One in three women may suffer from Urinary Tract Infections, at least once in a lifetime.
In this post, we’ll discuss the causes of UTI and how to treat it using herbal medicine.
What Causes UTI?
Urinary tract infection is characterized by a burning sensation, especially at the end of urination, or a sudden and urgent need to urinate (even when the bladder is empty).
Sometimes it involves the appearance of blood mixed with urine, and can also be accompanied by fever and chills.
The most common cause of urinary tract infections is a bacterium called “Escherichia coli”(E.coli), which originates in the anus.
Most often, women are more prone to infection than men, probably due to the structure of the vagina.
In women, the urethra is much shorter than in men (3-2 cm), so for them, the path of the bacteria from the anus to the bladder is relatively short.
Conditions That Can Cause Urinary Tract Infection
The conditions that may cause UTI are:
- A diet that is rich in sugars, simple carbohydrates drinking, and little urine.
- Stressful situations in everyday life.
- Sexual activity – increases in women the chances of urinary tract infections, along with the frequent change of partners.
- Menopause – Decreased levels of the estrogen hormone causes changes in the bacterial population in the urinary tract.
These changes may reflect by a decrease in the good bacteria and an increase in the acidity in the bladder. - Blockage of the urinary tract by a kidney stone.
- Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle – affect the characteristics of bacterial adhesion to the walls of the vagina and urinary tract.
- Extensive use of a catheter.
- Bladder prolapse.
- Birth defects.
- Surgical procedures.
- Hygiene – Bathing in pools or using dirty toilets are rarely a cause of infection, but when the immune system is weak, these actions can be a trigger.
The Conventional Treatment
For those who have experienced these symptoms, the recommendation is usually to get a diagnosis from a doctor and a prescription for antibiotics.
Since antibiotics weaken the immune system and increase the chance of contracting various diseases,
Many people avoid using antibiotics and are looking for a natural and better solution.
Natural Treatment
So how can we treat UTI without taking antibiotics?
There are various natural methods for treating UTI, let’s discuss them.
Infusions and Teas
- Coriander encourages urination and emptying of the bladder.
Therefore, it helps flush and eliminate bacteria from inside the body and prevents their reproduction.
Also, the coriander considered to have anti-inflammatory properties and helps treat bacterial infections caused by E. coli, salmonella, and Shigella, as well as relieving pain.
Instructions: Mix well 2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds in a glass of warm water and drink 1-3 times a day. - Hibiscus tea – soak two teaspoons of hibiscus flower leaves in boiling water for 15 minutes, strain, and drink.
- Boil 60 grams of Zea Mays in water and drink it, three times a day.
- Spinach and carrots are a source of vitamin A, which is known for its supportive effect on the immune system and therefore considered to protect against infections of viral and bacterial origin, including urinary tract infections.
Instructions: Boil a handful of spinach leaves and sliced carrots in a glass of water for 15-20 minutes and drink the liquid (with or without the vegetables) twice a day. You can add a little salt or pepper.
Vegetable and Fruits
- Drink Radish juice for quick relief and healing.
- People who suffer from a tendency to kidney stones should drink four glasses of beetroot juice daily.
Instructions: boil the sliced beetroot in hot water until it softens, then drink. - Drink sugar-free cranberry juice or take concentrated cranberry capsules.
Basic Tips on How to Treat UTI
- Drink at least 10 glasses of water a day, as the fluids help flush the bacteria out of the body.
- Stress reduction– High levels of stress weaken the immune system and thus interfere with the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Therefore, you should adopt relaxation techniques, such as visualizations, holistic massage, and herbal medicine. - Try to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks and try to avoid consuming simple sugars as much as possible (cakes, cookies, sweets, white flour, sugary drinks).
- The foods that mostly cause bladder irritation are artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine (coffee and tea), and fried and processed foods.
- Garlic, onions, oregano oil, and echinacea are some examples of natural antibiotics that can help fight infection without harming our bodies.
It is important to maintain proper dosages.
The natural antibiotic has anti-fungal and antiviral properties, which eliminate the Albicans Candida, which causes Candida. - Consume foods that are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
These foods may strengthen the immune system and balance the vaginal flora and intestinal flora.
Place a heating pad on the back or abdomen area for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve the pain.
Do not place a heating pad directly on the skin, wear a shirt to prevent burns.
If you do not have a heating pad, use hot bandages in the same way.
Do not use boiling water, they may aggravate the pain.
