A urinary tract infection is a very painful and uncomfortable condition to have. It primarily occurs due to a bacterial infection. The common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are difficulties in urination, painful urination, cloudy urine and an urge to urinate often.
A severe infection can also give rise to fever and vomiting. While antibiotics are the first line of treatment for an UTI, some natural cures can help to alleviate your condition to a great extent. Here are some of them.
Natural Ways to Cure Urinary Tract Infection
Cranberries
Cranberries have been known since time immemorial for their ability to cure an UTI. You can have them in the form of tablets or in the form of a juice. Having raw cranberries may not prove to be very palatable as cranberries can be very sour with a very strong taste.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a rich source of anti-oxidants that help to flush the harmful bacteria out from the bladder. Have blueberries by sprinkling them in your salad, crushing them into smoothies or combining them with cranberry juice to harness the power of both blueberries and cranberries.
Pineapple
Pineapple has two vital ingredients namely bromelain and vitamin C. The bromelain helps to reduce inflammation in the urinary tract while the vitamin C is known as an immunity booster. Have pure and juicy pineapple. It is easily available at most fruit vendors. If not you can also have pure pineapple juice.
Urva Ursi
Urva Ursi is a herb which has traditionally been used to treat a urinary tract infection. It has antiseptic properties that help to kill the harmful bacteria or pathogens in the body. You can take Urva Ursi in the form of a tea or a tincture.
Water
Make sure you drink enough of water throughout the day. This is perhaps the best natural remedy for treating an UTI. It allows the body to reduce the acidity and burning sensation in the urine and also helps to flush out the harmful bacteria from the system. Drink a couple of glasses as soon as you start to feel better. You can also take other fluids in conjunction with water like fruit juices, herbal teas and coconut water all of which are good for treating the infection.
Juniper Berry
The juniper berry is also said to be effective in treating UTI. The dried berries can be crushed to form a powder and this powder can be dissolved in water and had in the form of a tea. Take the consultation of a doctor before having them as they should not be consumed if you are pregnant.
Garlic
Take plenty of garlic in your daily food and curries. You can also have garlic juice. Crush some garlic pods and extract their juice. Combine the juice with water and honey and quickly drink this down. The taste may seem gross but garlic has strong anti-bacterial properties that help to treat the infection. You can also switch to garlic capsules, which are easily available at leading drug stores.
Corn silk
Corn silk has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the urinary tract and bring down pain and inflammation. Corn silk is also very suitable for young and small children.
Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is very important if you are dealing with a urinary tract infection. Always wash yourself well and wear clean, cotton underwear. Never use public toilets, as they are breeding grounds for bacteria. If your partner is suffering from a urinary tract infection, make sure he/she also is treated as there are chances of the infection being transmitted to you.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a potent herb that can be used to treat UTIs. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is also known to be an immunity enhancer. Taking Echinacea can cure your infection and give you the much-needed relief.
Buchu
Buchu is a medicinal flower that has traditionally been used to treat conditions like irritable bladder and cystitis. It works like a tonic and a diuretic and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Also Read
Effective Natural Cures For Urinary Tract Infection
Top Diet To Prevent UTI
Natural Cure For Kidney Infections
Home Remedies For Kidney Pain
Home Remedies For Urine Tract Infection
Buttermilk and Apple Cider Vinegar
Take a concoction of buttermilk in which you have dissolved one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Together these two ingredients combine to provide an unfriendly environment for the growth and multiplication of the bacteria. You can have a glass of this concoction every day.
Flaxseed Tea
Flaxseed tea has also been found to be useful for the treatment and cure of urinary tract infections..
Consume Acidic Foods
Make sure you take in plenty of acidic foods like grains, berries and nuts. Switch to having fibrous fruits and vegetables, which are better options during a urinary tract infection. Do not eat oily, sugary or spicy foods as these can trigger the growth of bacteria in the body and exacerbate your symptoms.
Lemon Juice with Water
This simple and fabulous home remedy has been used since time immemorial to cure bladder infections and a host of other infections. Squeeze out the juice of one lime and dissolve it in water.
Have this water as soon as you get up in the morning and frequently throughout the day. This will give you immediate relief from the burning and itching sensation that you experience while urinating.
Probiotics
Have curd and milk products that have been infused with probiotic bacteria. These are the good bacteria that keep the gut and the bladder healthy and prevent a host of digestive and bladder related infections.
Hot Compresses
If you are suffering from a severe lower abdominal pain, make sure you apply hot compresses over your lower belly. The hot and warm compresses help to reduce pain and discomfort
Warm Baths
Standing in the shower or taking a warm sitz bath may also reduce your tummy ache that you may experience during a urinary tract infection. You can also ask your spouse or a family member to massage the area to reduce discomfort.
With the help of the above remedies and tips, you will easily be able to reduce the pain and discomfort in the bladder region. In very severe cases, take a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria as this maybe the only cure.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.