Hematuria: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine, which can be a symptom of various underlying conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or bladder cancer.

The recurring bleeding can lead to anemia, kidney damage, and increased risk of urinary tract infections. To alleviate hematuria, herbal remedies such as dandelion root, uva ursi, and corn silk can be used. Medicinal preparations like uva ursi tea and dandelion root capsules can help soothe the urinary tract and reduce bleeding.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as some may interact with medications or worsen the condition.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of hematuria, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of hematuria?

The main causes of hematuria are urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, bladder cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

UTIs are often caused by bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can damage the bladder and kidneys, leading to bleeding. Kidney stones, typically composed of calcium oxalate or uric acid, can cause hematuria due to their abrasive nature and the resulting inflammation. Bladder cancer, most commonly transitional cell carcinoma, can also cause hematuria, especially if left undiagnosed or untreated.

BPH, characterized by an enlarged prostate, can compress the urethra and cause hematuria, particularly in older men.

• Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like masses that form in the kidneys when there is a concentration of minerals in the urine, which can cause bleeding in the kidneys, leading to hematuria.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary tract infections, typically caused by bacteria such as E. coli, can cause inflammation in the urinary tract, leading to bleeding in the kidneys or bladder and resulting in hematuria.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to bleeding and hematuria.
• Prostate Enlargement: Prostate enlargement, typically associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, can cause obstruction of urine flow, leading to increased pressure in the urinary tract and bleeding in the bladder or kidneys, resulting in hematuria.
• Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer, a type of malignant tumor, can cause bleeding in the bladder, leading to hematuria, often presenting as painless gross hematuria.
• Kidney Cysts: Kidney cysts, including simple cysts and polycystic kidney disease, can cause damage to the kidneys and bleeding in the kidneys, resulting in hematuria.
• Urethritis: Urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, often caused by sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause bleeding in the urethra and hematuria.
• Trauma: Trauma to the kidneys or bladder, including injuries from accidents or falls, can cause damage to the blood vessels and bleeding in the kidneys or bladder, resulting in hematuria.
• Vasculitis: Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, can cause bleeding in the kidneys or bladder and hematuria, often associated with autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, can cause damage to the kidneys and bleeding in the kidneys, resulting in hematuria.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hematuria?

The main medicinal herbs used for hematuria are Equisetum arvense, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata, Cinchona officinalis, Astragalus membranaceus, Rumex crispus, Crataegus monogyna.

Equisetum arvense has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce blood vessel inflammation and alleviate symptoms of hematuria. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that protect the kidneys and reduce oxidative stress. Vaccinium macrocarpon, or cranberry, has proanthocyanidin compounds that prevent bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall, reducing the risk of hematuria.

Astragalus membranaceus, Cinchona officinalis, Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex crispus and Crataegus monogyna also have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antiseptic properties that contribute to the treatment of hematuria by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and preventing infections.

• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which help to reduce inflammation and increase urine production to alleviate symptoms of hematuria.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of hematuria.
• Vaccinium macrocarpon: Vaccinium macrocarpon is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of hematuria.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which help to reduce inflammation and increase urine production to alleviate symptoms of hematuria.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of hematuria.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of hematuria.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which help to reduce inflammation and increase urine production to alleviate symptoms of hematuria.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus is used to treat hematuria due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of hematuria.
• Rumex crispus: Rumex crispus is used to treat hematuria due to its diuretic properties, which help to increase urine production and alleviate symptoms of hematuria.
• Crataegus monogyna: Crataegus monogyna is used to treat hematuria due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of hematuria.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hematuria?

The main herbal preparations used for hematuria are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Cream, Ointment, Suppository, Poultice, Gel, Glycoside Extract.

Decoction is made from plants like Uva ursi and Gravel root, which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce bleeding. Tincture of plants like Corn silk and Plantain is used topically to soothe and calm the urinary tract, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Capsules or Glycoside Extract of plants like Licorice root and Dandelion root are used to stimulate the kidneys and promote diuresis, helping to flush out toxins and reduce bleeding.

Salves, Creams, Ointments, Suppositories, Poultices, and Gels are topical preparations often made from plants like Aloe vera and Calendula, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to reduce swelling and promote healing in the affected area.

• Decoction: A decoction of the dried roots of the plant Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of the plant Corn Silk (Zea mays) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the powdered roots of the plant Burdock (Arctium lappa) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Salve: A salve containing the extract of the leaves of the plant Plantain (Plantago major) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of the roots of the plant Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extract of the leaves of the plant Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the powdered roots of the plant Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties.
• Poultice: A poultice containing the crushed leaves of the plant Cleavers (Galium aparine) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Gel: A gel containing the extract of the roots of the plant Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
• Glycoside Extract: A glycoside extract of the plant Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) helps with hematuria by reducing inflammation and relieving pain in the urinary tract due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.