One of the most empowering things to be able to do is take your health into your own hands. I don’t want to live in fear when someone in my family comes down with a urinary tract infection. Or, worry that we have to pay for a doctors visit and take a round of antibiotics. I do believe there is a time and place for those things, but there are minor ailments we can treat at home very simply! All it takes is some self education.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be one of those minor things that can be safely treated at home. It seems like almost every time we have gone to the beach, my daughters come home with UTI’s. They love to sit in the sand and water for hours, and unfortunately despite all our efforts, they seem to still get UTI’s. So, I decided to see how we could treat this naturally at home.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
According to the CDC, “UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).”
Risk Factors for UTI:
- History of Previous UTI’s
- Pregnancy
- Poor Hygiene
- Sexual Activity
- Age- Children and older adults are more likely
- Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract
Signs to look for when a UTI is suspected: pain/burning with urination, lower abdominal pain or cramping, blood in your urine, frequency with urination, and the feeling that you have to urinate even after you just went.
If you notice these symptoms- it’s time to act! Don’t wait. Jumping on infections at the first sign is always important. This helps stop it before it progresses. Bladder infections can progress to a kidney infection which is more serious and needs to be treated by a doctor. Fever, chills, flank pain are signs of a kidney infection along with the other symptoms. Occasionally, a child may have a slight fever with a UTI as well. To prevent a UTI, it’s important to teach kids to wipe front to back along with proper hand hygiene.
UTI Treatment
Ok, so you’ve noticed the symptoms and now you’re ready to treat this infection at home. My go-to treatment is this: garlic, uva ursi, D-Mannose with cranberry extract and hydration, hydration, hydration!
Garlic is a natural antibiotic. When it is chopped and left to sit for at least 15 minutes, it releases allicin. This has a very strong antibiotic property. The best way I’ve found to have my kids swallow garlic is to place it in applesauce. Some people have success with it on butter toast as well! When an infection is in the acute phase, it’s key to take garlic at least 3-4 times a day until symptoms begin to subside.
Uva Ursi is an herbal extract made from the leaves of Arctostaphylos. It is a small evergreen shrub. It’s also known by the name bearberry. Uva Ursi is used as an antimicrobial, astringent and diuretic. It’s also helpful with reducing inflammation. I place this in applesauce with the garlic and give it twice daily for my kids. The recommended dose is 3-4 droppers per day.
D-Mannose works by stopping bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. It is a simple sugar that can be found in apples, cranberries, broccoli, peaches, and green beans. It has been proven to be as effective as antibiotics! The recommended dose is 1 gram twice daily or 2 grams once a day. The particular link I provided is 2 grams. So, for my kids, I use one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. The capsules open up so you can pour the powder in applesauce!
Finally, hydration is key as this helps flush out bacteria by causing you to urinate more frequently.
Conclusion
Now, the next time someone in your house feels a urinary tract infection coming on, you can feel empowered to treat it at home. Typically, with the above treatment, symptoms clear up in 3-4 days. I usually continue to treat for 5 days to ensure they are fully recovered. I suggest having these supplements on hand so you’re prepared for the infection.
(Please use common sense, if the person being treated worsens seek medical treatment by a doctor.)
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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not meant to be medical advice in any capacity. It is informative in nature, only. Please always consult your doctor for medical advice. Pregnant and nursing moms need to consult with their doctors as well before consuming any herbal medicine.
