Evidence supporting the use of: Alfalfa
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Western herbalism and by some Indigenous groups, for a variety of health concerns including as a diuretic and general tonic. Its use for urinary tract conditions is primarily based on its traditional reputation as a "cleansing" or "detoxifying" herb, thought to help flush out the urinary tract due to its mild diuretic properties. However, there is scant scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of alfalfa for treating or preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). While alfalfa does contain vitamins, minerals, and some bioactive compounds, no clinical trials have demonstrated a significant antimicrobial or therapeutic effect against the pathogens most commonly responsible for UTIs. The diuretic effect may theoretically help increase urine flow and thereby assist with flushing bacteria from the urinary tract, but this remains speculative and is not unique to alfalfa. Most references to its use in UTIs come from herbal compendia and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific studies. Thus, while there is a traditional basis for the use of alfalfa in urinary tract health, the quality of supporting evidence is very low (rated 1/5), and it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for UTIs.

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Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections

Abrus
Abuta
Achyranthes
Adzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Agave
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arbutin
Aronia melanocarpa
asafoetida
asparagus
astragalus
aucubin
bacillus subtilis
bael
baicalin
baobab
barberry
Bauhinia
bearberry
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
big quaking grass
birch
black currant
black gram
bottle gourd
buchu
carambola
cardamom
carvacrol
cassia bark
celery
chanca piedra
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cloudberry
Coconut Water
Coin-leaf desmodium
coix
coriander
corn
cornsilk
couch grass
cranberry
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
Cynodon dactylon
D-mannose
dandelion
Desmodium
dong quai root
dwarf morning glory
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
Euryale seed
fennel
fenugreek
fleabane
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
Galium
goji berry
gokhru
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
Graviola
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
hibiscus
honeysuckle
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydrangea
hydroxyquinoline
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
Job\'s tears
juniper berries
Kachnar
knotgrass
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lespedeza capitata
lime
lingonberry
Lomatium
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
Lophira lanceolata
Loranthus
Lysimachia
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Melon
Methenamine
Methyl arbutin
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
ophiopogon root
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pareira
Pata de Vaca
pau d'arco
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pelargonium
Pepper Bark Tree
Phragmites
Pipsissewa
pumpkin
purslane
pygeum
Pyrola
radish
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
rosthorn snake gourd
Rumex acetosa
sage
Sambucus nigra
saponins
sarsaparilla
Scirpus
Semecarpus anacardium
sheep's sorrel
shepherd's purse
Shilajit
smilax
Spiny Restharrow
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Swertia
Tannins
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Tribuloside
Vasicine
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Withanolides