Garlic's history as a food source goes back more than 10,000 years, when it was cultivated by hunter-gatherers who inhabited the area between China and the Mediterranean (ref. 5). Its flavoring and medicinal qualities have made garlic a staple in many cultures and throughout many ages. Garlic contains several compounds that provide its purported health benefits; in particular, garlic contains high quantities of sulphur-containing compounds such as the amino acid cysteine, which is converted into the compound allicin, when garlic cells are crushed. Allicin imparts many of garlic's antibiotic properties, some of which are useful in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections.
Garlic Tea
Garlic tea may help combat the bugs that cause urinary tract infections, according the Reader's Digest book "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems." Garlic contains powerful antimicrobial compounds that have been shown effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Brew garlic tea by peeling and crushing two cloves of fresh garlic and steeping them in a cup of warm water for five minutes (ref. 1) You can also use a teaspoon of garlic powder in hot water.
Multiple Active Ingredients
An impressive list of Immune-boosting compounds in garlic includes the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, beta-carotene, cholorgenic acid, frulic acid, inulin, phospsphorus and zinc. Alliin, the active compound in garlic that provides antibiotic activity, also enhances immune function by activating the component of your immune system that engulfs foreign particles and pathogens, says James A. Duke, author of the book "The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young." Take 600 mg of garlic powder per day to keep E. coli, the bacteria responsible for most urinary tract infections, at bay.
Varied Approach
Garlic is included among a list of helpful natural treatments for urinary tract infections in children, according to Theresa Roberts, author of the book "ABC's of Bumps & Bruises, a Guide to Home & Herbal Remedies for Children." This herbal remedy provides natural antibiotic and immune-enhancing activity. Roberts also includes acidophilus -- the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the urinary tract, vitamin C, which has antibacterial and antioxidant properties and cranberry to acidify the urine and prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining.
Other Considerations
Your susceptibility to urinary tract infections has more to do with how efficiently your bladder empties than other factors, such as gender, says Larry Trivieri, editor of the book "Alternative Medicine: the Definitive Guide." To avoid urinary tract infections drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day and urinate when your bladder is full to create a forceful stream of urine that will flush bacteria out. Also, eat generous amounts of garlic and onions.
References
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest
- "The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural ... ";James A. Duke; 2001
- "ABC's of Bumps & Bruises, a Guide to Home & Herbal Remedies for Children"; Theresa Roberts; 2008
- "Alternative medicine: the Definitive Guide"; Larry Trivieri; 2002
- "Allium Crop Science: Recent Advances"; Haim D. Rabinowitch; 2002
