Also commonly called bladder infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are characterized by an urgent and frequent impulse to urinate (often without much success), a burning sensation during and after urination, and a mild ache or cramp in the abdomen. Preventative action and prompt treatment of early symptoms with natural remedies are the safest course for a UTI. If symptoms persist, treatment with antibiotic medications may be necessary.
Prevention
Wearing cotton underwear or no underwear eliminates the moist heat that bacteria thrive in. You should avoid wearing items made with synthetic fibers, such as pantyhose or polyester pants. Also, drink plenty of fluids, and urinate as soon as you feel the urge, because bacteria breed more easily in concentrated urine, which can be the result of holding urine.
Bacteria are easily transferred to the bladder from the rectum and surrounding tissues, so wipe from front to back, and urinate following sexual relations. Also, avoid using certain bath products, such as bubble bath, bath oil and bath salt, all of which alter the normal acid/alkaline balance and aid in bacterial growth.
Juice
According to Susan S. Weed, author of the "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year," unsweetened cranberry juice can stop a bladder infection at the onset. Weed says the keys to success are using juice that has no natural or artificial sweeteners added and consuming that juice in large amounts, such as drinking 8 oz. every hour for 10 hours. You should start drinking cranberry juice with the first twinge or suspicion of a UTI. Unsweetened cranberry juice is available in health food stores. You can also blend a 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries with 1 cup of water to make juice.
Herbs
Weed asserts that the herb uva ursi kills bacteria in the bladder. Because it is a strong diuretic, do not use this herb for more than 10 days. Brew 1 oz. of uva ursi leaves in a 1-quart jar of boiled water for eight hours. Drink 1 cup of this infusion every four hours for the first two days, followed by 1 cup every 12 hours for another three days, even if the symptoms disappear sooner.
If uva ursi alone does not clear your UTI, you can add yarrow for its astringent and antibacterial effects. Combine a 1/2 oz. of yarrow flowers and a 1/2 oz. of uva ursi leaves in 1 quart of boiling water, and steep for eight hours. Drink three or four cups daily for no more than five days. Other herbal remedies that have diuretic and antibacterial effects include parsley, juniper berries, shave grass and buchu. Except for parsley, these herbs are not safe to use during pregnancy.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin C is helpful in acidifying the urine and washing out bacteria; you can take doses of up to 500 mg per hour. Large doses of vitamin C may cause loose stools. Also, according to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," calcium calms urgency and abdominal cramping by reducing bladder irritability. Calcium works best when balanced with magnesium. Balch recommends 1,500 mg of calcium and 1,000 mg of magnesium daily.
References
- "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year"; Susun S. Weed; 1990
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch, CNC; 2004
