If you are suffering from a UTI, it is probably time to be on a fruit feast. If cranberries are not in season, you can go for blueberries, blackberries, mulberries, gooseberry, strawberry or even raspberries. I am sure you can find some berry that is in season.
Ingredients and Directions ( similar to cranberries above ).
3. Garlic
Its as simple as that. When it comes to killing an infection, garlic is a champion. It is a natural antibiotic that we have in our homes. So, whether the UTI is cause by bacteria, virus or fungi, doesn't matter. Garlic is up for the task.
- Ingredients
Freshly peeled garlic cloves - Directions/ How to use
Crush 2 garlic cloves in a small bowl. Place the crushed amount on the tongue and gulp down with water blazing fast. If it stays for some time on your tongue, it might burn a lot. - Why it works
As stated, garlic is a potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and also anti-viral to some extent.
4. Foods Very Rich in Vitamin C
This is a remedy which brings out positive results in most people. They start to feel much better quickly. There is more urine production, less pain and stress is relieved. You don't get that frequent urination urge you used to have. So, without further ado, here are the foods that you got to feast upon. They are highest in Vitamin C.
Acai berry
Indian Gooseberry ( also known as Amla )
Rose hips ( can be taken as rose hip tea )
Red peppers ( wonder how to eat it, so chilly )
Bell peppers
Pink guava
- Directions / How to use
All you have to do is to take as many of these foods in your diet, and mostly fresh. Within a few days, elevated levels of Vitamin C in your bloodstream can help to curb the UTI. - Why it works
High concentration of Vitamin C in blood really steps up the immune function. The body increases production of a species known as interferon, which kills the external organisms. In fact, eating large quantities of foods rich in Vitamin C is a great way to stay away from infections, like UTI or any other for that matter.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is a tonic for the body. It is mildly anti-bacterial and diuretic ( increases urine production in the body ). You can use it effectively to control a UTI.
- Ingredients
Apple Cider Vinegar
Pure water - Directions / How to use
Add a few tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and then drink many such glasses throughout the day. This hydrates your body and ACV helps you to urinate a good amount. Each time you urinate, infection causing bacteria may be thrown out of the body. If your burning sensation increases, then take this remedy with a bit of honey. - Why it works
Apple Cider Vinegar works for UTI because it has the goodness of apples in it. This is one of the best vinegar. As a mild acid, it may cause more pain, but it really stifles those bacteria living in the urinary tract. They don't like an acidic medium.
" Do not take honey with warm liquid"
6. Baking Soda ( To ease the pain and discomfort )
This is a remarkable remedy for Urinary Tract Infection. It reduces the burning sensation, pain and discomfort pretty quickly, like in a few hours. And it is simple as anything.
- Ingredients
Baking Soda
Water - Directions / How to use
Add a few scoops of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it. Do this 2- 3 times a day and not more than that. This is because baking soda is alkaline in nature and it may not be able to kill the pathogens. It just changes the pH of urine, so you feel less discomfort. To promote your body to kill those bacteria, take garlic or cranberry. - Why it works
Baking soda is actually sodium bicarbonate, a mild base. It lowers the acidity of our urine and helps to get relief from pain that comes with a UTI. But, it may not help in killing the pathogens. So, your infection may actually be rising, so you must not depend solely on baking soda. Use home remedies that kill the UTI pathogens or stimulate the immune system.
7. Pineapple Juice ( with the rind )
Resorting to pineapples is a good idea when you think you have a UTI. They are delicious tropical fruit with loads of nutrients. But, I use it in a different way than most other people. The pineapple peel is also rich in nutrients. As such , you can't eat it. But, you can definitely juice it.
- Ingredients
Pineapple
Juicer - Directions/How to use
Cut the pineapple in convenient slices without peeling it. Put it into the chute and juice it out. It is going to look greenish instead of yellowish. Now, this juice has got the entire spectrum of nutrients that pineapple has to offer. Plus, you are saved from the hassle of peeling, which easily takes 10 minutes. Drink as much juice as you like. - Why it works
Pineapple's unique enzyme "bromelain" has been found to useful against bladder cystitis or UTI in some studies. Moreover, it is a nice diuretic and will help you urinate better.
8. Just plain Frozen Yogurt
Yogurt is used in two ways for easing a UTI. You can eat it and also apply it topically. Eating the yogurt stops the infection in its tracks. Topical application of yogurt eases burning sensation.
- Ingredients
Frozen yogurt - Directions/How to use
Eat some frozen yogurt. Apply the rest on your lower abdomen to ease the discomfort. - Why it works
Yogurt is one of the best source of probiotics. It contains healthy bacteria which combat harmful bacteria like E. coli.
9. Warm Water Compress ( Heating Pad )
This is such an asset during a UTI. It increases the blood flow to the lower abdomen and provides. In fact, if you are having difficulty in falling asleep because of a bad UTI, this should do the job.
- Ingredients
plastic compress bag
Lukewarm Water - Directions / How to use
Fill the water in the bag and apply it over your lower belly. The pan would subside slowly and you might experience relief enough to sleep. It is very important to get quality sleep because otherwise, body may find it difficult to thwart the UTI . - Why it works
It just works ! so commonplace.
10. Coconut Oil
Drink some coconut oil. You can use it as a salad dressing or consume a tablespoon directly. The capability of coconut oil is demonstrative of the versatility of coconut. It is so useful in nearly all health conditions.
- Ingredients
Organic cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil ( cold pressed is important, because heat alters the composition of oils ) - Directions / How to use
You just have to consume 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in its original state ( that is not the cooked oil ) - Why it works
Coconut oil is very rich in a substance known as lauric acid. It has powerful bacteria and virus killing properties. That's why coconut oil works for UTI.
11. Epsom Salt Bath
It is not surprising why Epsom salt baths are so popular. You can also take a lower body bath using a sitz bath. Although, it is common knowledge to avoid baths during UTI, but you have to do something to ease the pain. Epsom salt bath is a top home remedy to ease the pain well below its current level.
- Ingredients
Epsom Salt
Bath water - Directions / How to use
Prepare warm to hot water. Then put 1 cup of Epsom salt in the water. Stir it and the salt dissolves well. Then lie down in the shower and rest to your content. Feel the UTI borne pain ease away. - Why it works
Epsom salt has a therapeutic effect. It eases pain, takes away toxins from the body and also helps in weight loss.
12. Aromatherapy Massage
This is a real powerful remedy not only for UTI, but also for other kinds of infections in the lower abdomen.
- Ingredients
Tea Tree Oil ( pure and essential )
Juniper Oil ( pure and essential )
Clove Oil ( pure and essential )
Eucalyptus Oil ( pure and essential )
Olive Oil - Directions / How to use
Take 2 drops each of the essential oils mentioned above and add it to an ounce of olive oil. Then massage it over the lower abdomen. Do not wash it off. - Why it works
Essential oils are very potent. They are powerful anti-microbials. These nutrients are absorbed from the skin and they reach the urinary system through the blood circulation. It can provide relief in a few hours. However, some people may be allergic to an essential oil, so it is better to do a self-allergy test.
13. Uva Ursi ( Bearberry )
You might be wondering what that is. But, herbalists recognize Uva Ursi as the most prominent herb for urinary complaints. It has been used in Native American traditional healing system to cure UTI, cystitis. But, since it is a herb, you need to exercise caution.
Take Uva Ursi after consulting with a practising and trained herbalist, as it can be toxic. It is generally not recommended for children.
It is taken in the form of a herbal tea made from crushed Uva Ursi leaves. This herb is to taken when the urine is not acidic. So, you shoud not take fruit juices or eat acidic foods. Rather, take vegetable juices as they are alkaline and neutralize the pH of urine.
14. Parsley Tea
This comes out of the blue, but many people recommend this. Parsley is a common household herb which is used as garnish. Pluck some fresh parsley leaves and make a herbal tea out of it. Drink it and see how it works for your UTI.
- Ingredients
Fresh or dried parsley - Directions / How to use
Make a strong herbal tea out of parsley and drink it warm. - Why it works
Parsley is a herb and has brilliant nutritional value. In its tea form, it acts as uterine tonic and relieves the symptoms of UTI or other bladder infection. It is a good diuretic as well.
15. Lemon and Honey
Taking a combo of lemon juice mixed in honey is so effective in many remedies, including UTI. You can make it more potent by adding some water. Do not add warm or hot water to honey, as it is risky, so use cold water.
- Ingredients
Lemon juice
Organic honey
Cold water - Directions / How to use
Prepare lemonade in a glass of water. Do not add any sugar or water. When the water cools, add 1 tablespoon honey and stir well. Drink this first thing in the morning and also before going to sleep. - Why it works
Honey is a powerful anti-bacterial and it goes well with lemon water. This is a remedy which works for many people. You can also add some ground cinnamon to it.
16. Ginger Tea
Make your regular black tea with ginger in it. Do not put milk in this tea as it may worsen the symptoms of UTI.
- Ingredient
1 inch thick garlic chunk
Black tea bag
Water - Directions
Prepare tea as usual with crushed ginger. Then add some cinnamon for sweetening if you can't drink it. Ginger tastes really sharp and can sting the throat. - Why it works
Ginger too has an alkalizing effect on the urine. So, there is less burning sensation. But, it cannot do much for killing the pathogens.
17. Turmeric
This yellow colored spice is a miraculous thing. Turmeric has been researched for nearly all common ailments that humans suffer, and it has been found to be beneficial in most of them. Consuming turmeric in your diet is a brilliant way to curb inflammation, as it is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory food known to man. It also helps in UTI.
- Ingredients
Turmeric powder ( you can easily procure it at a food store, or even online ). - Directions
You can take it in numerous ways. You can either put 1 tablespoon in 1 glass of milk. If you are lactose intolerant, or if milk aggravates your UTI infection and pain, then you can dab it in some amount of coconut oil, or ghee ( clarified butter ) and take that with your salad or meal. - Why it works
Turmeric just helps in so many conditions and it does for UTI, both for women and men. Plus it has got loads of other health benefits.
"Turmeric is pretty difficult for the body to absorb. Its absorption increases if it is taken with some fat, and also with pepper. Here, we are using fat, like in milk or coconut oil."
18. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a wonderful herb that has been used for ailments like sleep disorder and stress. It is a nerve relaxant. You can drink chamomile tea to soothe some pain that you would be experiencing.
- Ingredients
Chamomile tea bags ( If you have fresh chamomile in your garden, it is fantastic ). - Directions / How to use
Just drink 1 - 2 cups of chamomile tea during the day. You should feel relaxed if you have stress. Try to drink that the last cup of chamomile tea before sleep, as it helps one fall asleep. - Why it works
This remedy has been used by some women and they really recommend this. It is easy and effective in providing relief, if not curing the UTI.
A simple remedy for UTI is to eat lot of citrus fruits. They can work to relieve the irritation and burning sensation in many people, even though they are acidic in nature.
Another technique to cure a urinary tract infection ( UTI ) is to attack the infection causing organisms. This can be done with the help of herbs which are anti-bacterial . Along with it, one takes diuretic foods to increase urine production in the body. As more and more bacteria are flushed out, the infection reduces considerably. These are some traditional herbal remedies for urinary tract infection.
Herbal Remedies For UTI
Herbal Remedies For UTI
- Yarrow is a flowering herb that helps in UTI.
- Uva Ursi ( mentioned above )
- Shatavari : This is an Ayurveda remedy for many urinary problems, like UTI. It grows in India and Sri Lanka. Shatavari acts as a tonic for the urinary system and makes it less susceptible to any kind of infection.
- Hair of maize or corn is boiled in water. After some time, it is cooled and strained. Drinking this cool liquid also reduces the UTI.
- Juniper berry : These berries have taste similar to black pepper. It is an ancient European remedy for UTI. They are used as spice in food and also as herbal medicine.
Diet can play a major role in preventing and treating a UTI. Keep eating these foods as easy home remedy for urinary tract infection. The best line of defense against UTI is to eat more of these fruits and drink more water. The main objective here is to improve urine output and flushing the bacteria out.
Diuretics for UTI
Cucumbers and watermelons : They help the body absorb more water and thus improve urine output.Diuretics for UTI
Coconut water : Try drinking some coconut water regularly for a few days and see the results.
Green Tea : Taking a few cups ( about 4 a day ) of green tea works as a mild diuretic so you find yourself urinating more.
Urinary Tract Infections usually begin at age 13 to 18. They are uncommon in children, but there are cases where kids, even as small as age 3 suffer from a UTI. If you have a child who shows symptoms of UTI, then it is better to go to a doctor, as this is the first time and one is not sure what is causing the symptoms. It could easily be something other than a UTI.
In old age, UTI can be become even more frequent. That is because of the decreased immunity of a person as he or she ages. As a result, an older person suffering from UTI may need to take more steps to prevent such an infection.
Things to avoid in a UTI
- Avoid coffee.
- Avoid milk ( in general )
- Avoid processed sugar.
- Avoid foods like spinach which can form kidney stones, as having a kidney stone during a UTI is really awful.
Most Important Tip for UTI patient.
Drink lots of water. It really helps a lot.