According to one of the studies done, Acute Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that affects 40% to 50% of women. Between 20% and 30% of women who have had a UTI experience a recurrence, and around 25% develop ongoing recurrent episodes with implications for individual well‐being and healthcare costs.
The Urinary Tract Infections are a symbol that something is wrong with your hygiene and lifestyle. Herbal remedies for UTI can be an effective way to treat these infections, as herbal constituents are always natural and give no fear of any significant side effects.
The symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections are way too uncomfortable and annoying. Apart from their prone behavior for any individual, women have higher chances of getting these infections.
Around one in two women and one in 20 men will suffer from UTI and for a lot of women, it’s a recurring thing.
UTI can shift its place from the bladder and spreads to the kidneys. It adds more complications when it moves. There are various ways to stay devoid of such infections. The doctors usually provide the patients of UTI with antibiotics. To alter the chances of getting any UTI, you can always take care of your hygiene and well-being.
An overview of UTI and herbal treatments
Herbal remedies have always been famous for there efficacy in treating various illnesses with natural and organic processes. But most importantly, how will you get to know if you have any UTI or not? The symptoms of UTI generally start with mild ache and inflammation in the urinary tract.
Apart from these primary symptoms, the other important things to notice are – soreness while urinating, constant urge to urinate, a cloudy texture of urine and sometimes heavy pain in the pelvic region of women.
These infections get so deeply enrooted that it becomes challenging to eradicate the microbes from the region. It is necessary to take early actions before it gets too late. When we talk about herbal remedies, we get a clear picture that nature provides us with a lot of natural substances, which can treat various ailments.
Moreover, the benefits of natural remedies are endless. The herbal procedure not only cures the ailment but also helps in maintaining an infection-free lifestyle, preventing any microbe. Since it is an ancient form of therapeutic practice, a lot of people have their keen beliefs of getting completely well after its implementation.
[Also Read: Fight UTI with Natural Remedies]
Are Herbal Remedies for UTI effective?
The efficacy of herbal remedies through some studies and their findings proves that UTI infections hold a minor grip towards the natural substances. It is possible to treat UTI infections(1) with the use of natural or herbal remedies.
The effectiveness of the herbal medicines depends upon the types of herbs participating in the practice, as well as the kinds of strategies that a practitioner chooses to perform, to reach the cure.
The efficiency of herbal medicines emphasizes the necessity of antibiotics, and conventional drugs decrease. The remedy follows every process in a natural way and does not let any other activity interfere in its procedure.
Generally, it is the E. Coli bacteria that is responsible for transmitting urinary tract infections. It can become more problematic when the E. Coli bacteria starts developing an antibiotic resistance coat over it. Tests(2) prove that Camellia sinensis or herbal green tea is a useful beverage that can help in preventing the bacterial activities (E. Coli as well), in our body.
Out of 947 records of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM)(3), the conclusion came out that the herbal practice was more effective and beneficial than other different records.
[Also Read: Essential Oils to treat UTI]
Herbs For UTI infections
There are different varieties of herbs that can cure UTI and they have their way of usages in various forms to provide the highest of the benefits to health. To create a proper herbal medicine, the practitioner follows a step by step process to build everything as per the exact requirements.
The natural chemicals present in the herbs tend to react with the infections and try to get disposal from them, also curing the symptoms side by side. The most common form of UTI, whose vectors spread it well is called Cystitis. It affects mainly to the bladder part, but with the help of suitable herbs, it can get its cure.
The herbs that are useful for treating the UTIs are –
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Dandelion Leaf
The dandelion leaf is a herb that is useful for treating various problems. People intake it by including it in the soups, salads, and teas. Generally, the upper parts and the roots show the best medicinal properties of dandelion leaf, that’s why these parts are more favorable to use. Its function is to clean the bladder and provide relief from the symptoms, as it has a potency of diuretics.
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Cornsilk
Cornsilk is indeed the long shiny hair-like part of the corn. It serves excellent benefits as medicine and functions to change the blood sugar level and provides relief from inflammation. It has a diuretic effect and provides soothing sensations from the irritating mucous membranes.
How to use Cornsilk for UTI
- Place cornsilk in a basket and let it dry in the open.
- As soon as the water evaporates, collect all the cornsilk and store them in a jar.
- Use these dry cornsilk in tea and drink daily for several weeks.
Cranberry
Cranberry is not a herb, but many practitioners do use it in their practices. It helps in removing the bacteria from the bladder and urinary tract and helps in enhancing the health of the urinary tract. It also reduces the chances of getting Cystitis as the bladder remains clean.
How to use cranberry for UTI
- You can use cranberry capsules for better results as they target the issue directly whereas the juice can only hydrate you but not directly address the issue.
Horsetail
This plant that has beneficial properties to cure UTIs. It has the same diuretic effects and characteristics as that of Cornsilk. It is also known to be useful for its direct application on the burns and wounds.
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Bearberry
Bearberry shows good antibacterial properties and is also known as the Uva Ursi. It helps in healing and repairing the mucous membranes present in the urinary tract. It acts as a diuretic and helps in suppressing the infections effectively. Bearberry is a urinary antiseptic that has its role in cleaning up the bladder too.
How to use Bearberry for UTI
- Take two tsp of bearberry dried herb.
- Add it to two cups of hot water.
- Mix it properly and drink it in the form of tea for a few weeks.
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Marshmallow Root
It is the same root of the plant from which the actual marshmallow candy extracts. It provides relief from the persistent irritation from the mucous membranes present in the urinary passage.
How to use Marshmallow Root for UTI
- Use an ointment containing 20 % marshmallow extract
- Apply it on the affected area directly for two to three times per day
Precaution:
Don’t forget to do a patch test before applying it on the affected area.
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Goldenseal
The dried root of Goldenseal shows excellent herbal characteristics. Being an antibacterial medicine, it helps in healing the mucous membrane. It exhibits superior effectivity in reducing the inflammation on the wall of the urinary tract.
How to use Goldenseal for UTI
- Take 1 tsp goldenseal dried root.
- Mix it with one cup of hot water.
- Drink the mixture daily for a few days.
[Also Read: Baking Soda For UTI ]
Tips and Precautions
Here are some basic things to keep in mind when using herbal remedies for treating UTI –
- Do not try to alter the pH balance of your bladder; a change in the pH level has more chances to breed infections within there.
- Share your health conditions to the practitioner before he starts the herbal procedure. If you’re in the phase of pregnancy or breastfeeding, then restriction should be there for the use of certain herbs.
- Herbs cannot replace the requirements of antibiotics at certain places. Do not try to avoid antibiotics completely.
- Keep your body in the state of healthy hydration.
- Use innerwear made of soft, absorbent material, preferably cotton.
- Prevent using excessive oral contraceptives.
- Maintain a healthy gut and vagina.
Home Remedies for UTI Cure
There are different ways through which UTI can be under control like drinking water, taking supplements, etc. These remedies are some alternations in diet and lifestyle that can be useful in preventing infections, apart from herbal remedies for UTI. The other solutions are:
- Always urinate after having sex.
- Sanitary pads are more likely to increase the chances of UTI rather than tampons.
- After passing stools, try to wipe out in front to back direction.
- Try to consume fermented dairy products at least three times a week.
- Increase vitamin C nutrient in your diet, to avoid common bacterial growth in the bladder.
- Try to avoid holding urine for more extended periods and always urinate when you get the first urge.
The list of effective herbal remedies is countless and possesses great benefits in avoiding or treating the UTI infections ranging from most common to intensive problems. Add the precautions in your lifestyle and decrease the chances of getting infections. The use of herbal remedies for UTI does not mean neglecting the use of antibiotics. It can enhance the process of the reaction of antibacterial medicines.
