Kit Li
Most of us have experienced the discomfort of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), while antibiotics are commonly prescribed, they are not the only treatment option available. Did you know that Chinese Herbal Medicine offers effective remedies for both acute and chronic UTIs without the sign effects associated with antibiotics? If this is new to you, let me share my experience.
A few years ago, during menopause, I suffered from recurring UTIs and visited my local GP multiple times for antibiotics, over the course of a few months, I was prescribed antibiotics for more than three times. However, repeated use of antibiotics lead to bacterial resistance, making treatment less effective.
In addition to UTIs, I also experienced menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, lower back pain and irregularly heavy menstrual cycle occurred every three weeks. My body felt completely out of balance, and the excessive use of antibiotics only worsened my overall well-being.
I realised that was not sustainable approach and determined to find an alternative solution. I consulted a qualified Chinese Practitioner. I was prescribed a 3 day course of modified Bá Zhènɡ Sàn (八正散加減配方)* herbs decoction and combined with acupuncture treatment. Amazingly, my symptoms disappeared after just two drinks in a single day.
Since then, my infection stop recurring and also my overall health and vitality improved with continuous acupuncture treatments.
From a TCM viewpoint, UTIs during menopause are often linked to the imbalances in the Kidneys, Spleen, Liver and Lower Jiao (the lower abdominal areas), the most common patterns are:
- Kidney-Yin deficiency: The Kidney-yin declines with age, leading to dryness and heat in the body, which makes the urinary tract more vulnerable to infections. Symptoms: frequent urination, burning sensation, night sweats, dry mouth, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, hot flushes.
- Spleen-Qi deficiency with Dampness: When the Spleen is weak (due to poor diet, overthink, or excessive damp foods), it fails to transform and transport fluids and nutrients, therefore damp accumulation may cause. Symptoms: fatigue, loose stools, feeling of heaviness in the body.
- Liver-Qi Stagnation leading to Heat: Emotional stress affects the Liver, which can generate Heat and affect the urinary system. Symptoms: burning urination, headaches, irritability, bitter taste in the mouth.
- Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao: Poor digestion, excessive consumption of spicy/greasy foods, and emotional stress can create Damp-Heat, which accumulates in the Bladder. Symptoms: burning urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, frequent urgency, dark yellow urine, lower abdominal discomfort, irritability.
Therefore, Bá Zhènɡ Sàn (八正散) is commonly used for treating UTIs in the early stages as it has the effects of clearing heat, draining fire, promoting urination and relieving painful urinary dysfunction. Please consult a qualified Chinese Practitioner before taking any herbal prescriptions as individual constitutions vary.
Ingredients: Shí Zhú (Dianthus), Huá Shí (Talc), Jīn Qián Cǎo (Gold Coin Grass), Liǎo Xū (Knotweed Root), Chē Qián Zǐ (Plantain Seed), Dēng Xīn Cǎo (Rush Pith), Zhī Zǐ (Gardenia Fruit), Dà Huáng (Rhubarb Root), Gān Cǎo (Licorice Root).
This experience opened my eyes to the power of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) and acupuncture as a natural, effective alternative to antibiotics, also, as an intern Chinese Practitioner, it deepens my understanding of the profound benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Not only my symptoms resolve quickly, but overall well-being improved significantly with CHM and acupuncture.
If you are struggling with recurrent UTIs or looking for a holistic approach to wellness, TCM may be a valuable path to consider.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9636546/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874118343484
