If you have been diagnosed with urinary tract infection at least once in your life, then you have a good idea how difficult this condition can be.
According to Mayo Clinic, urinary tract infection (UTI) is an “infection in any part of the urinary system”.
It can affect the ureters and kidneys but more often, infection occurs in the lower urinary tract where the bladder and urethra can be found.
Among the signs and symptoms listed by WebMD, cloudy and foul smelling urine, burning sensation during urination, and pain in the back or lower abdomen are the most common.
UTI occurs when bacteria such as E. coli enters the urinary tract and spreads to the bladder.
It’s not wise to ignore this condition even when you can tolerate the symptoms.
That’s because it can lead to a more serious infection of the kidneys that may possibly result in renal failure, and put your life at risk.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can alleviate the symptoms and at the same time, resolve the problem before it worsens.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is originally known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects but recent research also confirms its antimicrobial properties [1].
Numerous studies point out that tea tree oil inhibits the growth and spread of Escherichia coli and other harmful microorganisms [2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
This makes it a highly important UTI treatment since E. coli accounts for 80 percent of all urinary tract infections [7].
Researchers from New South Wales, Australia explain that exposure of E. coli strains to minimum concentration of tea tree oil was enough to halt the bacteria’s respiration, and at the same time, enhance the “permeability of bacterial cytoplasmic” [3].
In the University of Western Australia, disc diffusion experiments were conducted to identify which of the active compounds in tea tree oil worked in neutralizing bacteria [4].
Among the compounds tested, terpinen-4-ol was the most active against most of the bacterial strains, including E. coli [4].
What You’ll Need:
- 6 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt
- Warm bath water
Recommended Directions:
- Add yogurt and tea tree oil to bath water.
- Soak in the bath for 10 minutes for 10 days.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is proof that not all that tastes delicious is bad for you.
Unlike other sweets, this one doesn’t shoot up your blood sugar levels, but in fact, can ward off diabetes.
It is loaded with protective antioxidants and essential nutrients that can keep you in top health.
It can also be used to relieve vomiting, diarrhea, infections, cold, muscular spasms, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction, among many others.
This great-tasting spice is also a great way to combat UTI.
A study conducted in Egypt showed that cinnamon has “strong inhibitory action” against UTI-causing bacteria [8].
The findings, which were published in the Journal of Applied Sciences Research, stated that cinnamon exhibited antibacterial activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus saprophyticus [8].
The active compounds in cinnamon such as cinnamaldehyde account for its antimicrobial properties.
Its efficacy as an antibacterial makes it an ideal treatment method even for severe cases of UTI.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/ 2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 cup of warm water
Recommended Directions:
- Mix cinnamon powder to warm water.
- Stir well.
- Drink the tea once a day for one to two weeks.
- Three to four cups daily are recommended for more severe infections.
3. Blueberry
Called a super food, blueberry is a potent antioxidant that has long been used for therapeutic purposes [9].
Many of its pharmacological effects are associated with the presence of infection-fighting polyphenols [9].
Its antioxidant level is higher than those of strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and plums [9].
A 1991 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that blueberry contained an inhibitor that prevented adhesion of uropathogenic E. coli to the cells in the urinary tract [10].
In other words, blueberry prevented E. coli from attaching themselves to the urinary tract and causing infection.
It also has “cleansing mechanism” that enhances the toxicity effects of blueberry against pathogenic microorganisms [10].
Moreover, blueberries are packed with nutrients that boost the body’s immune defense against infection-causing bacteria.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries
- 1 bowl of cereal with milk
Recommended Directions:
- Add fresh blueberries to your cereal.
- Eat this every morning for two to three weeks.
4. Baking Soda
The uses of baking soda for your home and health are countless.
Baking soda can be used as a natural deodorant and household cleaner, as an effective itching remedy, and as a dry powder to keep skin smooth and fresh.
It can also be used to relieve a number of health issues like urinary tract infections.
Earth Clinic describes baking soda as a natural substance that “restores health, cleanses the body, and eradicates toxic substances”.
Its ability to promote pH balance and neutralize acidity in urine not only gives relief from pain but also speeds up recovery.
Moreover, baking soda has also been found to stop the growth and spread of bacteria such as E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus, both of which are known to cause UTI [11].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Mix baking soda to water.
- Drink this solution once a day for one to two weeks.
5. Marshmallow Root Tea
A plant native to Africa, marshmallow bears small light-colored flowers, and short and round leaves.
Rich in polysaccharides, this plant possesses mucilaginous, antitussive and antibacterial properties, among others.
The root and leaves of the marshmallow plant are typically used to make medicine, says WebMD.
These parts are applied to ease pain and swelling in the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract.
A popular remedy for urinary tract infection, marshmallow root is believed to have a soothing effect in the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract.
Live Strong explains that this is due to the high mucilage content of marshmallow root.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup of marshmallow root
- Warm water
Recommended Directions:
- Add warm water to a glass jar.
- Add marshmallow root.
- Cover the jar with a lid.
- Leave it overnight.
- Strain the solution.
- Take this tea once a day for one week.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
The list won’t be complete without apple cider vinegar, which is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that strengthen the body’s immune response to infections.
As you know, vinegars have always been known to be a natural antibiotic that can ward off many strains of bacteria, including the top cause of UTI, which is E. coli [12].
Apple cider vinegar is a great way to combat UTI without the use of antibiotic medication.
There are many other benefits that you can get from apple cider vinegar, most of these are even backed by scientific research.
This vinegar is also said to aid in weight loss, lower levels of blood sugar, and benefit the skin and hair.
So this means that if you use this as remedy for urinary tract infection, you’ll also be doing your health a big favor.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 glass of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Recommended Directions:
- Dissolve apple cider vinegar in warm water.
- Stir in lemon juice and honey.
- Drink two times a day for two to three days.
7. Uva Ursi
More commonly known as bearberry, uva ursi is a popular folk remedy for urinary tract infection used by Native Americans since the 2nd century, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
With emerging studies that prove its ability to treat and prevent UTI, more and more people are using this herbal remedy today.
A 2002 study published in the World Journal of Urology lists uva ursi as one of the botanical plants that help treat UTI by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract [13].
Another way it helps is by neutralizing the activities of the bacterial strains, and preventing them from forming and spreading in the urinary system.
This mode of action is most probably due to the active compounds in uva ursi such as hydroquinone and arbutin, which as research shows, are highly active against harmful microorganisms.
Uva ursi is a potential treatment not only for urinary tract infection but also for other related health issues such as nephritis, urethritis, and cystitis.
What You’ll Need:
- 5 ounces of water
- 3 grams of uva ursi leaves
Recommended Directions:
- Boil uva ursi leaves in a pot of water.
- Remove from heat.
- Let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Drink this tea for four to five days.
8. Indian Gooseberry
Did you know that in India, Indian gooseberry is deemed as a “sacred tree”?
Not only is the fruit from this tree nourishing and delicious, it also contains various essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, iron, carotene, phosphorus and many potent antioxidants.
It can help curb many diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, upset stomach, eye problems, joint swelling, diarrhea, obesity and osteoarthritis.
This plant, which also called amla, is another excellent remedy for urinary tract infections.
Several studies indicate that this fruit possesses antibacterial and anti-microbial properties that can stop bacterial pathogens responsible for UTI [14, 15, 16].
Indian gooseberry’s anti-microbial activities are due to the presence of phytochemicals such as phenolics and flavonoids [17].
Its main compounds namely beta-caryophyllene, beta-bourbonene, thymol, 1-octen-3-ol, and methyleugenol demonstrated a broad spectrum inhibitory effects against harmful microbes [14].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Recommended Directions:
- Stir in Indian gooseberry powder and turmeric powder to the water.
- Boil solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Drink the tea three times a day for four days.
9. Coriander Powder
When you find out what coriander can do for you, you won’t look at it the same way again.
Coriander is said to have beneficial effects to those who suffer from menstrual pain, smallpox, skin disorders, mouth ulcer, diarrhea, high cholesterol, diabetes and vision problems.
This isn’t a surprise since this herb is an excellent source of dietary fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K and carotene.
If you have been diagnosed with UTI, this should also be part of your natural treatment.
Many studies confirm coriander’s strong antibacterial and anti-microbial activities against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus [18, 19, 20, 21].
As mentioned previously, these strains of bacteria are known to cause infections in the urinary tract.
Apart from controlling the cause of infection, coriander can also help get rid of the burning sensation during urination.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 tablespoons of coriander seed powder
- 1 tablespoon of unrefined sugar
- 3 cups of water
Recommended Directions:
- Put all ingredients in a jar.
- Leave it overnight.
- In the morning, mix the solution.
- Drink one cup of this solution three times a day for three days.
10. Cranberry Juice
Of all the remedies for UTI, cranberry juice is the most popular and believed to be the most effective.
A multitude of studies have been done to investigate and prove the efficacy of cranberry juice as treatment for UTI [22, 23, 24, 25].
A 1984 study tested the effects of cranberry juice on 77 isolates of E. coli, and found that inhibited adherence of 75 percent of the bacterial strains [22].
In a clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, participants were asked to drink either commercial cranberry juice or a placebo that was made to have a similar taste [22].
It was found that those in the cranberry juice group had a marked reduction of bacterial strains in their urine compared to those who took in the placebo [22].
Another study explains that cranberry juice contains compounds that contained “anti-adherence properties”, averting the adhesion of infection-causing microorganisms like E. coli in the urinary tract [23].
Most people who use cranberry juice for UTI report only of positive effects, and no adverse reactions.
Since this juice is packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, you’ll be benefiting your health and preventing other diseases when you use this as remedy for urinary tract infection.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 half glass of cranberry juice
Recommended Directions:
- Drink half glass of cranberry juice three to four times a day for one week.
- Cranberry is not recommended for people who have history of kidney stones.
Urinary tract infection can be painful and uncomfortable.
It can also progress to a more serious infection if not treated right away.
Use these techniques to treat the condition and relieve symptoms before it is too late.