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Four Common Plants That Can Provide Relief for Urinary Diseases


For individuals with urinary conditions, a variety of medicinal plants that are readily available and affordable can provide relief.

Researchers from the University of Łódź in Poland conducted a review on the therapeutic effects of wild and cultivated plants commonly used in Polish folk medicine to address urinary diseases. The review encompassed plants from 53 species across 30 families.

The results were published in the Pharmaceuticals journal in March.
Among the numerous plants examined in the study, we will highlight four that are easy to acquire, cost-effective, and efficacious in providing natural relief for urinary conditions.

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow (Achillea) blooms in the wild among grasses. (Orest lyzhechka/Shutterstock)
Yarrow (Achillea) blooms in the wild among grasses. (Orest lyzhechka/Shutterstock)

An herb with versatile uses, yarrow is renowned for its efficacy in treating fevers due to its diaphoretic properties that induce sweating. Originating from Europe and West Asia, it features long stems with a cluster of small white flowers, sometimes tinged with pink.

Yarrow possesses astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic, and anti-hemorrhagic properties, along with being a peripheral vasodilator and aiding in regulating the menstrual cycle and digestion.

It is commonly used externally for wound treatment and serves as a prevalent remedy for colds and urinary issues. A single leaf inserted into the nostril can swiftly halt a nosebleed.

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The research indicates that the oral consumption of yarrow extract in rats led to increased diuresis (urine production), with an extract dose of 300 milligrams per kilogram resulting in a 30–60% rise in urine production four and eight hours post-administration.

A review published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research delves into yarrow’s pharmacological properties and vast array of therapeutic benefits. The reviewers concluded that “The vast survey of literature showed that A.millifolium has an esteemed status in herbs with diverse pharmacological activity spectrum.”

Yarrow can be utilized as a tincture, ointment, massage oil, or steam inhalation, but its most common form is as a tea. According to the study, teas are frequently employed in treating urinary disorders, though tinctures are also therapeutically utilized.

Tinctures, utilizing alcohol or other liquids like vinegar or glycerine to extract and preserve the herb’s active components, can last for many years when stored in a cool, dark location. Tinctures can be either homemade or store-bought, and can be taken directly, diluted in water, or added to hot water or tea.

Yarrow Tea

Infuse 1–2 teaspoons of dried yarrow herb in 1 cup of boiling water. Allow to steep for 10–15 minutes. Consume three times daily.

Yarrow Tincture

Intake 20–40 drops (1–2 ml) three times daily.

Contraindications: Yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy due to its mild uterine stimulating properties.

2. Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery seeds, stalks, and essential oil are used medicinally. (Ulada/Shutterstock)
Celery seeds, stalks, and essential oil are used medicinally. (Ulada/Shutterstock)

Celery is a common vegetable that can be easily incorporated into various dishes. Its seeds, stalks, and essential oil are also utilized in many traditional medicines. According to the study, Chinese medicine employs celery for treating hypertension, while it is employed in Arabian medicine for addressing renal pain (associated with the kidneys, ureters, and urethra).

Celery is a popular remedy for arthritis and gout due to its ability to eliminate uric acid from the joints.

The research indicates that a daily dose of 8 grams per kilogram increased urinary calcium ion excretions in an experimental model of nephrocalcinosis, a condition where calcium accumulates in the kidneys. It also notably reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, waste products expelled by the kidneys.

Celery showcases anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antispasmodic, sedative, carminative, and antirheumatic qualities. However, its diuretic and urinary antiseptic attributes make it particularly beneficial in addressing urinary system disorders, chiefly credited to the presence of volatile oil, apiol.

A 2018 study published in Fitoterapia illustrated that celery extract safeguarded against bladder and kidney infections caused by E. coli in animal models. The study highlighted the extract’s significant reduction of bacteria in the bladder tissues of the animals, emphasizing its non-toxic effect on bladder cells.

Celery can be utilized medicinally in various ways, contingent on the condition. It can be consumed as a tea for rheumatic conditions, gout, and urinary disorders, employed as a massage oil for rheumatic ailments or applied on the abdomen for digestive concerns, gas, and liver congestion, undergo a footbath for rheumatism and gout, or juiced to address hypertension and nervous fatigue. The recommended approach for utilizing celery to address urinary issues is through tea or tincture. Instructions for their consumption are detailed below.

Celery Tea

Add 1–2 teaspoons of freshly crushed celery seeds to one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10–15 minutes. Consume three times daily.

Celery Tincture

Intake 2–4 ml of tincture three times daily.

Contraindications: Refrain from using celery seeds during pregnancy. Internal consumption of essential oils should only be carried out under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

3. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is an abundant source of vitamin C. (Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock)
Parsley is an abundant source of vitamin C. (Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock)

Parsley is another herb commonly utilized in everyday cooking and is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. As per the study, parsley leaves, seeds, and roots possess diuretic characteristics, aiding in increasing urine production to flush out microorganisms from the bladder and urinary tract.

Similar to celery, parsley contains apiol, a volatile oil that combats urinary infections.

Per the study, rats administered an extract from parsley seeds experienced an augmentation in their urine volume and sodium excretion. The impact was akin to furosemide, a diuretic medication utilized to treat fluid retention stemming from various conditions.

Another scenario detailed in the study highlighted that aqueous parsley extracts exhibited favorable results on calcium oxalate stones, the primary type of kidney stones, in rats by reducing the calcium oxalate deposits.

Beyond its diuretic effects, parsley also serves as an emmenagogue, employed to stimulate and regulate menstruation, and a carminative, used to alleviate flatulence.

The leaves, stems, roots, and seeds of parsley are employed medicinally.

Tea or tincture forms are commonly employed for addressing urinary issues therapeutically. Instructions for parsley utilization are outlined below.

Parsley Tea

Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried parsley herb to one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5–10 minutes in a covered container or teapot. Consume three times daily.

Parsley Tincture

Intake 2–4 ml of the tincture three times daily.

Contraindications: Avoid the use of parsley during pregnancy due to its abortifacient effects.

4. Dandelion (Taraxacum campylodes)

Dandelion has multiple medicinal benefits, which include antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. (Madeleine Steinbach/Shutterstock)
Dandelion has multiple medicinal benefits, which include antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. (Madeleine Steinbach/Shutterstock)

To many, dandelions are persistent weeds, but to herbalists and holistic health practitioners, they are powerful medicine.

Per the



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