Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections are the second most common infectious diseases that make people rush to their doctors every year. It is mostly common in women. In fact, few studies mention that around 8 million women undergo UTI treatment every year whereas 20% of them will get a second urinary tract infection.

The symptoms are painful especially the pain accompanied with burning sensation in the urethra or bladder is horrible. In extreme cases, you might even have fever, back pain and blood in urine. However, there are many home remedies, which you may try to prevent and treat UTI.

Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A few effective home remedies are given underneath.

Baking Soda for UTI

Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a good home remedy because of its antibacterial and alkalinizing effects. According to research, it has substantial inhibitory effects on some streptococcus strains. (1)

It is an alkaline substance, so it acts opposite to acidic and which means it helps in lessening or neutralizing the acidity in the urine. Acidic urine is the reason behind the burning sensation during peeing with a UTI. If you are little worried about the burning sensation while urinating, then try baking soda. It can ease your discomfort.

How to Use

1. Stir 1/3 tsp. of baking soda in around eight ounces (250 ml) of cold water.
2. Drink it on an empty stomach daily.
3. Follow this remedy for a week to see good results.

Dosage

• Safe Dosage: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. twice a day
• Maximum Daily Dose: Less than 1 tsp. (equal to 5 grams)
• Maximum Usage Duration: Less than one week

Precaution

You need to reduce the intake of salt while following this remedy as baking soda is abundant source of sodium.

Caution

You can use baking soda for a short period for treating UTI. The long-term use of baking soda is not advisable. The long-term use or if you are using it in excess amount for a period of week, it can result in serious electrolyte imbalance. It may not suitable for pregnant women and children. (2)

Pineapple active compound BROMELAIN can decrease infection of the bladder and urinary tract

Pineapple is loaded with BROMELAIN, a mix of several enzymes that help decrease inflammation from infections. Few scientists also state that BROMELAIN can help kill the bacteria and viruses responsible for infections and help treat UTI. (3)

BROMELAIN is also available as supplement. A study has mentioned that BROMELAIN when taken along with their regular dose of antibiotics helped patients get rid of UTI. However, pre-seek your physician’s advice before using it.

How to Use

1. Have a cup of fresh pineapple chunks with your breakfast.
2. You may even have a glass of fresh pineapple juice daily.

Dosage

Precaution

However, make sure you use the fresh pineapple rather than the canned ones as it is filled with preservatives.

Blueberries and cranberries reduces recurrence of UTI

Blueberries and cranberries can reduce symptoms of Urinary treat infection and may prevent its recurrence. (4)

Blueberries

Blueberries belong to the berry family and can help treat UTI by affecting the FIMBRIAE of bacteria that is trying to stick to the walls of urinary tract. Thanks to PROANTHOCYANIDINIS, specific compounds that are present in blueberries. In addition, berry fruits are a rich source of vitamin C and can help inhibit growth of bacteria in urinary tract.

How to Use

1. Have a cup of fresh blueberry or cranberry fruits daily.
2. Rinse them and have it in your breakfast or along with your oatmeal.
3. You can also drink juice of blueberries or cranberries.

Cranberries

Cranberries, a member from the berry family contain substances that help in inhibiting the infection triggering bacteria from sticking to the walls of urinary tract. The combination of several acidic substances in cranberry juice makes it hard for FIMBRIA to attach to the walls of urinary tract, thus reducing the chances of infections, as bacteria cannot multiply. (5, 6, 7)

How to Use

1. Drink a glass of fresh cranberry juice daily that is not loaded with sugar and other preservatives.
2. Drink it twice every day to see effective results.
3. You may even add fresh cranberries to your breakfast.

Dosage

Both berries are LIKELY SAFE for most people.

Caution

People with diabetes should drink blueberry or cranberry juice with caution because they can reduce blood sugar level. You require regular monitoring and checking of your blood glucose level to prevent this or adjust anti-diabetic medication’s dosage accordingly.

Contraindication

Pack juice of blueberries and cranberries may contain sugar content, so diabetic people should avoid using packed juice. However, they can use fresh juice of these berries.

Bearberry (UVA URSI)

Bearberry, also known as UVA URSI grows in Europe and northern United States. It has astringent, antiseptic and diuretic properties.

How to Use

You can use the leaves of UVA URSI to treat urinary tract infections.

Dosage

The dosage of leaves of UVA URSI should be one gram to 3 grams. The maximum dosage of UVA URSI should not exceed from 10 grams per day.

Precaution

For bearberry to work effectively, urine must be alkaline. Hence, it is better not to have along with cranberry juice. This herb stimulates tubular function and enhances renal circulation.

Caution

UVA URSI is toxic when taken in high dosages. Hence, pregnant women and people with kidney problems must avoid it.

Horseradish

ALLYL ISOTHIOCYANATE is a natural compound in horseradish has strong antimicrobial effects. This compound is bactericidal i.e. it kills bacteria totally. It attacks the cellular membrane of bacterium and does not allow it to survive. (8)

How to Use

Grate a fresh horseradish and have one tsp. of it twice every day.

Dosage

Precaution

People with history of frequent stomach upset and abdominal pain should not consume it. It may also result in stomach upset.

Caution

The large amounts of horseradish can result in bloody diarrhoea or vomiting.

Contraindication

1. Abdominal diseases including ulcer and stomach upset
2. Kidney impairment

Parsley

Parsley has antibacterial, antimicrobial and soothing effects. Parsley has antifungal properties as well. APIOL is an essential oil present in fresh parsley and it acts as urinary tract antiseptic. (9, 10)

Parsley water is a wonderful refreshing drink and helps relieve UTI. It has diuretic properties, which help flush out bacteria and speed up the healing process.

How to Use

You can include it in your diet or make parsley water as well. You can also drink Parsley tea. To make parsley tea, follow steps given below.

1. To prepare it, you need to boil four cups of water and later remove it from heat.
2. Mince four tsp. of parsley including its stems and roots.
3. Soak it for at least 20 minutes in water you have earlier put to boil.
4. Strain it and have four cups of parsley tea daily for not more than a week.
5. You can have it warm or cold but do not boil it again.

Dosage (for parsley tea)

Cucumber

Cucumbers have abundant water content in it and help in getting extra fluid to your system if you cannot drink more water.

How to Use

1. Rinse it. Slice and have it.
2. You can also prepare a concoction by adding little lemon juice, honey to cucumber juice, and have it to get rid of UTI.
3. For effective results, drink it on an empty stomach.

Water

This sounds to be an extraordinary remedy and is one vital thing you have to do when you are having an UTI. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Having lots of water and fluids will help flush out bacterium while urinating. We have gone through many remedies mentioned above and most of them are fluids (juices). Having sufficient amount of fluids is like helping your system to flush out the toxins and bacteria.

How to Use

Drink as much as water you can as if you were standing dehydrated in an isolated desert. Drinking lots of water will let you pee more often and help flush out bacteria.