Herbal Remedy for Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection, commonly known as UTI, is the second most common infection after vaginal yeast infection. While the infection can occur in both men and women it is more common among women than it is among men. Many women also tend to suffer from recurring UTI throughout their lives.

UTI is not a serious condition but can become life threatening if left untreated or not treated completely. The infection starts off with the need to visit the loo frequently although very little urine is passed. Soon the person develops mild fever along with chills. In extreme cases, UTI leads to back pain and blood in the urine.

Urinary tract infection is easily treatable at home with simple herbal remedies. However, herbal treatment needs to be done regularly in order to get rid of the infection completely. Otherwise, the infection may recur frequently.

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Easy Herbal Remedies for UTI

Cranberry Juice

Drinking cranberry juice is the most common and effective herbal remedy for treating urinary tract infection. However, it is recommended that only fresh and sugarless cranberry juice be used for treatment. Commercially available packaged cranberry juice will not help in the treatment of infection. In fact the sugar present in the packaged juice will further aggravate the condition.

To treat UTI drink 4-5 glasses of fresh cranberry juice daily for a period of 5-7 days. It normally takes the infection around seven days to go away completely if treated in time.

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Juniper Juice

Juniper juice has compounds that aid in the formation of urine in the body. Frequent passing of urine is helpful in getting rid of the infection causing bacteria from the body. The compounds present in Juniper also relieve the pain and burning sensations associated with UTI. However, Juniper is not recommended in extreme cases of UTI. It is advisable to drink Juniper juice only if you have a mild attack of the infection. Otherwise, the juice of Juniper can cause inflammation and irritation in the bladder.

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Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is an excellent antidote for stress and anxiety. People suffering from UTI are often stressed out over the pain and burning sensation that the infection results in. to calm your frayed nerves drink 5-7 cups of warm chamomile tea every day. Chamomile helps the body and mind relax better. It also relieves the abdominal pain to quite an extent. It eases the inflammation of the bladder as well.

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Nettle leaves

Nettle leaves are known for their diuretic properties. Frequent urination helps the body get rid of the toxins as well as the infection causing bacteria present in the bladder. It is also beneficial in cases where there is blood in urine. You can drink tea prepared from nettle leaves or simply chew the leaves 5-7 times during the day until the infection goes away completely. Drinking a cup of nettle tea every day will ensure the infection does not return.

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Dandelion Roots

Dandelion roots contain beneficial compounds that are utilized by the body for getting rid of toxins as well as infection causing bacteria. The roots are also diuretic in nature and thus help increase the flow of urine from the body.

During UTI, increased flow of urine helps get rid of the infectious bacteria in the bladder. Dandelion also helps treat the symptoms of UTI such as abdominal pain and burning sensation in the bladder. Dandelion roots can be taken in tea form. Prepare a weak solution of dandelion roots as you may find the taste of dandelion a little bitter.

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Uva Ursi

Uva Ursi is a herb that has antiseptic properties and is also a diuretic. The antiseptic and astringent properties of the herb are useful in reducing the inflammation in the bladder caused as result of the bacterial infection. The herb helps get rid of the E.coli bacteria responsible for the infection. Regular intake of Uva Ursi can help stop passing of blood along with urine during UTI. It is highly recommended for people with extreme case of UTI. However, the herb should be taken only with cold water or lukewarm water. Warm or hot water can dilute the antiseptic properties of the herb. Intake of the herb will alter the color of the urine turning it brownish green.

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Echinacea

Echinacea is one herb that can be used for treating all kinds of conditions because it helps strengthen the immune system of the body. It is also helpful in detoxification of the blood. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb are very useful in the treatment of urinary tract infection. The herb also contains a natural antibiotic which has the same composition as penicillin. Doctors prescribe antibiotics in the treatment of any form of bacterial infection including UTI.

Drink 5-6 cups of Echinacea tea every day to treat UTI. Continue drinking the herbal concoction for a week after the symptoms of UTI disappear. This will ensure that the infection doesn’t recur.

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Goldenseal

Goldenseal is an excellent herbal remedy in extreme cases of UTI where there is blood in urine. The herb has anti-bacterial properties as well so helps in removal of infection causing bacteria from the body. However, the herb should not be used over a along period of time as it can disturb the natural –ph balance of the intestine. Also, pregnant women should not use this herb for treating UTI.

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Cornsilk

Cornsilk is a herb that is widely used for treating inflammation and water retention. Hence it can be safely used to treat urinary tract infection. The herb is alkaline in nature and its intake reduces the pain and burning sensations felt in the bladder during urination. The herb can be used even in small children suffering from infection.

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Horsetail

Horsetail, like most of the herbs, is a diuretic and increases the flow of urine thus making it useful in the treatment of UTI. The herb also relieves the painful sensation felt in the bladder while urination.

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Yarrow

Yarrow is not a widely known herb but it has been used in ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections. The herb helps relieve of inflammation, fever, irritation, burning and pain; all these are symptoms associated with urinary tract infection. Its diuretic properties help keep the kidneys and bladder bacteria free. Yarrow root is available in powder form for consumption.