Uva Ursi

[spencoid2]

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that Uva Ursi helps reduce UTIs by probably the same action as cranberry juice and d-mannose. Uva Ursi is however recommended for clearing the kidneys, which cranberry and d-mannose may not do. I am concerned about my kidneys because I have had a few really bad UTIs.

Just a few herbs to add to my daily tea which is now getting quite complex.

I am less concerned about whether it will help, more concerned if there might be any interactions with Firmagon abiraterone and prednesone. So far I have found nothing online.

I plan to continue conventional treatment but will follow advise that makes sense to me about diet stress etc that are not addresses by conventional medicine. I have also quit alcohol (surprised at how easy it was, guess i am not an alcoholic) coffee meat other than fish (can't quit fish and it is probably good for me anyway)

[dadzone43]

"anecdote" and "evidence" may not belong in the same sentence, spencoid2. 'Tain't evidence. Experience? maybe. Opinion? maybe True? maybe

[spencoid2 in reply to dadzone43]

i think there is "anecdotal evidence" If you are talking about Uva Ursi specifically, it has been used for hundreds or thousands of years so there is a lot of anecdotal evidence. Several compounds have been isolated from Ursi that have antiseptic properties as well as being astringent. Unfortunately I don't think there have been clinical trials for UTI prophylaxis or treatment.

[dadzone43 in reply to spencoid2]

And, there won't be such trials. Big Pharma cannot patent natural substances so there is no money in funding studies to demonstrate efficacy. Mercury was in the pharmacopeia for syphilis and gonorrhea with lots of anecdotal evidence that it worked. It continued to work until less-toxic penicillin came along.

[spencoid2 in reply to dadzone43]

what about all the universities we subsidize through our tax dollars? they develop all the hugely expensive drugs that we pay more for than any other country on the planet. shouldn't they do us a favor and study other stuff for us ? sure!