Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common and often painful health problem, but the good news is that there are many natural remedies that can help relieve the discomfort and get you on the road to recovery. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most effective home remedies for UTI, from dietary and lifestyle changes to natural treatments and supplements. You’ll learn what you can do to help reduce symptoms and prevent future infections. We’ll also cover when it’s time to see a doctor for treatment and what signs to look for. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to manage and treat UTI at home.
What Exactly is UTI?
UTI is also known as Urinary Tract Infection / Bladder Infection (Scientific name), mutra marg sankraman samasya / peshab marg me jalan / peshab ki thaili me infection (Hindi/Urdu), Mutra margata sankramana (Marathi), Cirunir patai noy torru / Neer Kaduppu / Neerkaduppu / Siruneer erichal nattu maruthuvam (Tamil), Mutra Margamu Sankramanam / Mutra Margam Sankramanam (Telugu), Mutrasaya Anubadha (Malayalam), Niao lu ganran (Chinese), Infecciones de las vias urinarias (Spanish), Infeccao do trato urinario (Portuguese), Mutra nalira sankramana (Bengali), Infektsii mochevyvodyashchikh putey (Russian), Infeksi saluran kemih (Indonesian). A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary system. Women are more likely than men to get urinary tract infections, as the bladder and anus are much closer on the female body than the males, thus raising the chances of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Root Causes
Urine normally contains a mixture of fluids and salt, but it usually does not contain bacteria. When bacteria find their way into the bladder or kidneys, they multiply in urine and a urinary tract infection ensues. Acute cystitis or a bladder infection is an infection that affects part of the urinary tract. Women are more likely than men to get urinary tract infections, as the bladder and anus are much closer on the female body than the males, thus raising the chances of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Cumin, coriander, fennel, barley water, oat water, juniper berries are some remedies worth to try along with your doctor prescribed antibiotics.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include a strong persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, urine that appears cloudy, passing small frequent amounts of urine, strong-smelling urine, for women pelvic pain and for men rectal pain. Basically pain in the kidneys signals an infection in the upper urinary tract. If urine appears pink in color it can be a sign of blood in the urine. If the infection affects the kidneys, fever and flu like symptoms may also occur, such as chills, shaking, nausea, vomiting, high fever, and upper back and side pain.
UTI (Cystitis) Home Remedies
Here are 16 effective UTI home remedies.
- Corn Silk: Corn silk is also a good cleanser of the urinary tract. A little of it eaten raw, with or without the corn kernels, will benefit the whole urinary system and may help to prevent cystitis. Corn and its products are also beneficial in the treatment of bed wetting in children, disorders of the prostate and cystitis, and inflammation of the urethra.
- Cumin + Coriander + Fennel Tea: Cumin, coriander and fennel is widely used in Ayurveda to relieve irritation of the bladder while passing urine. Drink a tea made with equal proportions of cumin seeds, coriander seeds and fennel seeds. OR Boil 4 tablespoons of coriander seeds in 4 cups of water until the liquid is reduced to 2 cups. Strain and drink with a little honey.
- Drumstick Flower Powder: Take 1 tablespoon of drumstick plant flower extract and mix it with 1/2 cup of fresh coconut water. Drink at least twice a day.
- Barley Water: Barley water is very helpful for urinary tract infections and cystitis. Add 2 tablespoons of pearl barley to 500ml of water and boil for 10 minutes. Strain, and add barley to a fresh pint of water. Boil for another 10 minutes.
- Garlic: Garlic is active against E. coli and other bacteria that can cause UTIs. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Crush 4 garlic cloves and put in a mug (consider placing the crushed garlic inside a muslin bag or mesh tea ball). Pour the boiled water over the garlic. Cover the mug with a saucer. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the garlic, add the honey, and drink.
- Oat Water: Oat water is another easy remedy. Take 2 teaspoons of porridge oats and rub well between your fingers. Add to 1 cup of cold water. Stir well and leave for 20 minutes. Stir again and pass through a tea strainer. Makes a soothing drink for cystitis, and stomach upsets caused by antibiotics.
- Sandalwood Oil: Drink sandalwood oil. Start with 5 drops and day by day increase quantity till it becomes 10 to 30 drops. To increase efficiency of sandal oil add 10gm of ginger juice and water in it.
- Okra: Take 100 gm of okra. Mix it in 1 and 1/2 cup of water. Then bring it to boil and let it boil for few more minutes. Finally strain the water and drink. Repeat twice a day.
- Herbal Formula: You may also try mixture made with punarnava (5 parts), gokshura (4 parts) and musta 3 parts. Then mix these herbs in given proportion. Take 1/2 teaspoon of this herbal mixture 2 or 3 times a day with warm water.
- Spinach + Coconut Water: Mix together 1/2 cup of spinach juice in same amount of coconut water. Drink this twice a day.
- Juniper Berry: Juniper berries are a well known remedy. They act as a diuretic, drive toxins from the blood and encourage digestion. A tea made from the berries is very useful in the treatment of urinary inflammations, bladder disorders and water retention. Add one teaspoon of bruised dried berries to 1 cup of water, bring to the boil, cover and infuse for 10 minutes. Strain and drink a cup 3 times a day.
- Radish Leaves: Drink 1 cup juice of radish leaves everyday morning. Repeat for 15 days to stop UTI pain.
- Lemon: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of boiling water. Let the water cool down. Finish this water within 4 hour, drinking little at a time. It is not only helpful for irritation but also helpful if its bleeding with UTI.
- Cranberry: Cranberries contain a substance which affects the acidity of the urine and acts as a bactericide. A daily glass of cranberry juice will prevent and treat cystitis, and discourage kidney stones. Fresh cranberries and cranberry juice are used in the treatment of prostate problems and urinary tract infections.
- Cucumber Juice: Another simple remedy. Add together 1 cup cucumber juice, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Drink this 3 times a day. This reduces acidic contents from urine and helps to stop UTI irritation.
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves tea is also very useful for cystitis. For tea, use 1 teaspoon dried leaves to 1 cup water and infuse for 10 minutes. For acute cystitis, take 1 cup of tea, or 1 teaspoon of tincture, 2 or 3 times daily for up to a week.
Tips to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection
- Urinate whenever you feel the urge; don’t “hold it.” Urination helps flush out any bacteria before they have a chance to stick to the bladder lining.
- Try employing essential oils for relief from UTIs. Massage a couple drops of lavender essential oil into the skin above the pubic bone and then apply warmth to help.
- Drink lots of water, at least eight glasses a day, more if you live in a dry or hot environment or have been exercising. Thirst is a sign you need more fluid. Obey that urge.
- Avoid constipation because it can trigger a UTI.
- Use warmth. Fill a hot water bottle or turn on a heating pad and place it over your lower abdomen. Heat improves blood flow, relaxes muscles, and helps relieve discomfort from a bladder infection.
FAQs.
Q. Can a UTI go away on its own?
Yes, a UTI can go away on its own in some cases. However, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications.
Q. How can I cure a UTI at home fast?
The best way to cure a UTI at home is to drink lots of fluids and take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should also try to urinate as soon as you feel the need to go and avoid holding your urine for too long. Cranberry juice and baking soda are also often recommended to help fight a UTI. You should also take probiotics which can help restore the balance of bacteria in your body. Finally, make sure to practice good hygiene and wear cotton underwear to help keep your urinary tract healthy.
Q. What immediately helps UTI?
The most important thing you can do for a UTI is to make sure you drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder frequently. You should also avoid any potential irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Over-the-counter pain medication can help to relieve any discomfort you may be feeling. If your symptoms persist, you should visit your doctor as a prescription antibiotic may be necessary.
Q. How do I get rid of a UTI ASAP at home?
To get rid of a UTI as soon as possible at home, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or cranberry juice. It is also important to urinate regularly to flush out the bacteria. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with the pain and discomfort. Additionally, it is important to practice good hygiene and wipe from front to back when using the bathroom. Finally, probiotics may help to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the body, which could help to fight off the infection.
Q. How can I cure my UTI naturally? What kills UTI naturally?
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Take a probiotic supplement.
- Increase your vitamin C intake.
- Drink cranberry juice.
- Take a hot bath with Epsom salt.
- Take zinc supplements.
- Avoid coffee, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Eat foods with antibacterial properties, such as garlic or horseradish.
- Try a herbal remedy, such as uva ursi or goldenseal.
Q. What is the fastest way to get rid of a UTI?
The fastest way to get rid of a UTI is to take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Self-treating a UTI with over-the-counter medications is not recommended. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids and urinating as soon as you feel the urge can help reduce symptoms and decrease the duration of the infection.
Q. What is the difference between single-episode urinary tract infection (UTI) and recurrent UTI?
Single-episode UTI refers to a UTI that occurs only once and is typically treated with a single course of antibiotics. Recurrent UTI refers to UTI infections that occur multiple times, often within a short period of time. Recurrent UTI may require a more aggressive treatment plan, such as longer courses of antibiotics, regular urine testing, or even preventive measures to reduce the risk of future infections.
Q. Why UTI is normal for women?
UTI stands for urinary tract infection, which is a common infection in women due to the shorter urethra and its proximity to the anus. Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men because bacteria can easily enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder. UTIs are usually caused by different types of bacteria that enter the urethra, including E. coli, which is commonly found in the intestine. Treatment usually involves antibiotic medications, which can help clear the infection and reduce symptoms.
Q. Can you get UTI from a wet swimsuit?
It is possible to get a UTI from a wet swimsuit, as the moist environment can provide an optimal breeding ground for bacteria, which can then cause a UTI. It is important to change out of your swimsuit and shower soon after swimming to reduce the risk of developing a UTI.
Q. Can drinking too much beer cause UTI?
Yes, drinking too much beer can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is because alcohol can irritate the bladder and increase your chances of developing a UTI. If you experience any symptoms of a UTI, such as a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, or cloudiness of urine, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Q. What are the chances that UTI will go away on its own?
It is possible for a UTI to go away on its own, but it is not likely. It is important to seek medical treatment to ensure the infection is treated properly and to reduce the risk of complications.
Is castor oil strong enough to fight UTI and subsequently a kidney infection?
No, castor oil is not strong enough to fight urinary tract infections or kidney infections. Antibiotics are usually the most effective treatment for these types of infections.
Q. Can stress cause a UTI?
Yes, stress can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off a UTI. Additionally, stress can cause changes in your body that make it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract, leading to a UTI.
Home remedies for urine infection in Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing, originally developed in India and still used today. According to Ayurveda, the three doshas (body energies) can become imbalanced and cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, and emotional disturbances. Common vata (air) dosha imbalances can include anxiety, insomnia, constipation, dry skin, and joint pain. Pitta (fire) dosha imbalances can include irritability, skin rashes, acid reflux, and diarrhea. Kapha (earth) dosha imbalances can include depression, congestion, weight gain, and cold intolerance. To help restore balance in the body, Ayurveda recommends lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as herbal remedies and yoga.
UTI symptoms female
Common symptoms of a UTI in females include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- A frequent or intense urge to urinate
- Urine that appears cloudy or dark
- Urine that smells bad
- Pelvic pain
- Low back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Feeling tired or weak
- Blood in the urine
Burning Urine Home Remedy
Burning urine is a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Home remedies for a UTI include drinking plenty of fluids, including cranberry juice, to flush out the infection, taking probiotics to restore the balance of good bacteria in the body, and using a heating pad on the abdomen to relieve pain. Additionally, taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce the burning sensation.