Urinary tract infections are becoming the norm of the day with more and more people falling ill due to the ill effects of bacterial overgrowth in the bodies. There are many forms of bacterial infections that are treated using prescription medications.These include very strong antibiotics that may cause serious health problems if consumed over a period of time. Besides, in many cases the infections return as soon as the medication is stopped. For this reason, herbs are considered your safest bet when treating urinary tract infection.
Best Herbal Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects due to which it is popularly used in the treatment of various forms of bacterial infections. Since olden times tea tree essential oil has been used both as a topical as well as an internal disinfectant. However, tea tree is an essential oil and its pure form should never be applied directly on the skin. Also, the oil is not meant for consumption. Prepare herbal oil by mixing tea tree with olive oil and apply the mix over the groin area 3-4 times a day. Women can use the herbal oil mix as a suppository and insert a treated tampon in their vaginas.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is also herbal oil with antimicrobial properties because of the presence of strong compounds such as glycoside and amygdalin. The compounds are composed of cyanide molecules that are very effective in eliminating bacteria and fungi from the body. The oil is relatively safe for use and is considered carrier oil. Hence, it can be used in conjunction with some essential oils such as tea tree and rosehip. In many cases the apricot kernel oil is used as a vaginal douche to get rid of urinary tract infection.
Oil Of Oregano
Oil of oregano has the strongest antimicrobial action among the known herbal oils for treating UTI. Because of its strong nature the oil should be used very carefully and in small amounts especially for treating vaginal or penile infections. Oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, both of which are very effective in killing many varieties of bacteria, fungi and parasites. The oil is not meant for consumption and should be used only under medical supervision.
Black Walnut Extract
Black walnut extract has very strong antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties due to the presence of the compound Juglone. It is recommended that the herbal extract should be taken orally on empty stomach for faster and better results while treating UTI. The extract spreads quickly into the bloodstream and travels to all parts of the body thereby getting rid of any internal infection. However, the extract is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers because of its potent effects.
Garlic
Many herbalists refer to garlic as ‘nature’ antibiotic’ and rightly so. There is no other herbal spice that neither has the same antimicrobial effect as garlic nor is as readily available. Garlic can be consumed in raw form or applied topically to get rid of UTI. It is a rich source of the compound allicin, which has very strong anti-bacterial properties. Garlic suppositories are perhaps the most widely used treatment for vaginal infections.
