Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, occur in both men and women. Women are more prone to them, possibly due to the shortness of the urethra in women compared to men. The urethra is the tube which carries urine, normally sterile, from the bladder to be passed from the body. UTIs occur when organisms such as bacteria are carried to the opening of the urethra where they cling and multiply, creating an infection. Oregano oil has a number of health properties that may be beneficial in treating UTIs and their causes
Urinary System
The urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The kidneys remove waste and excess liquid from the blood, which is then passed as urine by the ureters to the bladder and stored until it passes out of the body via the urethra. The average person passes a quart and a half of urine per day depending on their food and drink consumption, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Causes of UTIs
A UTI, once established, may remain in the urethra or be carried to the kidneys, or to the bladder where it becomes cystitis. Infections which are limited to the urethra tend to be caused by the microorganisms Chlamydia and Mycoplasma rather than E.coli, and may be transmitted sexually to both men and women. Other potential causes of a UTI are any abnormality that restricts the flow of urine such as an enlarged prostate, or the presence of a kidney stone; illnesses that suppress the immune system such as diabetes; invasive treatments such as catheters or intrauterine devices, and sexual intercourse in women.
Symptoms of a UTI
Though symptoms of a UTI are not always present, they may include the feeling of a constantly full bladder, a sudden urge to urinate and the ability to pass only small amounts of urine at a time, which may be cloudy, or reddish in colour if blood is present. Urination may be painful or you may experience a burning sensation when urinating. Pain or uncomfortable pressure may be felt above the pubic bone in women and in the rectum in men even without urination. UTIs can lead to general feelings of unwellness including weakness and lethargy. Symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting and a sore back could indicate the infection has passed to the kidneys.
The Use of Oregano Oil to Treat UTIs
Due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties, oregano oil may be beneficial in treating some causes of UTIs. Its antiseptic quality may help to kill germs associated with bacterial infections, according to a study published in the "Journal of Food Protection" in 2001 that found oregano essential oil to completely inhibit the growth and survival of microorgainisms. Moreover, its antiflammatory and pain relieving properties may also help to lessen the symptoms of UTIs. Oregano oil contains high levels of antioxidants which target free radicals, help boost the immune system and aid the body in fighting infection. Since nearly 20 percent of women who suffer a UTI will experience a recurrence of the condition, and many of those will go on to experience regular bouts, another positive benefit of oregano oil could be the protection it offers against the development of chronic conditions.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults; Dec 2005
- Global Healing Center: Oregano Oil Health Benefits; Dr Edward Group; Dec 2009
- "Journal of Food Protection": Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Plants against Selected Pathogenic and Saprophytic Microorganisms; M Elgayyar et al., July 2001
Member Comments