According to Ayurveda, the holistic, ancient Indian medical science, UTI or urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria, fungi or viruses infect any part of the urinary system. The immune system of the body is also low as a result of which it is unable to eliminate these microbes, leading to UTI. Ayurveda distinguishes between two forms of UTI-one that infects the urethra called urethritis and the other that affects the bladder called cystitis. Sometimes, the microbes also infect the kidneys causing a more serious infection. In such a case, it is best to seek conventional medical treatment as Ayurveda works slowly and mainly focuses on treating the root cause of the infection.
Let us study some simple ayurvedic medicine for e coli or urinary problems along with causes and symptoms.
Causes of UTI as per Ayurvedic principles
- Dehydration or inadequate water intake
- Weakened immune function
- Excess consumption of alcohol
- Constipation
- Mental/physical trauma
- Kidney stone formation
- STD
- Depression
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
Each time you go to the toilet, you experience burning sensation. You are also feverish and experiencing abdominal pain. The urine you produce has a strong odor and you are not able to produce more than a few drops each time-no matter how frequently you get the urge. There also is reddish color to the little urine that is produced. If these symptoms describe you, chances are that you have a UTI. Majority of the times, women (and men) ignore these symptoms which causes the infection to worsen. UTI affects kids, men and women, though women tend to suffer more owing to shorter urethras which facilitates the spread of germs from the anus to the vagina and subsequently to the urinary system. Here is a list of symptoms:
- Patient urinates more frequently than usual.
- S/he experiences burning, sharp, shooting pain during urination.
- There is presence of blood in urine.
- The patient describes feeling of fullness in the bladder, but is unable to produce more than 2-5 drops of urine each time.
- Urine is malodorous.
- Patient also experiences chills, aches and pains, fever, and fatigue.
How does Ayurveda approach UTI treatment?
An Ayurvedic practitioner will note your complete medical history to ascertain the causes of UTI. Some patients have a lower immune response due to other infection that makes the body susceptible to e coli infections. Excess use of antibiotics can also lead to UTI. Ayurveda believes in curing the problem from the root. It focuses on remedies to strengthen the body as a whole. In case you are very sick, it is best to take conventional medicines and take Ayurveda on the side to prevent future infections. The best part about ayurvedic medicine for urinary problems is that it is mild, has no side effects and is also readily available everywhere. Ayurveda system is based on herbal, natural and holistic medicine. While slow acting, these herbs show results when taken over prolonged periods. You can also use Ayurvedic medicine for UTI while taking conventional UTI drugs and/natural remedies.
Self help remedies for UTI based on Ayurvedic guidelines
- Wash and clean genital area twice a day.
- Urinate before sexual intercourse and also have a glass of water.
- Wash genital area and urinate immediately post intercourse.
- Women must wipe from front to back and not vice-a-versa after bowel movement to prevent germs from anus reaching the urethra.
- Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge. Do not hold urine for long periods of time.
- Drink at least 10 glasses of water every day. This will keep urine dilute and prevent e coli microbes from sticking to the urinary system walls.
- Restrict intake of spicy, hot, oil foods as well as foods like beans, red meat, spinach, tomatoes etc.
- Drink coconut water and barley water every day to keep urine dilute.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine which are dehydrating and diuretic. They can aggravate the burning sensation caused by UTI.
Ayurvedic medicine for Urinary tract problems and bladder infections
Hot cold therapy
Take two bowls and fill up one with ice cold water and the other with hot water. Soak a clean cloth in the cold water and apply it to the bladder area. After two minutes, apply hot compress by soaking cloth in hot water. Repeat several times a day to stop pain. The alternation of heat and cold, facilitates the flow of urine and eliminates the ecoli bacteria to give you quick relief. This is an excellent UTI remedy for mild cases of UTI.
Castor oil packs
Dip a clean cloth in warm castor oil and place it on the abdomen. Cover with a plastic wrap and again with a flannel cloth. Now gently apply hot water bottle or hot compress over the assembly. Leave it on the abdomen for 30 minutes. This will stimulate the flow of urine.
Aloe vera juice
Clean and cut open 2 large aloe leaves. Remove the ‘gel slices’ and place them in a bowl. Pour warm water over the slices and cover and keep the bowl in a clean, cool place for 2 hours. Remove the gel and drink the Aloe ‘juice’ 2-3 times a day for relief from cystitis. This is one of the most effective aurvedic remedies for urine infection in female and male.
Fennel-cumin-coriander tea
Cystitis and urinary infections can cause a severe burning sensation while urinating. To relieve this pain, drink tea made using fennel, cumin and coriander. You can use fresh herbs to make the tea and add the herbs in equal proportions. This is a widely used Ayurvedic medicine for urinary problems.
Sesame seeds and jaggery/molasses
Roast white sesame seeds and eat a handful everyday with some molasses to strengthen the bladder and prevent infections.
Ashwagandha/withania somnifera
This Ayurvedic herb improves immunity, reduces stress and also improves cognitive function. Take the pill/powder after meals especially if you suffer frequently from infections.
Yoga
Ayurveda and yoga poses go hand in hand. Here are some yoga poses to do daily to prevent urinary infections.
Urine infections can impact one’s quality of life and if you suffer frequently from them, they can really get you down. With Ayurvedic medicine for e coli infections, you can reduce the number of UTIs by strengthening the immune system and eliminating the root cause of the disease.
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