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Natural UTI Treatment

There are a variety of reasons people choose not to use antibiotics; one of the most common reasons may be that they feel antibiotics do more harm than good. When it comes to treating a urinary tract infection (UTI), some doctors even feel that antibiotics may contribute more to the infection rather than treat it. There are options in the form of all-natural remedies. It should be noted that while some may have success using these methods, they may not be effective or safe for everyone.

  1. Know the Symptoms

    • Before choosing to treat yourself or a family member with a natural remedy for a UTI, you need to recognize its symptoms and be sure that is the problem.

      The most common symptoms are an inability to urinate, a feeling of needing to urinate frequently, painful urination, pain in the lower back or abdomen or urine that has a foul smell or is cloudy in appearance.

    Cleanse the Urinary Tract

    • Both blueberry and cranberry juice may have the ability to act as an antibiotic:; both contain properties that disrupt bacteria as they attempt to adhere to the urethral tissue or bladder. These juices may cleanse the bacteria from your body rather than giving it a place to grow and multiply.

      When choosing your juice, the non-sweetened type is the best choice. However, if they are too strong for you, it is acceptable to drink all-natural cranberry or blueberry juice that has been flavored with apple or grape. To cleanse your urinary tract and treat your infection, drink a minimum of 16 ounces a day.

    Balance the Acidity

    • Debate exists about the effects of an alkaline pH on a UTI. But may be an alternative to consider when opting for natural treatment over medical treatment.

      Keeping your urinary tract alkaline, or evenly balanced with the acid in your urine, makes it more difficult for bacteria to survive in its environment. Minerals are the easiest way to do this. Simply take a calcium citrate/magnesium citrate supplement each day according to the directions on the label. These supplements should not, however, be taken before bed; the minerals themselves can affect your urine, causing any that's left in your bladder to irritate the tissue.

    Herbal Treatments

    • Though herbal remedies may be effective and rarely cause any adverse side effects when taken properly, it is better to visit a natural health practitioner or holistic doctor before beginning any of the following.

      Goldenseal root is an herb that is an anti-microbial agent. It can be used in one of two forms: as tea made from 1 teaspoon of the herb placed in 1 cup of hot water or in the form of a capsule, usually 1,000 mg.

      Uva ursi is a tea which has antispetic properties. To make, mix 2 teaspoons of the herb in 1 cup of hot water.

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