UTIs should never be taken lightly; they are an infection of the urinary tract that can have serious repercussions if left untreated. Unfortunately, UTIs may sometimes be resistant to antibiotics.
But, there are natural remedies you can try at home for your uti that may help alleviate the pain and discomfort. These herbs contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which will eliminate bacteria in the bottom of your bladder.
Barberry
Berberine, one of the main alkaloids present in barberry, has long been recognized for its medicinal effects and has been found to aid in combatting various illnesses. Furthermore, it supports liver and gallbladder function by improving bile secretion.
Bitter compounds found in grapefruit help your liver produce bile to break down fat and eliminate toxins from your bloodstream. Additionally, grapefruit helps improve gallbladder health by stimulating bile production within the gallbladder and relieving pain associated with an enlarged gallbladder.
Another advantage of barberry is its capacity to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs as a result of cell damage caused by reactive molecules called free radicals, and research has demonstrated this effect when 6 weeks of supplementing with 600 milligrams of dried barberry per day for 6 weeks in 106 people with metabolic syndrome compared with those taking an inactive placebo (25).
Barberry has long been used to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary inflammations and infections such as sore throats, nasal congestions, sinusitis and bronchitis. Additionally, barberry extract has been known to effectively combat candida yeast infections of the skin or vagina and may reduce psoriasis flare-ups and acne flare-ups.
Garlic
Garlic is an herb used for culinary and medicinal purposes around the world. It contains organosulfur compounds that have been demonstrated to have numerous health benefits, such as fighting cancer and improving heart disease.
Eating garlic daily not only strengthens your immune system, lowers cholesterol levels and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Eating a few cloves of garlic daily can help keep you healthy and prevent illness.
Another natural cure for uti is drinking plenty of water. This dilutes your urine, helping flush away bacteria.
Finally, taking probiotics can support a healthy gut and immune system to combat bacterial infections. This may even reduce your risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
To maximize the nutritional benefits of garlic, it’s recommended to peel and mince it before cooking. Doing this allows more of its essential vitamins and minerals to be absorbed.
Heat
The heat of a heating pad can help alleviate the discomfort associated with UTIs. Applying it to your lower abdomen helps relax the muscles in your bladder and urethra, decreasing pain and pressure from these infections.
The warmth of a hot shower can also help to relieve urinary tract inflammation and pain. Be sure to drink enough water while taking such baths or showers, as dehydration could increase the likelihood of developing an UTI.
Recent studies suggest that Vitamin C may help with the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is likely because it increases urine acidity, which in turn destroys infection-causing bacteria.
Cranberries are a reliable home remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their ingredient proanthocyanidins (PACs) helps prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of your bladder, potentially decreasing the likelihood of recurrent urinary tract infections by about 50%.
Warm Bath
A warm bath can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI). It also improves your body’s pH balance, which inhibits bacteria growth and minimizes symptoms associated with an UTI.
Dr. Sherry A. Ross, a women’s health expert and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health, advises that while taking a warm bath won’t cure your uti, treating its symptoms could be beneficial in order to avoid more serious infection.
Another natural remedy for a UTI is drinking plenty of water, which may help flush bacteria from your system and prevent future episodes. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been enough research done to prove whether or not drinking enough water truly removes a UTI.
Other popular home remedies for a UTI include probiotics and vitamin C. Unfortunately, these remedies tend to have temporary results; antibiotics are usually necessary in order to completely eradicate a true UTI; speak with your doctor about which antibiotic is most suitable for you.