Alternative Bladder Infection Treatments

Urinary tract infections, often called bladder infections, result from bacteria growing in the bladder or urethra. In some cases, this infection can include the kidneys. Symptoms of bladder infections include pain or burning while urinating, frequent urination, the urgent need to urinate when the bladder is not full, leaking urine and blood in the urine. Sometimes, pelvic or abdominal pain and fever are present. Traditionally, antibiotics are prescribed for urinary tract infections. In some cases, alternative bladder infection treatments will work to cure the infection and alleviate symptoms. If symptoms do not resolve while using alternative treatments, contact a healthcare professional.

Cranberries

Cranberries are known for making the bladder less hospitable to bacteria. Drink pure cranberry juice or take 400 mg of powdered cranberry twice per day. These can be found at health-food stores. The cranberry juice found in grocery stores is usually mixed with apple juice, and is much less effective. Cranberry juice cocktail, made with corn syrup or sugar and cranberry flavoring, is not a remedy for bladder infections. The sugar in cranberry juice cocktail can actually make your bladder infection worse, so avoid these types of drinks while treating your infection.

Uva Ursi

Uva ursi is an evergreen shrub that has been used to treat urinary tract infections since ancient times. The plant works by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. A tea or a vinegar can be made from the leaves and taken for seven to 10 days. Consult a health-care practitioner, such as a naturopath or an osteopath, before trying this herb, as it can cause liver damage.

Yarrow

Yarrow is another plant that was widely used by Native Americans that is helpful in treating bladder infections. Tea may be made from the leaves and flowers and taken once or twice per day for seven to 10 days. Yarrow can be taken along with uva ursi. This plant can cause sensitivity to light, and possibly liver damage, so consult with a health-care professional before using.

Lifestyle Changes

Reduce the amount of sugar that you ingest to help treat and prevent bladder infections. Women should wash the vaginal area with only a wet washcloth, and should avoid using soaps, douches, tampons, bubble baths and other scented or irritating products. Cut down on your consumption of known bladder irritants, such as chocolate, coffee, citrus foods and hot peppers, if you are prone to bladder infections. Urinate after sexual contact to flush bacteria out of the urethra. Drink plenty of water to flush out the bladder on a regular basis. If you notice the symptoms of a bladder infection starting, drink at least a glass of water per hour.