How to Use Teas to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections usually come on quickly. You can tell you have one when you suddenly have a frequent need to urinate accompanied by a burning feeling. There may also be cramping and pressure in your lower abdomen. In addition to wearing loose clothing, cotton underwear and urinating as soon as you feel the urge, you can drink tea to help prevent urinary tract infections.

Instructions

• 1

  Turn to cranberry tea for a variation from cranberry juice. People have used cranberries to prevent urinary tract infections for years, probably because the cranberry prevents E. Coli bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder.

• 2

  Drink lots of fluids to wash bacteria from the body. This will help you ward off urinary tract infections. In addition to water and juices, any sort of tea will help flush out your system.

• 3

  Steep tea for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and drink while hot. You can also refrigerate it to create a cool beverage to enjoy later.

• 4

  Drink goldenseal tea if you already have a urinary tract infection. It's a powerful antimicrobial agent. Put 1 tsp. of the dried herb in one cup of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink 3 to 4 times a day.

• 5

  Add 2 tsp. dried uva ursi (bearberry or beargrape) to a cup of hot water for another tea. Let it steep, strain and drink 3 to 4 times a day.