stresses that more research is needed to truly understand which molecules within herbs specifically cause the mechanisms of action.

Once herbs are ingested, their constituents are typically absorbed into the bloodstream and then passed through the liver. While some may be broken down, many will eventually be filtered by the kidneys and passed to the bladder.

While herbal treatment is very effective for UTIs, there is no research to say that it is better than antibiotic treatment, or vice versa. However, what Dr. Girard sees in practice is that for mild acute cases of uncomplicated UTI, herbal treatment is just as effective as using antibiotics.

More research is needed to understand why some bacteria are susceptible to herbal treatment and others are more resistant. Dr. Girard shares that an organism with multi-drug resistance will not necessarily be resistant to herbs. Most of the time, it is still worth trying the herbs because even if it doesn’t completely eradicate the infection, it could improve the patient’s symptoms and quality of life.

Hiprex, a urinary antiseptic that is available in many countries, is typically very effective at preventing urinary infections. Because of this, as long as it is doing its job, Dr. Girard says you shouldn’t necessarily need to add in herbal therapy alongside it. However, generally there shouldn’t be any interactions should you wish to take both.

Some herbs have a more broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. Some of Dr. Girard’s favorites include juniper, uva ursi, thyme, and goldenseal. There is usually a recommended dose range, with more sensitive patients typically starting at the lower end, and those who are more treatment-resistant starting with higher doses.

Dr. Girard points out that commercially-prepared herbal products often err on the side of caution, and may only contain a quarter to an eighth of the therapeutic dose. If you have tried a commercially-prepared herbal product and not found it particularly effective, this could be more to do with the dose than the herb itself. Potential liver damage associated with long-term herbal therapy may be a concern with uva ursi, which is not really meant for long-term use. Liver function and enzymes should be monitored in this case.

Finally, Dr. Girard doesn’t believe in the idea that patients get worse before they get better. She suggests that you should generally either stay the same for the first couple of weeks or gradually get better. In terms of when is the right time to stop treatment, it is best to work closely with a practitioner trained in herbal medicine.

Dr. Ashley Girard is a Naturopathic Doctor based in Ontario, Canada. You can learn more about Dr. Girard and her work at https://bladdercare.ca

Check out the playlist for the entire interview: Dr. Ashley Girard

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About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. https://liveutifree.com/

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