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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spiny Restharrow (Ononis spinosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for supporting urinary tract health and treating mild urinary tract infections (UTIs). Traditional practitioners have valued Spiny Restharrow primarily for its purported diuretic properties, believing that increased urine flow may help flush out bacteria and reduce symptoms of UTIs. The roots of the plant are most commonly used, either as teas, tinctures, or extracts.

Despite these longstanding traditional uses, high-quality clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of Spiny Restharrow for UTIs is limited. Most of the available data come from in vitro studies or animal models, where extracts have shown mild diuretic activity and possible anti-inflammatory properties. Some herbal combination products containing Spiny Restharrow (often alongside birch leaf and goldenrod) have been studied for their effects on lower urinary tract symptoms, but isolating the effects of Spiny Restharrow alone is difficult. Authoritative sources such as the European Medicines Agency recognize its traditional use for increasing urine output and as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints, but they also note the lack of robust clinical trials.

In summary, while Spiny Restharrow is justified by tradition for supporting urinary tract health, scientific validation is weak, and its use should not replace evidence-based medical treatments for UTIs.

More about Spiny Restharrow
More about Urinary Tract Infections

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