Evidence supporting the use of: Alisma
For the health condition: Bladder Infection
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alisma (Alisma orientale or Alisma plantago-aquatica, commonly known as water plantain) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries, particularly for conditions affecting the urinary system, including bladder infections (cystitis). In TCM, Alisma is believed to "drain dampness" and promote urination, which is thought to help clear heat and toxins from the lower burner (lower abdomen), thereby alleviating symptoms associated with urinary tract infections such as dysuria (painful urination), frequency, and urgency.
Despite its long-standing use in traditional medicine, there is little robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Alisma for treating bladder infections. Most of the available information comes from ethnobotanical sources and historical texts. Some laboratory studies have investigated Alisma's potential diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically be beneficial in urinary tract conditions, but these studies are limited in number and quality, and none have conclusively demonstrated its effectiveness in treating bladder infections in humans. Clinical trials are lacking.
In summary, the use of Alisma for bladder infections is primarily based on traditional practice rather than strong scientific validation. While it is a common component in traditional herbal formulas for urinary complaints, its efficacy and safety for this specific use have not been firmly established by modern clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Bladder Infection
bearberryberberine
coconut milk
cranberry
cucumber
turmeric
D-mannose
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
horseradish
Indian tinospora
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
methenamine
oregano
oregon grape
phellodendron amurense
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
water
sarsaparilla
squawvine
shen-chu
punarnava
goldenrod
lemongrass
juniper berries
dodder
cornsilk
buchu
couch grass
hydrangea
cleavers
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
gravel root
akebia
Ardisia
Arbutin
Agave
Allicin
Abrus
Alchornea
Aerva lanata
Andrographis
Alisma
Abuta
Amor seco
Bermuda Grass
Big Quaking Grass
berry
Bur-Reed
Bacteria
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Cucurbita
Cnidium
Chinese Raisintree
Chanca Piedra
Costus
Echinacea
Essential Oil Blend
Sumac