Evidence supporting the use of: Bur-reed
For the health condition: Bladder Infection
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Bur-Reed (commonly referring to plants in the Sparganium genus, particularly Sparganium stoloniferum or "San Leng" in traditional Chinese medicine) has been historically used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations. In TCM, San Leng is most often used to promote blood circulation, break up blood stasis, and address masses and pain, rather than directly treating urinary tract or bladder infections. However, some multi-herb formulations that include Bur-Reed are occasionally used for various urogenital conditions, including those involving urinary discomfort or infection-like symptoms, typically in combination with other herbs that are more directly aimed at clearing heat and promoting urination.
There is minimal scientific evidence supporting the use of Bur-Reed for the treatment of bladder infections (urinary tract infections, UTIs). Most available clinical or pharmacological studies focus on its effects on tumors, anti-inflammatory potential, or vascular health, not specifically on antibacterial activity against pathogens responsible for UTIs. As such, its use for bladder infection is rooted in tradition and based on the broader TCM principle of addressing underlying imbalances rather than direct antimicrobial action. The direct evidence for its efficacy in bladder infections is weak, and it is rarely used alone for this purpose.
In summary, Bur-Reed’s use for bladder infections is primarily justified by historical tradition rather than robust scientific evidence, and the support for its effectiveness in this context is limited and indirect.
Other ingredients used for Bladder Infection
AbrusAbuta
Aerva lanata
Agave
Akebia
Alchornea
Alisma
Allicin
Amor seco
Andrographis
arbutin
Ardisia
bacteria
Bassia scoparia
bearberry
berberine
bermuda grass
berry
big quaking grass
Boerhavia diffusa
buchu
bur-reed
chanca piedra
Chinese raisintree
cleavers
Cnidium
coconut milk
cornsilk
costus
couch grass
cranberry
cucumber
Cucurbita
D-mannose
dodder
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
essential oil blend
Ficus simplicissima
Glechoma hederacea
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
heather
herbal blend (proprietary)
horseradish
Huang hua
hydrangea
Indian fagonia
Indian tinospora
indigo leaves
juniper berries
labrador tea
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
lemongrass
Ligusticum
lingonberry
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
madder
Malva sylvestris
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Methenamine
Microtea debilis
Momordica
Nigella seed
oregano
oregon grape
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pansit-pansitan
Pareira
phellodendron amurense
Phyllanthus
Pipsissewa
Plantago
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
Premna
probiotics
punarnava
Pyrola
Rosa laevigata
sarsaparilla
scrophularia root
shen-chu
slippery elm bark
Southern Tsangshu
Speedwell
Spiny Restharrow
squawvine
Stellaria dichotoma
Stone Root
Sumac
Triterpenes
Tulbaghia
turmeric
vitamin C
Water Pepper
Wax Gourd
White Heather
Wood betony
Yerba buena
