15 Effective Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection, sometimes known as UTI, is one of the most prevalent health issues that individuals experience. This painful infection is ten times more common in women than in men, with nearly half of all females suffering from it at least once in their lives. Once you have had a UTI, it is likely to happen again. Hence, it is essential to be aware of some simple home remedies for UTI to prevent them from recurring and reduce the associated discomfort.

The most prevalent causes of UTI are intercourse, pregnancy, menopause, retaining urine for lengthy periods, etc. Fever, a frequent urge to urinate, abdominal pain, and a burning sensation while urinating are common symptoms of UTI. While doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics to treat this ailment, several home remedies can help alleviate UTI symptoms and help avoid the ordeal from recurring in the future.

In a cross-sectional multicenter study, it was shown that there are more than 626000 hospital admissions with a complicated urinary tract infection, comprising approximately 1.8% of all annual admissions in the United States; and 4/5 are non catheter-associated UTI (nCAcUTI).

Let’s start with an explanation of what a urinary tract infection is. Scroll down!

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection?

When bacteria, fungi, or virus infect any part of your urinary tract, it results in urinary tract infection or UTI. When the immune response of the body is down and due to unhygienic causes, these microbes are not eliminated by the body and remain inside the urinary system, causing an infection. Infection of the urethra is called urethritis, and that of the urinary bladder is called cystitis. At times, these microbes (usually bacteria) can also travel back up the urinary tract and cause infection in the kidneys (1).

It is important to distinguish between a bladder infection (cystitis) and a kidney infection. A kidney infection is much more serious and can develop from an untreated bladder infection. Fever accompanies a kidney infection but is usually not present with a bladder infection.

Susan Lee, a YouTuber, shares a comprehensive account of her struggle with recurring UTIs, discussing various causes and preventive measures. She says, “I started getting UTIs as a kid because I would hold in my pee all the time, so I think that developed my predisposition for getting them (i).” She details her extensive efforts to combat UTIs, including hydration, hygiene practices, antibiotics, and natural remedies.

Quick Tip

Avoid using scented feminine hygiene products like scented pads, tampons, and douches. They can disrupt vaginal pH balance and allow bacterial growth.

Home Remedies For UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

1.  Cranberry Juice
2.  Apple Cider Vinegar
3.  Baking Soda
4.  Garlic
5.  Yogurt
6.  Goldenseal
7.  Tea Tree Oil
8.  Uva Ursi
9.  Vitamin C
10.  Green Tea
11.  Parsley Tea
12.  Lemon Juice
13.  Coconut Oil
14.  Pineapple
15.  Water
16.  Blueberry Juice
17.  D’Mannose
18.  Pico-Silver Solution
19.  Homeopathy

Here are 19 of the most effective home remedies for UTI:

1. Cranberry Juice

What You Need

Unsweetened cranberry juice

What You Have To Do

Drink half a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice on a daily basis to prevent the infection.

If you are already suffering from this infection, drink four glasses of this juice daily to protect your kidneys. Avoid adding any artificial sweetener to the juice.

If the flavor of cranberry juice is too pungent for your liking, you could dilute it with apple juice and water. Remember that drinking lots of water during a UTI is very important.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink at least four glasses of cranberry juice every day until the infection clears.

Why This Works

Cranberries, members of the berry family, are excellent for treating UTI, especially in their juiced form. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidinsⁱ  A class of chemical compounds found in many plant-based foods with antioxidant properties that help protect the cardiovascular system. that prevent the E.coli bacteria from crossing the urethra walls (2). Cranberry juice also has antibiotic properties that may help fight infections.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 cup water

What You Have To Do

Mix two tablespoons of ACV with lemon juice, honey, and water. Drink the concoction.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink this healthy concoction twice a day until the infection clears.

Why This Works

From shiny hair to pimple-free skin, there are numerous wonders that apple cider vinegar (ACV) is capable of, including the treatment of UTI. ACV is chock full of essential enzymes and nutrients such as potassium that inhibit bacteria that cause UTI to thrive (3). ACV is also rich in acetic acid that may promote the growth of good bacteria and kill bad bacteria. It is also an effective home remedy for yeast infections.

However, be aware that ACV can increase the acidity of the urine and increase burning and irritation. So, if this occurs, stop the ACV.

3. Baking Soda

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• A glass of water

What You Have To Do

Mix the baking soda in a glass of water and drink it.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink this concoction as frequently as possible.

Why This Works

Baking soda exhibits properties that help fight UTI. It is alkaline in nature and helps neutralize the acidity of your urine when you are suffering from UTI (4). If your urine is less acidic, you should experience less pain and burning while urinating. Drinking this solution is an good home remedy to help with cloudy urine too.

4. Garlic For UTI

What You Need

• 3 cloves of garlic
• Medicated gauze

What You Have To Do

1. Peel the garlic and wrap them tightly in the medical gauze to make a pessary.
2. Insert this into the vagina, keeping one end of the gauze longer and hanging out to facilitate removal. Keep this in for two to three hours. Remove it, wash the area and dry it completely.

How Often Should You Do This

Repeat this process twice or thrice in a day. You can use a pessary containing up to five garlic cloves overnight. Continue doing this for three to four days.

Why This Works

Garlic possesses strong antimicrobial properties. When inserted into the vagina, it can help kill the bacteria and/or fungi causing the UTI (5).

5. Yogurt

What You Need

Plain yogurt (unflavored and unsweetened)

What You Have To Do

Enjoy a bowl of yogurt after every meal.

How Often Should You Do This

Since yogurt is good for overall health, make this a regular inclusion in your daily diet.

Why This Works

One of the best (and tastiest) ways to keep both your bowel and bladder in good health is to ensure that your daily diet comprises at least one serving of yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics that increase the concentration of good bacteria in your body while warding off the bad bacteria (6). Yogurt is also a great diet supplement when you are consuming antibiotics for UTI treatment as the antibiotics can create a shortage of good bacteria in your system.

6. Goldenseal

What You Need

Goldenseal capsules/liquid extract

What You Have To Do

You can buy an over-the-counter goldenseal capsule or its liquid extract from a drugstore and consume it as prescribed, which is usually one to two capsules daily.

How Often Should You Do This

Continue taking this herbal supplement until the infection goes away.

Why This Works

The compound berberine contained in goldenseal has the same effect on our body as proanthocyanidins contained in cranberries. Berberine prevents bacteria from attaching to the urethral walls, and thus prevents and treats UTI (7, 8).

Caution

7. Tea Tree Oil

What You Need

• 10 drops tea tree oil
• Bathtub full of warm water

What You Have To Do

Mix the tea tree oil in the warm water and soak your body in it for a few minutes.

How Often Should You Do This

Follow this procedure twice every day until the infection clears.

Why This Works

A research study published in an issue of the Clinical Microbiology Reviews reported that tea tree oil has remarkable antibacterial properties and can even work as an alternative treatment to antibiotics (9). This oil has the capability of fighting bacteria like E. coli, Mycobacterium avium ATCC 4676, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. E. coli is one of the most common bacteria responsible for UTIs.

Other essential oils, such as oregano oil and peppermint oil can also be used to prevent and reduce the irritation caused due to urinary infections.

8. Uva Ursi

• What You Need
• Dried uva ursi leaves
• Tea

What You Have To Do

1. Soak dried uva ursi leaves in water overnight.
2. Mix these leaves with tea leaves while brewing tea and drink it every day.

How Often Should You Do This

Enjoy this tea twice or thrice a day until the infection clears

Why This Works

Uva ursi is a popular herb that possesses remarkable therapeutic as well as curative benefits that help treat UTI. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that treat and prevent UTI (10).

Caution

Ensure that you consult your doctor before consuming this as uva ursi does not suit everybody.

9. Vitamin C

What You Need

Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, papayas, broccoli, etc.

What You Have To Do

Enjoy one serving of vitamin C foods daily.

How Often Should You Do This

Stick to one serving of citrus fruits every day until the infection clears. Citrus fruit is acidic. While some acidification of the urine can be beneficial, be aware that too much acid in your urine can increase the pain and cause a burning sensation during urination.

Why This Works

Vitamin C plays a huge role in helping treat urinary tract infections. Foods such as oranges, berries, leafy greens, and bell peppers help acidify the urine and inhibit the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract (11). You can also consume vitamin C supplements.

10. Green Tea

What You Need

• 1 green tea bag (decaffeinated)
• A cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

Brew a cup of green tea and have it every morning and evening

How Often Should You Do This

Drink this tea twice a day every day until the infection clears.

Why This Works

A study conducted in 2013 observed the antimicrobial activity of the catechinsⁱ  A substance in tea with antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage due to free radicals (highly reactive or unstable atoms). EGC on E.coli bacteria responsible for UTI (12). This research proved that a daily cup of green tea could not only help fight UTI but also prevent its recurrence.

11. Parsley Tea

What You Need

• 2 bunches parsley
• 4 cups water

What You Have To Do

1. Chop the parsley and mix it with the water.
2. Let it brew for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy the tea.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink this tea twice a day every day until the infection clears.

Why This Works

Owing to its high flavonoidⁱ  A group of natural substances found in fruits and vegetables with beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. content, parsley tea contains rich anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation. When used in your regular tea preparation, parsley acts as a great diuretic and rids your body of the infection-causing bacteria (13). Herbal tea prepared with nettle leaf, horseradish root, marshmallow root, and yarrow are also effective in providing relief during urinary tract infections.

12. Lemon Juice For UTI

What You Need

• Juice of half a lemon
• A cup of warm water

What You Have To Do

Mix the lemon juice in the water and drink this water on an empty stomach in the morning.

How Often Should You Do This

Include drinking lemon water in your daily routine to keep infections at bay.

Why This Works

Lemon juice has bactericidal and fungicidalⁱ  Biological organisms or pesticides used to kill or prevent the growth of fungi and their spores. properties. Drinking this juice daily will clear any infection that is lurking in any corner of the body. Lemon juice also contains antioxidants that may help remove harmful free radicals from the body (14). It may also restore vaginal pH balance and eliminate any foul body odor. Ginger or turmeric can be added to lemon juice as they have potent anti-inflammatory action.

Note: Since lemon juice is acidic, rinse your mouth with plain water after you have your lemon drink and swallow.

13. Coconut Oil For Urinary Tract Infection

What You Need

Virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Consume two to three tablespoons of coconut oil in a day.

How Often Should You Do This

Repeat this until the UTI clears.

Why This Works

The medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil have been widely studied by scientists and have been proven to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotzoal properties (15). Consuming this oil on a daily basis can help kill the microbes causing the urinary tract infection.

14. Pineapple For UTI

What You Need

1 cup pineapple or juiced pineapple

What You Have To Do

Consuming one cup of cut pineapple every day can help treat and prevent urinary tract infection. You can also drink pineapple juice every day.

How Often Should You Do This

Eat at least one cup of pineapple every day until the infection clears.

Why This Works

If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics to treat your UTI, supplementing the drugs with a daily dose of pineapple can expedite the process of recovery. The enzyme bromelain in pineapple enhances the effect of the antibiotic treatment of urinary tract infections (16).

15. Water

What You Need

• Water
• Unrefined sea salt

What You Have To Do

To prevent this infection, you need to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink eight ounces of water every hour, every day until the infection clears. You can add ⅛ teaspoon of unrefined sea salt to every quart to help replace minerals that you may be flushing out with this treatment.

Why This Works

Water is the foundation of life, yet it is the most underrated remedy for a variety of health concerns, including UTI. It is possibly the simplest and the most effective remedy for a urinary tract infection. Drinking plain water is essential as it flushes out the UTI-causing bacteria from your system by stimulating urination (17).

16. Blueberry Juice

What You Need

Blueberries (whole or juiced)

What You Have To Do

1. You can sprinkle blueberries on your morning cereal or enjoy them as a snack.
2. You can also juice them without the need for added sweeteners.

How Often Should You Do This

Include a handful of blueberries in your diet until the infection clears.

Why This Works

There are many studies that tout the benefits of blueberries for preventing and fighting UTI. The compounds called proanthocyanidins contained in blueberries, and juniper berries prevent the E.coli bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, thereby fighting UTI (18). Since blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses, it’s a good idea to make them a permanent inclusion in your daily diet, even after the infection clears.

17. D’Mannose

A 2014 study reported in the British Journal of Urology found that D-mannose (the concentrated active ingredient in cranberry juice) was as effective as antibiotics for preventing recurrent UTIs, with no side effects. Like cranberry juice, the D-mannose sugar sticks to E. coli bacteria, so it can be flushed out when you urinate. It also activates the Tamm-Horsfall protein, which plays a key role in the body’s defense against UTIs.

18. Pico-Silver Solution

Silver is used medically to treat infection. Oral stabilized ionic silver can help eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract.

Dosage: 2-4 tsp per day until the infection is gone.

19. Homeopathy

• Cantharis or Causticum in the 12X potency taken every hour can be helpful for the burning pain of bladder infections.
• Staphysagria 6X or 30C can be taken every hour for postcoital irritation.
• Echinacea Angustifolia has been proven effective in treating UT, reducing pain associated with scanty urine passage and preventing involuntary urination (19).

Note:

Do not take chamomile tea with homeo¬¬pathic remedies as it can neutralize their action.

While these remedies help relieve UTIs, incorporating preventive measures can minimize the chances of recurrence. Scroll down to know more.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain proper personal hygiene to stop the transmission of bacteria, especially after using the restroom.
• Drink plenty of water daily to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
• Avoid using scented hygiene products like powders, sprays, or douches as these can upset the natural microbial equilibrium.
• Bacterial accumulation can also be avoided by timely emptying your bladder.
• Wear cotton underwear that is breathable to promote airflow and minimize moisture which can otherwise encourage bad bacterial growth.

Following these prevention tips can reduce UTI risks to a great extent. However, if you do experience symptoms of UTI and the home remedies do not seem to make any difference, you must see a doctor. Exactly when? Let’s understand a few cautions that warrant a visit to a doctor. Read on.

Caution

The home remedies and tips for urinary tract infections mentioned above help a great deal in preventing the infection. However, if you’re experiencing common UTI symptoms such as increased urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, cramping, and cloudy urine for more than two to three days, don’t put off seeing a doctor. Without proper medical intervention, UTI can infect the kidneys and lead to more serious medical conditions. Maintain proper hygiene and good dietary habits to keep UTI at bay.

Note: If you have to take a prescription antibiotic, ask your doctor for a urinary antiseptic, such as nitrofurantoin or nalidixic acid, which have their own set of side effects but do not affect the intestinal bacteria and cause yeast overgrowth.

You can continue these remedies along with taking an antibiotic.

UTIs may increase the risk of developing various health issues if left untreated. Learn about them in the next section.

Risks Of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

• Sepsis

Severe cases of untreated UTIs can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and failure (20).
Pregnancy Complications

UTIs during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, anemia, or low birth weight of the baby (21).

• Urethral Stricture

Repeated UTIs may contribute to the development of a urethral stricture. This can cause difficulty in urination (acute urinary retention) (22).

• Reduced Quality Of Life

The discomfort and pain associated with recurrent UTIs can affect your daily life and psychosocial well-being. It can hamper your social and intimate relationships, self-esteem, and work productivity (23).

Ethel Huizar, a blogger, shares a personal account of a severe UTI that almost had devastating consequences. For her, the situation escalated due to initially dismissing symptoms. She mentioned, “I am not ignorant per se, just way too laid back when it comes to health issues. Unfortunately, the UTI took its natural course and got worse: nausea and vomiting, fatigue, some mental disorientation, and so on (ii).” She highlights the importance of taking UTIs seriously, emphasizing the potential severity, and advocating for prompt medical attention to prevent complications.

Have you ever tried any of these remedies for UTI? Have they worked for you? Do let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Quick Tip

Consult your doctor if you experience pain in the pelvic region, chills, blood in the urine, and a fever over 103°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

 What causes urinary tract infection in women?

UTIs most often result due to bacteria present in rectum and anus that trigger infection when they migrate over to the urethra. E. coli is the most common bacteria that travel from the digestive system and cause the infection. Other microbes include Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, which are sexually transmitted (1).

 How common are urinary tract infections?

Urinary tract infections affect more than eight million women in the United States alone in a year. Women experience a UTI at least once in a year, with some women having recurrent infections of more than four to five times in a year.

 What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection?

The following symptoms are experienced if you are suffering from a UTI:

• Pain or burning sensation while passing urine
• Frequent urge to pass urine, even though the bladder is not full
• Cloudy or bloody urine that smells
• Pain, cramps, and/or pressure in the lower belly
• Fever (from low to severe but usually with kidney infection)
• Weakness and lethargy (19), (24)

If you notice blood in your urine, please consult a doctor immediately. The urinary tract infection can affect the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), ureters (ureteritis), and kidneys (pyelonephritis) (20).

 What are the signs of a water infection?

A bladder infection is also called a water infection in colloquial language. The signs and symptoms for this are the same as for a UTI, as it is technically a UTI.

 What not to eat if you have a urinary tract infection?

The microbes causing the infection in the urinary tract feed on sugars, so it is essential to eliminate these from your diet as much as possible when recovering from a UTI. Avoid the following food items:

• Sweetened juices
• Desserts, ice creams, cookies, or any sweet item
• Foods with caffeine in them like tea and coffee

 How does a woman get a urinary tract infection?

The following reasons are usually responsible for women contracting a UTI:

• Sexual intercourse
• Holding the urine for too long
• Using a birth control diaphragm that presses on the urethra
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Estrogen loss during or after menopause
• Atrophy of the vaginal tissues with menopause causes drying and inflammation
• Wiping from back to front after passing stools (19)

 When does a UTI become a kidney infection?

When the infection spreads from the other parts of the urinary tract, for example, the urethra or the ureters, to the kidneys, it can lead to a kidney infection. This is known as pyelonephritis. This usually happens when the UTI is left untreated for long, allowing the bacteria to travel back and upwards in the ureters towards the kidneys (25). Fever is common with a kidney infection and can help distinguish it from a bladder infection. Also, a kidney infection will often be accompanied by low back pain.

 How long does it take for a UTI to go away?

A basic antibiotic course for a UTI is usually between three to five days for women and seven to 14 days for men. Using the appropriate home remedies and drinking plenty of fluids is the natural way to get rid of the UTI. If left untreated, a simple UTI can easily flare up and cause complications.

 Can you get a UTI from tight pants?

Wearing tight pants traps moisture in your private parts, making it a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive in. Hence, it is advised to wear loose pants with loose cotton underwear, especially when you suffer from repeated urinary tract infections. Some practitioners recommend washing underwear in boiling water to make sure that you do not become reinfected.

 Can soda cause a urinary tract infection?

Yes, soda can trigger a urinary tract infection. Most sodas contain sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners, all of which are known to irritate the urinary tract and bladder and make them susceptible to contracting an infection.

Does dehydration cause UTI?

Yes, dehydration can increase the risk of UTI and also further aggravate the situation. Hence, taking adequate fluids is recommended (26).

Illustration: Effective Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn more about UTIs and some effective home remedies in the informative video below! Discover how to prevent and treat this infection with simple, natural remedies from the comfort of your own home. Check out the video now!

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Jennifer Mercier has been in the practice of women's health since 1999 and has garnered 22 years of experience. Her practice started with Massage Therapy and Midwifery and then advanced into Naturopathic Medicine. While Dr.

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