x24,Top3,TopLeft,x25,x12
transportation footprint quiz promo graphic photo
a discovery company

How to Cure A UTI Naturally

Urinary Tract Infections are common, particularly amongst women, but do we always need antibiotics to clear them up?

Elizabeth Seward

By Elizabeth Seward
New York, NY, USA | Tue Nov 11, 2008 07:30 AM ET

cranberry photo


Alexandra Grablewski/Getty Images

READ MORE ABOUT:
Antibiotics | Health | Organic Baking Soda

If you are a woman, particularly a woman who is sexually active, then you may already know that Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can strike at almost any time for any reason. They're one of the most uncomfortable ailments to experience. From the burning and constant urge to urinate, it's a feeling that you'll want to rid yourself of immediately.

Antibiotics are the traditional medicine for UTIs. They clear up your system quickly and relatively painlessly.

So What's the Problem with antibiotics?

Some people believe in antibiotics, but others don't. Drug companies certainly aren't the most the most eco-friendly—their factories produce pollution and their drugs come decked out in plastic. Some think that antibiotics kill off good bacteria, leaving your immune system weaker.

While UTIs are something that you should definitely treat through a doctor if your symptoms persist for longer than 2 days or so, there are still natural things you can do to help snip them from their start without spending much money or using many resources.

Natural Remedies For UTIs:

  1. Cranberry
    Cranberry has been proven to help acidify the urine and prevent the UTI bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Make sure you drink 100% cranberry juice or eat actual cranberries, though. All of the unnatural sugars and other substances in regular store-bought juice won't do you any favors.

  2. Baking Soda
    When you first feel the symptoms of a UTI, mix a teaspoon of baking soda with eight ounces of water. It's gross tasting, but you'll be happy you did it. Baking soda raises the PH level of the irritating and acidic urine during a UTI attack.

  3. Uva Ursi
    Uva Ursi is an herb you can get at most natural food and drug stores. Although the scientific evidence seems to be controversial, this herb may have antiseptic properties.

  4. With all of this said, I should warn you: letting a UTI go untreated can be extremely dangerous. The bacteria can easily spread and cause a kidney infection. These are only remedies you should try for a couple of days. If your symptoms do persist, you should make an appointment to see a doctor, regardless of the environmental repercussions of plastic bottles and drug factories.

    Read more about natural cures:
    Cure The Common Cold
    Get Rid Of Depression
    How to Go Green: Sex

 
  • email
  • digg
  • share
  • print
helpful article? vote for it
{ }
close window

CLOSE X

 

comments on this article

view all post a comment

 
 

from our partners

 
 
Emeril Kelly and Supper Club Recipes by Category
 
 
facebook twitter rss
 
Reel Impact
 
100 Mile Challenge
 
organic-az
 
Less is More Thanksgiving
 

tv schedule

view all

On Now

On Tonight

 

today on planet green

view all

Votes

recent
discussed

Emeril Green Episode: Liquid Gold
POSTED  6 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Fee Fie Foe Unplug, Are You as Green as an Englishman?
POSTED  6 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Big River Man Racks Up Awards On and Off Screen
POSTED  6 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Emeril's Olive Oil Poached Tuna
POSTED  9 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Mommy Needs An Organic Cocktail
POSTED  10 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Renovation Nation FAQ
POSTED  7 May 2009. 18 COMMENTS.

{170}

Ask Steve Thomas Anything (About Your Home)
POSTED  9 Feb 2009. 21 COMMENTS.

{390}

Emeril Green FAQ
POSTED  17 Dec 2008. 19 COMMENTS.

{311}

Ask Emeril Your Green Cooking Questions
POSTED  7 Apr 2009. 49 COMMENTS.

{502}

How to Go Green: Weddings
POSTED  9 May 2009. 9 COMMENTS.

{477}

 
 
TLC Cooking
 

Ads by Google