Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine in India that has been used for thousands of years. As compared to Western medicine, Ayurveda looks at the patient as a whole and works from the assumption that anything which impacts the mind affects the body and vice versa. Ayurveda does not always have exact equivalents for Western medicine diseases, but it does offer treatments for a urinary tract infection.
Identification
A urinary tract infection, or UTI for short, is an infection that begins in the urethra or bladder, which are located in the lower urinary tract. A UTI can cause pain, particularly when urinating, and may cause serious consequences if the infection spreads to the kidneys. Urinary tract infections have been correlated with mutrakrichhra vyadhi, the name for issues associated with the urinary system in Ayurveda, according to M. S. Premila, PhD in his book, "Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine."
Treatments
An Ayurvedic practitioner determines mutrakrichhra vyadhi by identifying symptoms including discomfort associated with urination. In the book, "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: The Most Complete Guide to Natural Healing and Health with Traditional Ayurvedic Herbalism," authors Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra note that coriander strengthens the urinary tract in Ayurveda, and both the seeds and leaves may be used in an infusion for infections. Premila also suggests the use of the Ayurvedic plant Crataeva nurvala.
Studies
Several studies have shown that the Crataeva nurvala may help with urinary tract infections. Premila notes that an in vitro study published in the "Asian Journal of Chemistry" found Crataeva nurvala showed antibacterial activity against strains of bacteria that caused urinary infections. In another study published in the "Journal of Scientific Research in Plant Medicine," this herb was given to 84 patients who suffered from a UTI. 55 percent experienced complete relief and 40 percent showed improvement.
Considerations
If you think you may be suffering from a urinary tract infection, see your doctor immediately, as antibiotics may be necessary. If you do not treat a urinary tract infection promptly, it may travel to your kidneys, causing blood in the urine or permanent damage to the kidneys, according to the American Medical Association. Discuss Ayurvedic options for treating the infection with your doctor before attempting to use them.
References
- "American Medical Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care"; American Medical Association; 2009
- "Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine"; M. S. Premila, PhD; 2006
- "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: The Most Complete Guide to Natural Healing and Health with Traditional Ayurvedic Herbalism"; Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra; 2009
- "The Handbook of Ayurveda: India's Medical Wisdom Explained"; Dr. Shantha Godagama; 2004
