Does it hurt when you urinate? There’s a chance you’re suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are caused by bacteria and happen when those bacteria make their way into the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and discomfort.
If you’re experiencing any of the typical symptoms of a UTI such as pain or burning with urination, frequent urination, blood in urine, or strong-smelling urine, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor. However, if you’re looking for a quick fix or pain relief while waiting to see your doctor, some natural remedies can help.
Let’s dive into some of the natural remedies available for your UTI treatment.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
The first and perhaps most essential aspect to curing a UTI is staying hydrated, and the best way to do that is to drink plenty of water. Urinating regularly and in significant amounts is going to help push the bacteria out of your body. Thorough emptying of the bladder flushes the bacteria out of the body.
- Drink three or four glasses of water every two hours.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a little bit of flavor.
2. Try Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is perhaps the most well-known home remedy to cure UTIs. Cranberries incorporate compounds known as proanthocyanidins, which help prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder walls.
- Drink pure, unsweetened cranberry juice daily until you notice improvement.
- Also, you can try taking cranberry supplements twice daily with meals.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to work in a variety of health problems, including UTIs. The vinegar balances the pH level of your urine and makes a hostile environment for bacteria, which causes your urinary tract infection.
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink the solution twice a day.
- You can also add some honey to the mixture to make it more palatable.
4. Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene can help prevent recurring urinary tract infections. Cleanliness and hygiene contribute directly to how prone you are to UTIs. The following tips help maintain hygiene and reduce the chances of getting UTIs:
- Wipe front to back after going to the bathroom to avoid transferring bacteria to the urethra.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom or touching your private parts.
- Avoid using harsh soaps or scented feminine hygiene sprays.
5. Exercise
Exercise enhances your immunity and combats the recurrence of UTIs. Exercise promotes overall well-being and combats the risk of chronic diseases. Exercise also helps build a strong immune system, which can prevent UTIs from recurring.
- Aim for moderate exercise 3-4 times per week. This can include walking, cycling, or swimming.
- If you it’s too difficult to schedule time for exercise, consider breaking it up into smaller chunks.
6. Probiotics
Consuming probiotics is believed to strengthen your defense mechanisms against UTI. Natural foods and probiotic supplements help reduce the severity of UTIs and maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut. Good bacteria ensure bacteria that causes UTIs cannot thrive in the urinary tract.
- Consume probiotic-rich foods such as yogurts, kefir, and kombucha regularly.
- Take a daily probiotic supplement that contains live cultures.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating components. This means that aloe vera may help your body fight off the bacteria that contribute to UTIs.
- Drink aloe vera juice or take an aloe vera supplement daily. Be careful to follow the packaging instructions as supplements can vary in concentration.
- Use aloe vera cream or gel topically if you have discomfort or irritation due to your UTI.
8. Heat Therapy
Heat therapy may relieve the pain and discomfort of a UTI by relaxing your muscles and increasing blood flow to the affected area.
- Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen or between your thighs.
- Take a warm bath using Epsom or sea salts, which can help soothe muscles and reduce inflammation.
9. D-Mannose Supplement
D-mannose is a naturally occurring sugar found in many fruits such as apples, blueberries, and oranges. It is believed to help prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.
- Take a D-mannose supplement according to the packaging instructions.
- Alternatively, you can consume D-mannose in the form of cranberries or cranberry juice.
10. Essential Oils
Essential oils contain oils with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making them an excellent natural remedy for UTIs. These oils can help fight urinary tract infections and provide quick relief to the person because of their presence in the body.
- Tea tree oil: Add a few drops to your bathwater or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
- Lavender oil: Add a few drops to a carrier oil or lotion and use it topically.
- Juniper oil: Mix with a carrier oil and apply to the lower abdomen for pain relief or add it to your bathwater.
11. Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is a natural diuretic and can reduce inflammation in the urinary tract while being antimicrobial. Experts suggest that it helps kill off bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
- Take Uva Ursi capsules as guided by your doctor.
- Do not take Uva Ursi for longer than five days at a time, as it may cause kidney damage.
12. Baking Soda
Baking soda is believed to help neutralize the acidity of the urine, which can make it easier for your body to flush out the bacteria causing your UTI. However, there is limited evidence on its effectiveness, and it should not be used as a primary method of treatment.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to 8 ounces of water and drink the mixture every 4 hours.
- Do not consume more than 1 teaspoon of baking soda per day.
13. Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic and anti-inflammatory that can assist with the inflammation and discomfort associated with urinary tract infections. This tea also helps to flush out toxins from your kidneys and bladder.
- Drink 2-3 cups of dandelion tea daily.
- You can also sprinkle some dandelion seeds onto your salads or veggies for added benefits.
14. Corn Silk
Corn silk has diuretic effects and may help relieve the symptoms of a UTI by promoting the excretion of urine. Its anti-inflammatory qualities may assist in reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with urinary tract infections.
- Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried corn silk in hot water and steep for 10 minutes. Drink the tea several times a day.
- Alternatively, you can take corn silk capsules according to the packaging instructions.
15. Vitamin C
Vitamin C aka ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role in enhancing the immune system and preventing UTIs. It creates an environment in which harmful microorganisms cannot survive.
- Take a daily vitamin C supplement as directed by your physician.
- Eat vitamin C rich foods like kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and oranges.
16. Garlic
Garlic has antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities, making it an excellent natural cure for UTIs. Garlic can destroy the bacteria that cause UTIs, making it difficult for them to thrive.
- Include fresh garlic in your meals or take garlic supplements as guided by your physician.
- You can try taking raw garlic mixed with honey. Garlic capsules are also available at most herbal or natural food stores.
17. Echinacea
Echinacea is a traditional natural remedy that boosts the immune system and also has antimicrobial components. It has been used to combat infections for centuries.
- Take 300 to 500 mg of Echinacea as directed by your physician.
- You can drink Echinacea tea twice daily.
18. Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract contains a substantial amount of antimicrobial characteristics that fight off the bacteria that cause UTIs. This extract has the potential to help boosts the immune system’s ability to fight UTIs.
- Take olive leaf extract capsules as directed by the packaging instructions.
- You can consume olive leaves in raw or cooked form or brew olive leaf tea.
19. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains carvacrol, an essential oil with antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has shown evidence of fighting many different bacteria.
- Mix four to six drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil. Apply the solution to the affected area three times a day.
- You can also take oregano oil capsules as directed by your physician.
20. Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a herb containing berberine that has antimicrobial properties and may help fight UTIs. It helps soothe inflammation in the urinary tract and is a natural diuretic.
- Take goldenseal capsules according to the packaging instructions.
- You can also consume goldenseal tinctures or prepare goldenseal tea.
FAQs
Can cranberry juice cure a UTI?
Cranberry juice has been shown to help prevent UTIs, but there is little evidence to suggest that it’s a complete cure. At best, it’s a helpful supplement to other treatments.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
It’s uncommon, but a mild UTI may go away on its own without treatment. But in general, it is recommended to see your physician for proper treatment
What do doctors prescribe for UTIs?
Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or cephalexin, to treat a UTI. They’ll also recommend lifestyle changes or OTC products to alleviate symptoms.
Is there anything I shouldn’t do when treating a UTI?
Avoid using bubble baths or vaginal douches and avoid feminine hygiene sprays, powders, and other products that may irritate the genital area and increase the risk of developing UTIs or worsening the infection.
Kesimpulan
UTIs can be painful and very uncomfortable, but they’re also common and usually treatable with the right remedies. If you think you might have a UTI, taking natural remedies may be a way to alleviate your discomfort before you see your physician. Remember, these remedies should not replace proper medical treatment, so be sure to see your physician if your symptoms don’t improve or get worse.
| Remedy | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Drink plenty of Water | Consume 3-4 glasses of water every 2 hours | As necessary |
| Cranberry Juice | Drink pure unsweetened juice regularly | As directed by physician or until symptoms improve |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Add 2 tablespoons to a glass of water | Twice daily |
| Exercise | Aim for moderate exercise 3-4 times per week | As necessary |
| Probiotics | Consume probiotic-rich foods or supplements | As necessary |
| Aloe Vera | Drink juice or apply cream or gel topically | As directed by physician or until symptoms improve |
| Heat Therapy | Use a hot pad or warm bath | As necessary |
| D-Mannose Supplement | Take supplement according to packaging instructions | As directed by physician or until symptoms improve |
| Essential Oils | Add a few drops to a bath, carrier oil, or lotion | As necessary |
| Uva Ursi | Take capsules as directed by your doctor | Do not use for more than five days at a time |
| Baking Soda | Add 1/4 teaspoon to a glass of water and drink every 4 hours | Do not consume more than 1 teaspoon per day |
| Dandelion Tea | Drink 2-3 cups per day | As necessary |
| Corn Silk | Boil and steep corn silk in hot water and drink the tea several times per day | As necessary |
| Vitamin C | Take supplements or consume vitamin C rich foods | As directed by physician or daily as needed |
| Garlic | Incorporate fresh garlic in your meals or take garlic supplements | As directed by physician or until symptoms improve |
| Echinacea | Take capsules as directed by physician or drink tea
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