15 Best Home Remedies For Uti (Urinary Tract Infections)

 

Is peeing painful for you? Or do you feel a burning sensation as you urinate? Chances are you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Maybe some home remedies for UTI can help you out.

Urinary tract infections are annoying and directly impact not just your health but also the quality of your life. They are considered to be one of the most prevalent infectious diseases that affect approximately 150 million people each year across the world. So, yes, on top of being annoying, UTIs are very common and can happen to anyone.

 

   

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What Are UTIs

UTIs are caused by bacteria and are infections of the urinary system. The urinary system comprises kidneys, ureters (the tube carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder), urinary bladder (the organ which temporarily stores the urine), and urethra (the tube through which the urine is carried from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body). However, most UTIs develop in the lower urinary tract i.e., in the bladder and the urethra. An infection in the kidney is not so common and is more serious than a bladder infection.

While it is true that men, women, and even children are prone to getting UTIs, research suggests that women are more at risk due to the urethra in women being shorter than the urethra in men. And this short distance allows the infection-causing bacteria to reach the bladder with ease.

Symptoms of UTIs may include:

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Consistent and intense urge to pee
• Pain while urinating
• Foul-smelling urine
• Dark-colored urine
• Blood in urine
• Pain in the pelvic region

Antibiotics are usually the preferred method of treatment but they are not always necessary. There are several home remedies for UTI that can help you manage the infection and lower the likelihood of recurrence. And in this article, we cover such 15 most effective home remedies for UTI that will surely bring some relief to you.

However, if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of doing the UTI treatment at home, or they are getting worse or if you have symptoms of an infection of the upper urinary tract, consult a doctor immediately. If left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health concerns. This is why you must be vigilant about your symptoms. Please make sure to consult the doctor. This article is in no way a replacement for medical advice.  

  

15 Best Home Remedies For UTI

  

 

1. Rhododendron Juice

Ingredients: 1 glass of rhododendron juice, 1tbsp honey, ½ tsp cinnamon, a pinch of rock salt

How to: Add the rhododendron juice to a glass. If you cannot get your hands on the juice but have the rhododendron concentrate, then add 3 to 4 teaspoons of the concentrate and mix it in a glass of water. Add the remaining ingredients and give it a good mix.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: This is one of the best natural remedies for UTI which is approved by many health care practitioners and renowned nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar. Rhododendron juice is known to contain potassium, calcium, vitamin C, zinc, phenols, flavonoids, and other active compounds like quercetin which makes it useful for treating problems related to the kidneys and urinary bladder. Its antioxidants and other nutrient-rich composition aid the body in making a swift recovery.

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2. Cinnamon

Ingredients: 1tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1tsp cinnamon, 1 tea bag, 1 tbsp honey, water

How to: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and let it boil for another 5 minutes. Take it off the stove and strain it into a cup. Take the tea bag and let it steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Once the tea has steeped, mix in the apple cider vinegar followed by honey.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Research shows that cinnamon contains certain compounds that can prevent the growth of infection-causing bacteria in the urinary tract. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can bring relief from the pain and discomfort that comes with UTIs. On the other hand, ACV is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. However, there is no evidence to suggest that these characteristics are effective in treating a UTI. But it can surely bring some relief.

  

 

 

3. Berry Smoothie

Ingredients: ¼ cup frozen cranberries, ¼ cup frozen blueberries, ½ cup yogurt

How to: Mix all the ingredients in a blender and puree them until they are smooth. Take your favorite glass and put in some ice and crushed mint leaves at the bottom. Add the smoothie and it’s all good to go.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: This berry smoothie will be a perfect start to your day and also a perfect way to deal with that pesky UTI. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, a substance that prevents the infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract. It means that this smoothie can effectively flush out your UTI. Blueberries add flavor and a dose of antioxidants while yogurt makes this drink rich in probiotics which aid the growth of good bacteria.

  

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4. Uva Ursi

Ingredients: 1 tsp uva ursi, 1 tsp dandelion root, honey, water

How to: Put two cups of water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add uva ursi and dandelion root. Simmer and let it boil for another 6 to 7 minutes. Strain in a cup and add honey to taste.

Frequency: Once a day but not more than two weeks

Why it works: It is one of the famous home remedies for UTI. Uva ursi is a herbal extract that is derived from the leaves of bearberry. It has a long history of being used as a treatment for UTIs. It was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat ailments of the urinary tract. Some modern research also suggests that it contains arbutin which gets converted to hydroquinone in the body. It then reduces inflammation in the urinary tract, relieves pain, and prevents the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Paired with dandelion which is known to increase urination, it becomes a rather effective UTI treatment at home.

    

 

5. Punarnava

Ingredients: ½ tsp Punarnava powder, ½ tsp Tribulus Terrestris powder, ½ tsp coriander powder

How to: Mix all the ingredients to consume

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Here’s a burning urine home remedy. It is also one of the most effective Ayurvedic home remedies for UTI. Punarnava has a diuretic effect which relieves the pain as well as the burning sensation which are the two major symptoms of a UTI. Tribulus Terrestris or Gokshura has antibacterial properties which reduce the infection-causing bacteria in the urinary tract and bring relief. Coriander assists in flushing out the UTI.

  

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6. Mint Tea

Ingredients: 5 to 6 mint leaves, 1 green tea bag, 1 tbsp honey, water

How to: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add mint leaves and let it boil for 6 to 7 minutes at a simmer. Strain the contents into a cup and let a green tea bag steep for another 3 to 4 minutes. Add honey and your mint tea is ready to drink.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: There is some scientific evidence that shows that mint has compounds with antibacterial properties which are effective against UTIs. Green tea, on the other hand, is rich in polyphenols that are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains epigallocatechin or EGC which is a compound that has shown some effectiveness against UTI-causing bacteria. So, overall, you get another one of the most effective home remedies for UTI.

    

 

7. Wood Apple Squash

Ingredients: 1 wood apple, 3 tbsp honey, 4 to 5 mint leaves, 1 liter water

How to: Wash the wood apple and smash it to break it into two halves. Soak the halves in a bowl with water for about 4 hours. Take out the pulp in the same bowl and mash it using your fingers while also removing the seeds. Once mashed thoroughly, strain the contents. Use a wooden spatula to press against the sieve to get all the juices out. Add more water, chilled or otherwise, to adjust the consistency. Add honey. Serve it with crushed mint leaves.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Wood apple squash is a great summer drink. It is a staple in Indian summers. But, it is so much more than just a refreshing drink and has several health benefits some of which make it a rather effective UTI treatment at home. Though there is no scientific evidence, it can bring relief to your pain and discomfort. It is full of vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and electrolytes that aid the body in fighting against infections. It also contains compounds like riboflavin which are known to be antibacterial.

  

 

8. Cranberry Juice

Ingredients: 1 glass of unsweetened cranberry juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

How to: Mix the ingredients well in a glass

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known home remedies for UTI. Cranberries contain compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids which are helpful in the treatment and prevention of UTIs. But, most importantly, cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which prevent the infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and reduce inflammation. One glass of unsweetened cranberry juice a day can truly keep your UTI at bay.

 

 

9. Coriander Seeds

Ingredients: 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, water

How to: Take the coriander and cumin seeds. Soak them in six times water overnight. In the morning strain the water and drink it. Please note, that this drink must be created fresh every day and is not meant to be stored.

Frequency: Every morning on an empty stomach

Why it works: It is one of the traditionally used home remedies for UTI. It is believed that this duo of coriander and cumin seeds provides an effective treatment for UTIs. Coriander seeds are said to improve kidney function and speed up the production of urine. This means there will be less water retention within the body and more flushing out of the infection. This is also a burning urine home remedy.

  

 

10. Parsley Tea

Ingredients: 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, honey, water

How to: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the parsley leaves and let it boil for another 5 to 7 minutes. Strain into a cup. Add honey. You can also steep in a green tea bag if you like.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Parsley tea is an effective UTI treatment at home. Parsley has shown some effectiveness against UTIs. So, there exists scientific evidence that owing to its mild diuretic effect, parsley can aid in flushing out the infection-causing bacteria from within the urinary tract. In fact, parsley is considered to be one of the best herbs to treat a UTI.

   

 

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 glass of water

How to: Mix the ACV in a glass of water and consume.

Frequency: Once a day

Why it works: Despite a lack of strong scientific evidence, ACV is still considered an effective home remedy for UTI. It is because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Now it might not be the best remedy but it can relieve pain and discomfort that is typical of a UTI.  

 

 

12. Baking Soda

Ingredients: ½ tsp baking soda, 1 glass of water

How to: Take a glass of water and stir half a teaspoon of baking soda in it. Drink it on an empty stomach.

Frequency: Once a day.

Why it works: Baking soda for UTI is another one of the most common home remedies for UTI. And again, it is an ingredient that does not have much scientific evidence but there are proponents of baking soda who claim that because of its alkaline nature, it can alleviate the symptoms of a UTI. However, be mindful of the quantity as it can lead to possible toxicity if consumed in large quantities.

 

 

13. Lentil Salad

Ingredients: ½ cup soaked lentils, 1 grated carrot, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper

How to: Take a medium saucepan and add a cup of water. Once it starts boiling, add in the soaked lentils and cook them at a simmer for 10 minutes. Once cooked, add the lentils into a bowl along with the rest of the ingredients.

Frequency: It could be your lunch or a side dish for dinner

Why it works: Studies have shown that food items that are rich in fiber can flush out the infection-causing bacteria. And lentils are full of fiber. This salad is good for your gut and good for your overall health. It will strengthen your body as it fights against the infection.

  

 

14. Kale Slaw

Ingredients: 1 head kale, 1 carrot, ½ red onion, 1 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper

How to: In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper. In the same bowl, shred the kale, grate the carrots, and dice the onions. Give it all a thorough mix so that the yogurt dressing covers the veggies completely. And that’s it. You have the kale slaw ready to eat.

Frequency: Anytime you want. It’s a slaw!

Why it works: This recipe is rich in antioxidants and other vital vitamins and minerals. Yogurt is a good source of probiotics which are a necessary tool to fight against the infection-causing bacteria in the urinary tract.

  

 

15. Rice Kanji

Ingredients: ½ cup rice, ½ cup yogurt, 6 cups water, ½ tbsp. coconut oil, ¼ tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp curry leaves, salt to taste

How to: Put water to boil in a pan. Add rice and let them cook. Now, take this cooked rice and soak it in water. Leave it overnight for fermentation. In the morning, take the fermented rice and blend it to make a smooth paste. Add yogurt and salt. Mix well. Take it out in a bowl and keep it aside. For the tempering, heat a pan and add coconut oil. In the heated oil, add cumin seeds and the curry leaves. Let it cook for a minute and then add this tempering to your bowl of rice kanji. If blending the rice doesn't suit your preferences, then let the rice cook till its soft to make this porridge.

Frequency: Anytime you like.

Why it works: Rice kanji is an extremely rich source of prebiotics and probiotics. It is like a gold mine of good bacteria and must be a part of your regular diet. But, of course, we are talking about UTIs here so yes, its prebiotics and probiotics-rich composition is a healthy and tasty way to fight the infections of the urinary tract. It is indeed one of the most effective home remedies for UTI.

 

 

  

Tips To Prevent And Manage UTIs

Apart from the above-mentioned 15 most effective home remedies for UTI, here are some more tips that will help you manage as well as prevent a UTI:

• Drink lots of water and other fluids such as juice, tea, and soups. You may also include food items with a good water content such as watermelons and cucumbers
• Add probiotics to your diet to aid the growth of good bacteria within your body
• Avoid coffee, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, citrus drinks, and spicy foods especially when you are trying to treat a UTI as they are known to be bladder irritants
• Do not hold the urge to urinate. Go when you have to go. Holding urine increases the risk of UTI as it provides the bacteria a chance to develop
•  If you are sexually active, pee after engaging in sexual activities
• Always wipe from the front to the back after using the bathroom and never from the back to the front
• Douches, perfumed soaps, and other scented hygiene products are a big no
• Wear loose-fitting clothes

  

  

UTI Frequently Asked Questions

    

Q. What is the fastest way to get rid of a UTI?

There is no guaranteed way to get rid of a UTI fast. It usually subsides in four to five days. Antibiotics may help. If you are not big on antibiotics, you can try some home remedies like cranberry juice and parsley tea to manage the UTI.  

  

Q. What cures a UTI naturally?

Some teas like mint, dandelion, and parsley are said to treat a UTI naturally. You may also try other popular home remedies for UTI like unsweetened cranberry juice, coriander seeds, and rice kanji.

  

Q. Can a UTI go away on its own?

Yes, a UTI can go away on its own within a few days. But, all UTIs are not the same. If your symptoms don’t improve or are getting more serious, consult a doctor immediately.

  

Q. How long does it take to flush out a UTI?

Drinking lots of fluids including water, juice, tea, and soup may help flush out a UTI typically in a day or two.  

     

Q. Can lemon cure UTI?

While lemon is a part of many home remedies, it is not a treatment for UTIs. It has vitamin C which is good for health but its acidic nature can worsen a UTI. Hence, citrusy fruits including lemon are to be avoided.

   

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