Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that affect millions of people every year. They cause pain and frequent urination. In some cases, they can also cause serious complications such as nausea, kidney damage, severe back pain, and blood or pus in the urine..

Because UTIs are often caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), many doctors prescribe antibiotics as a treatment.. But dependence on antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make it harder to treat a UTI if it recurs.. Fortunately, many natural remedies are effective in treating UTIs and even preventing their recurrence.. These include:.

Cranberries are one of the most popular home remedies for UTIs.. There is plenty of evidence that it can reduce the risk of infection, which is especially beneficial for people who are susceptible to recurrent UTIs.. Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine evaluated several in vitro studies and clinical trials of cranberries to understand their role in preventing UTIs..

They found that cranberries prevent E. coli from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.. Experts also found that cranberries help prevent UTIs by reducing virulence, the ability of a pathogen to infect or damage host E strains.. coli. Therefore, even if bacteria successfully attach to the lining of the urinary tract, they cannot cause UTIs.. Drink Cranberry Juice to Prevent UTIs. Cranberry extract is also available as a capsule supplement..

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) may help treat UTIs by killing bacteria lurking in the bladder and urinary tract. In fact, according to the European Medicines Agency's Herbal Medicines Committee (HMPC), bearberry leaf preparations can be used to relieve symptoms of recurrent UTIs.. Bearberry is also a natural antiseptic, which means it can help stop the spread of infectious microorganisms within the body, such as those that cause UTIs.. In addition, bearberry leaves are rich in tannic acid, a polyphenol that has antifungal and antibacterial properties.. A compound called arbutin present in bearberry also helps regulate the pH balance of urine..

Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is a medicinal herb traditionally used by the Chinese and Native Americans to treat bladder infections and relieve inflammation of the urinary system.. In fact, Native Americans use corn silk to treat UTIs.. The effectiveness of corn silk as a natural medicine can be explained by its biologically active components such as flavonoids and terpenoids.. These compounds have powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.. Corn silk is commonly consumed as an herbal tea.. Natural healers may suggest drinking at least one cup of corn silk tea daily to treat a UTI..

marshmallow root. Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is believed to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli. In fact, a 2016 review found that marshmallow root is often used to treat infectious diseases due to its antimicrobial properties..

Marshmallow root also helps to soothe inflammation and swelling in the bladder.. In addition, marshmallow root helps increase urine flow, which helps flush out bacteria and toxins.. For these reasons, naturopaths recommend drinking marshmallow root tea to effectively treat UTIs and prevent their recurrence..

UTIs are painful bacterial infections that can affect your quality of life. Luckily, you can easily treat or prevent UTIs using any of the natural remedies listed above..

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