A urinary tract infection can occur in the bladder, kidneys, urethra or ureters and is characterized by symptoms including pain when urinating, low fever, urge to urinate, lower back pain, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. One of the most common treatments for a urinary tract infection is a round of antibiotics that wipes out the bacteria causing the infection. Alternative remedies may also ease and treat your symptoms. Juniper berry is a natural diuretic, which will increase your urine flow, flushing out the germs causing your symptoms. A juniper berry hot oil pack is one way to use this remedy to find relief from your infection. However, do not use juniper berry oil if you are pregnant.
Step 1
Heat enough juniper oil to lightly dampen your piece of flannel cloth. The oil should be warm, but not boiling hot.
Step 2
Pour the hot juniper oil over the flannel cloth and fold it three or four times to coat the entire surface of the cloth.
Step 3
Place the folded cloth against your bare skin, positioning it in the center of your lower stomach area, low enough to cover your bladder area, which is one of the most common areas to feel pain with a urinary tract infection. This may help to pull the toxins from your body that are causing your urinary tract infection. It may also encourage you to urinate more often, which will help flush the bacteria from your urinary tract.
Step 4
Wrap a non electric heating pad or filled hot water bottle with a towel and place it over the juniper oil-soaked piece of flannel.
Step 5
Leave the juniper hot oil pack in place for one to two hours.
Step 6
Place the juniper oil cloth in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator for future use. Bring it to room temperature before using.
Tips and Warnings
- A juniper berry hot oil pack may help ease the abdominal pain often associated with a urinary tract infection. Ask your doctor if this will help your symptoms or not. Ask your doctor if a juniper berry hot oil pack can complement another course of treatment you have been prescribed.
- Do not use juniper oil if you are pregnant. A juniper berry hot oil pack is not a guaranteed treatment for a urinary tract infection. It is most effective if your infection is localized in your bladder and is often recommended in the form of a pill designed to increase your urine output. Speak with your doctor before using a juniper berry hot oil pack to ensure it is an appropriate treatment for you. If you skin reacts to the juniper berry hot oil pack by becoming red or itchy, or if you develop a rash, discontinue its use and call your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Juniper oil
- Piece of flannel, 1 foot square
- Non electric heating pad or hot water bottle
- Towel
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection
- Collins Alternative Health Guide; Steven Bratman
- Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide; Larry Trivieri, et al.
- Drugs.com: Juniper
