Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Urinary tract infections are mostly caused by bacteria invading the urinary system, including pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urethritis. The main signs of imbalance of this condition include frequent urination, urgent urination, painful urination, fever, chills, lower back soreness, or hematuria and pyuria, with a tendency to recur. Urinalysis shows elevated white blood cells, possibly red blood cells, and urine culture yields pathogenic bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli. Due to physiological characteristics such as the shorter and wider female urethra and its proximity to the vagina, this condition is more common in women and female infants. Urinary tract infections correspond to “Lin Zheng (Strangury Pattern)” in Chinese medicine. According to Chinese medicine, Kidney Qi Deficiency combined with Damp-Heat accumulation in the Lower Jiao is the main cause of this condition. However, the generation of Damp-Heat can arise from multiple factors, such as excessive consumption of rich, fatty, sweet foods, and alcohol leading to Spleen failing in transportation and transformation; Liver Qi Stagnation transforming into Fire, with the Spleen restricted by the Liver, causing internal accumulation of Damp Turbidity; or overstrain and taxation damaging both the Spleen and Kidneys, all of which can contribute to this condition.
Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies urinary tract conditions into two types and applies pattern differentiation and supports according to different causes.
1. Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao and Toxin Accumulation in the Bladder: Urinary urgency, frequent urination, pain during urination, a feeling of incomplete voiding, abdominal distension, nausea or vomiting, poor appetite, body heaviness and fatigue, thirst without desire to drink, or low-grade fever in the afternoon, turbid and yellow urine, white greasy tongue coating with a yellow center, slippery and rapid pulse. The supports principle supports the body’s natural ability to clear heat and resolve toxins, and helps separate the clear from the turbid to maintain normal urinary function.
2. Spleen and Kidney Deficiency with Accumulated Toxin in the Lower Burner: After exertion, there is frequent urination without obvious urinary pain or heat sensation. If predominantly Spleen Deficiency, there may be eyelid edema, lower limb swelling, poor appetite, loose stools, a enlarged tongue body with tooth marks on the edge, and a deep, relaxed pulse. If predominantly Kidney Deficiency, there may be dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, lower back pain and weak legs, a thin tongue body with a pale red coating, and a deep, thin pulse. For those with predominantly Spleen Deficiency, the recommended approach supports Qi and strengthens the Spleen, and supports healthy dampness elimination and internal purity. For those with predominantly Kidney Deficiency, the recommended approach supports Kidney Qi, and supports healthy dampness elimination and internal purity.
1.Chaihu Cheqian Cha (Bupleurum and Plantago Tea)
Ingredients: 30 g each of vinegar-processed _Bupleurum chinense_ (Chai Hu), _Plantago asiatica_ (Che Qian Cao), and _Schisandra chinensis_ (Wu Wei Zi); 15 g of _Scutellaria baicalensis_ (Huang Qin).
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder, place in a teapot, pour boiling water over them, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: helps maintain a clear internal environment and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, while promoting normal urinary flow and comfort. supports proper function of the lower burner and helps maintain a balanced pelvic and urinary system health.
2.Shengdi Hanlian Tea (Rehmannia glutinosa and Eclipta prostrata)
Ingredients: Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi) 12g, Eclipta prostrata (Hanliancao) 12g, Phellodendron chinense (Huangbai) 10g, Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhimu) 10g, Taraxacum mongolicum (Pugongying) 15g.
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder, place in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 20-30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports Kidney qi and promotes proper fluid metabolism to help maintain a clean internal environment. This supports individuals with Spleen and Kidney Deficiency and a pattern of toxin accumulation in the Lower Jiao, particularly those with a tendency toward Kidney Deficiency, in maintaining urinary tract health.
3.Huangqi Maogen Cha (Astragalus and Imperata Tea)
Ingredients: Raw Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) 30g, Imperata cylindrica (Baimaogen) 30g, watermelon rind (Xiguapi) 60g, Cistanche deserticola (Roucongrong) 12g.
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into a coarse powder, place in a teapot, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 20-30 minutes. Use as a tea substitute. Take one dose daily.
Functions: supports Kidney Qi, and helps maintain healthy fluid metabolism and a balanced internal environment. supports individuals with patterns of Spleen-Kidney deficiency and toxin accumulation in the lower burner, especially those with a tendency toward Kidney deficiency.
4.Douyazhi Cha (Mung Bean Sprout Juice Tea)
Ingredients: 500 grams of mung bean sprouts, 60 grams of white sugar.
Preparation: Wash and mash mung bean sprouts, squeeze out the juice, add white sugar and mix well. Drink as a tea substitute. One dose daily.
supports maintaining a balanced internal environment and healthy urinary function. supports urinary tract health.
5.Er Gen Cha (Two-Root Tea)
Ingredients: Fresh Imperata cylindrica (Baimaogen) 60g, Fresh Phragmites communis (Lugen) 30g.
Preparation: Grind the above two ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a teapot, steep in boiling water, and drink as tea. Take two doses daily.
Actions: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports a calm state of mind. Promotes healthy blood circulation and normal urinary function. supports overall urinary tract health.
6.Chrysanthemum indicum (Yejuhua) and Taraxacum mongolicum (Pugongying) Tea
Ingredients: Chrysanthemum indicum (Yejuhua) 30 g, Taraxacum mongolicum (Pugongying) 30 g.
Preparation: Grind the above two ingredients together into a coarse powder, place in a cup, pour in boiling water, and drink as tea. Take 2 doses daily.
supports the body’s natural heat-clearing and detoxifying processes, promotes urination, and helps reduce swelling. supports a healthy urinary tract.
7.Corn Silk (Yumixu) Tea
Ingredients: Zea mays (Corn Silk) 50g, Plantago asiatica (Plantain Seed) 25g, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice Root) 10g.
Preparation: Grind the three ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 15-20 minutes, then drink as tea. Take one dose daily.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports normal urination. Aids in promoting urinary tract health.
8.Shiwei Cheqian Tea (Pyrrosia and Plantain Seed Tea)
Ingredients: Pyrrosia lingua (Shiwei) and Plantago asiatica (Cheqiancao) 60 g each, Gardenia jasminoides (Zhizi) 30 g, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) 10 g.
Preparation: Grind the above four ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a teapot, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 15-20 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Actions: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports healthy urinary function. Promotes the body’s natural ability to process and eliminate impurities, aiding in the maintenance of normal urinary tract health and mineral balance.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Great read! I’ve been dealing with recurring UTIs for years and never thought about TCM infusions. The list is really helpful—definitely going to try dandelion root and cranberry blend. Anyone have success with these?
I’ve been dealing with recurrent UTIs for years, so this is super helpful! I love that TCM offers natural alternatives. Have you tried any of these infusions yourself? I’m curious about the dandelion and honeysuckle one. Thanks for sharing!
This is so timely! I’ve been dealing with recurring UTIs and hate relying on antibiotics all the time. I’m definitely going to try some of these herbal infusions—especially the ones for painful urination. Have you tried any specific herbs that worked best for you? Would love to hear real experiences!
Love this! I’ve been dealing with recurring UTIs and never thought to try TCM herbal infusions. Do you have a favorite among these 8? Would love to give one a shot before reaching for antibiotics again. Thanks for sharing! 🌿