Natural Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection

Harvest of Cranberry Fruits.
Image via WikipediaAlthough I am not officially diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) I still observe some preventive measure to avoid developing it. Some friends of mine have it. Even my sister has it. Mostly the sufferers are women, but I know of a guy friend who had it since college. He's been hospitalized because of UTI.

UTI is caused by bacteria and affects not only the bladder but also the kidneys and otehr areas of the urinary tract as well. It is more common among women, but men can have it, too. Common symptoms of UTI include frequent urination and pain during urination.

There are many natural remedies for UTI. As a complementary therapy with medication, patients can use the following organic remedies for better prevention and treatment of UTI:

* According to a MayoClinic.com article, there has been some convincing evidence that cranberry juice and cranberry supplements can prevent UTI development. However, there is no substantial proof that it is effective as a treatment alternative. Using it as an adjunct therapy, however, lends better chances of recovery for UTI patients. Cranberry seems to work by preventing bacteria from sticking to cells that line the bladder.

* Echinacea is a North American wildflower used by Native Indians to fight winter chills. Along with the Orgegon grape root or goldenseal, it fights bacterial and viral infections, and stimulates white bloood cell activity which strengthens the immune system in fighting infections. It's highly reliable in curing common cold and sore throat infections. Consume at least two capsules three times a day of Echinacea and Oregon grape root or goldenseal to fight the infection.

* At the first sign of symptoms, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in an eight-ounce glass of water. Baking soda in your system raises the acid-base balance of the acidic urine and can be very helpful on the first signs of urinary tract infection. And then drink lots of water to increase urine flow and flush out the E. coli bacteria that cling to the walls of the urinary tract.

* There are many exotic herbs that also fight bacterial infection. One such example is the Indian gokhru which is a diuretic among other uses. The extracts from its fruit and leaves promote anti-bacterial activity.

From an article at Total Health Care, we are advised to create a cocktail of 'Gokhru' with barley water. Crush the fruits of the plant or the plant itself, and tie it all up into a tiny bundle covered in cloth. Immerse this bundle in barley water and boil for a few minutes. The essence of 'Gokhru' mixes into the barley water and creates an excellent beverage to help increase urine flow. For a simple concoction, soak a few dry Gokhru fruits in water overnight and drink the infusion in the morning to help increase urination. The fruits contain essential oil, resins and nitrates.

* Buchu is a South African low shrub whose leaves are harvested for its urinary tract antiseptic actions due to the presence of monoterpene disophenol, buchu's primary volatile oil component with antibacterial properties. It was originally used by South Africans to cure stomach and bladder problems.

* The blue brinjal or the eggplant also has diuretic properties to increase urine flow. Boil a few leaves in water and drink the concoction concentrate in doses of one ounce twice a day.

* Increased urine flow can also be achieved by boiling coriander seeds in water and drinking the juice produced. Since carrots is a relative of coriander, carrot seeds can be used to decrease the swelling of the body due to kidney disease (edema). It also helps improve urination.

* In acute cases try having 1/2 tsp of tincture every hour. Severe infection needs severe measures. Blend equal parts of pipsissewa, buchu, echinacea, and uva ursi tinctures. Have 20 drops of this blended mixture every two hours for first two days and later 1 tsp four times a day, till you have completely recovered. Have a soothing tea such as marshmallow root to counter the strong antiseptic effect of urva ursi.

* Avoid the most notorious bladder irritants such as citrus, tomatoes, aged cheeses, chocolate, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

If you want to find a natural remedy for urinary tract infection you can also try using the D Mannose Powder UTI Slip. It has D Mannose sugars that stick to E. coli bacteria and prevents them from sticking to the urinary tract walls. The E. coli are then rinsed away through normal urination.

Using D Mannose for urinary tract infection treatment is safe. The D Mannose sugar is naturally found in the body in small amounts. Taking D-Mannose UTI Slip will increase production of the sugars and coat the walls of the urinary tract. This will keep the E. coli from remaining inside the urinary tract and will be flushed out in the urine flow.

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