Home remedies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

 

UTI primarily affects women. Due to their typical female anatomy more women, rather than men, are vulnerable to this affliction. The UTI first infects their urinary tract and then consequently causes many other infections. In men UTI strikes less frequently because their urethra is longer and comparatively drier at the outer end. 

 

Although UTI is painful, it cannot be termed as serious ailment. It can easily be diagnosed and cured. In some people, again commonly women, UTI occurs repeatedly causing recurring pain and discomfort. 

 

The urinary tract infection must be diagnosed promptly and treated for, If not attended on time, it can lead to infection in kidneys, causing serious health problems. 

 

 

Let us first understand what causes of UTI. There can be various reasons for advent of the infection, the most common being prolonged gap between urination and holding urine inspite of the urge. The bladder, which is an elastic muscle that stretches to hold urine and contracts when the urine is released, strains its elasticity when urine is withheld for long time. This causes the weakening of bladder muscle. A weak bladder becomes unable to empty itself completely that, consequently over duration, increases the risk of urinary tract infection. 

 

Another prominent cause of UTI in women is sexual intercourse. Female anatomy makes women more prone to urinary tract infections during sexual intercourse as vaginal area gets smeared by bacteria. This causes infection to spread faster. Multiple sexual partners is another cause that results in frequent bouts of urinary tract infection. 

 

Some of the other passive causes that result in the occurrence and spread of UTI are: 

 

• Obstruction of urinary tract due to kidney stones

• Decomposition of bladder after menopause

• Incomplete emptying of urinary bladder due to medical conditions such spinal cord injury

• Weak immune system

• Diabetes 

• Use of diaphragm (by women) for birth control

• Enlarged prostrate (in men)

 

 

The usual symptoms that as precursor to Urinary tract infection are burning sensation at the time of urinating, continuous urge to urinate, slight fever, feeling of nausea or vomiting, traces of blood in urine and irritation in the urethra. There can also be mild swelling and discomfort in the lower abdomen, back, or sides. 

 

The infectious bacteria strikes recurrently and the affected person may have repeated urge to urinate. In case any such symptom strikes, physician must be consulted immediately for a confirmed diagnosis. 

 

 

 

Here are some effective and useful home remedies that will give fast relief from Urinary Tract infection without any side affects:

 

• In a glass of water, add ½ tsp of baking soda. Mix and drink it. Baking soda will successfully cure the infection. 

 

• Cranberry juice is another effective home remedy to treat urinary tract infection. Cranberry juice can also be mixed with some apple juice. 

 

• Sandalwood, bergamot, tea tree, frankincense and juniper oil must be mixed in equal proportion and rubbed over abdominal area. Do this once a day for three to four days. 

 

• Mix equal parts of herbs namely pipsissewa, buchu, echinacea and urva ursi tinctures. Consume 20 drops of this mixture every two hours for two days. For next two days take 1 tablespoon of this concoction. 

 

• In case of acute attack, half tablespoon of tincture can be consumed every two hours. 

 

• Marshmallow root contains highly antiseptic traits. Tea prepared out of it will also be beneficial in curtailing the infection. 

 

• Take some coriander seeds in water and boil them. Then cool it and strain it. Drink this 1 tablespoon of this potion two times in a day. 

 

• The seeds of carrot are also useful in treating urinary tract infection. They can be taken as a concoction. 

 

 

It is advisable to take certain precautions to avoid the first or repeated occurrences of Urinary Tract Infection. The prime precaution to be taken to combat this painful infection is to intake plenty of clean water as it will help in flushing out the urinary tract. 

 

Even a slight urge to urinate should not be ignored. Holding urine for long will develop persistent bacteria into a full-grown urinary tract infection. Make a habit to follow a thorough clean-up procedure after every bowel movement as it will prevent any traces of bacteria from anus to travel upto urethra. 

 

Avoid taking bath in a bath-tub, especially in a hotel bathroom. Prefer taking showers, prevent transmission of bacteria/infection left by other users. Make it a point to clean genital zones before as well as after sexual intercourse. This will leave no breeding grounds for development of UTI. Use cotton underpants as they absorb the genital moisture thus giving the clean feeling. Moist fabric of underpants will develop bacteria.  

 

 

The irritating Urinary Tract Infection can be deftly avoided or handled with few careful measures. The foremost is observance of personal hygiene. A clean body will of course lead to perfect health thus giving no breeding ground to harmful bacteria. Women must also take care of altering their position during sexual intercourse as it reduces the friction on urethra and chances of recurrence of UTI. Treat this problem at its inception lest it will develop into a serious health issue.