Bladder Infection, Chronic
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Chronic Bladder Infection Remedies

| Modified on Aug 08, 2024
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Ginger Tea.

Frequent or chronic urinary tract infections can be wearisome to the body and mind. Finding the cause, changing some habits and adding some natural remedies to the routine can prevent and even bring permanent resolution to long term bladder infections.

Earth Clinic readers have found success using remedies like apple cider vinegar, d-mannose, and alkalizing formulas for bladder infections. However, chronic infections are serious and medical evaluation should be sought for ongoing bladder issues.

Risk Factors Associated With Chronic Bladder Infections

  • Anatomic abnormalities
  • Poor immune function
  • Hygiene oversights
  • Dehydration
  • Low estrogen levels
  • Continuous catheterization
  • Kidney stones
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological diseases

Natural Remedies for Chronic Bladder Infections

Making use of one or more of the following remedies on a daily basis can make all the difference in avoiding chronic UTI’s or preventing frequent attacks.

1. Hydration

Keeping the body well hydrated is important for general health and in keeping the urinary system flushed in particular.

Using quality liquids for the majority of the fluid intake is important. Plenty of pure water daily is essential.

Coffee and soda should be kept to a minimum and may need to be avoided all together for sensitive individuals.

2. Herbal Tea

Plantain or dandelion tea are teas that can be used daily that benefit the urinary system.

For occasional use, cornsilk, horsetail, and juniper berry also benefit the urinary system.

3. Cranberry

Quality cranberry juice is used daily as a UTI preventative for many.1 For prevention of infection 3 ounces of pure cranberry juice (make sure it has no extra sugars or artificial sugars) can be used. It is easiest to take added to another juice like 100% grape juice or apple cider. Cranberry capsules are another option for those who do not enjoy cranberry juice or need to keep sugars to a minimum.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, a top bladder infection cure can be used daily to prevent UTI’s. 2 teaspoons are added to a tall glass of water. Consume this tonic daily. Or use the following tonic:

Earth Clinic's UTI Prevention Tonic

  • 3 ounces of pure cranberry juice
  • 2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar
  • 5 ounces 100%  concord grape juice

5. D-Mannose

The simple sugar D-Mannose prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and allowing them to be flushed out of the system. D-Mannose supplements are easy to take daily as a preventative.

6. Vitamin C

1 gram of vitamin C, in the form of sodium ascorbate powder, can be taken several times daily to optimize immune function.

1 gram of Vitamin C before and after intercourse is another way to use vitamin C to prevent bladder infections.

7. Zinc

Zinc is often deficient in the diet. A simple zinc supplement supports healthy immune function.

8. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another important vitamin for the immune system. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (and will not be flushed out of the system like water-soluble vitamins) it should not be taken in large amounts over long periods of time due to the risk of Vitamin D toxicity.

If daily sunshine is not an option, a modest supplement of vitamin D may be appropriate. Having vitamin D levels checked through labwork if wise if Vitamin D supplements are taken long-term or in high doses.

9. Helpful Hygiene Practices for Chronic UTI’s

The admonition to wipe from front to back after emptying the bladder is important to heed to prevent bacteria from reaching the bladder entry.

Emptying the bladder after intercourse (within an hour) is also crucial.

10. Topical UTI Prevention Salve

Topical use of coconut oil and tea tree essential oil after intercourse can also be used to prevent chronic UTI’s.
Here is Earth Clinic's simple recipe:

  • 20 drops of organic tea tree oil
  • 2 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil

Keep this oil mixture in the bathroom and used daily, after intercourse, or as needed.

Everyone responds differently to remedies. It may take time to figure out the best cure or combination of cures to keep UTI’s at bay. Be encouraged to persevere and please share your remedy (or combination of remedies) for chronic UTI’s when you have figured it out!

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4519382/

Related Links:

Effective Natural UTI Remedies for Quick Relief
Optimizing Bladder Health with Natural Remedies

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Avoid Caffeine

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Posted by Diane C (Riverside Ca.) on 06/17/2021
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Hello readers,

I just wanted to let people know that I was having bad Urinary Tract Infections all the time! Off and on! I was a big coffee drinker but I switched to "decaffeinated coffee" and I no longer have UTI's! I don't know if this will work for all women, but it is a relief not to have this painful problem anymore! It had gotten to the point where urinating was very painful. I hope it works for others. Thank you!

Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
06/17/2021

Cranberry juice for Urinary issues I think!

Replied by DianeC
(Riverside Ca.)
07/26/2023

This is totally incorrect! I totally eliminated all coffee from my diet.

I do not even drink decaffinated coffee!

I eliminated Coffee 100% and I got rid of my UTI's entirely!

No coffee at all helped me! Diane C

Replied by Wendy
(London)
12/30/2023

Totally agree, I've suffered all my life with UTIs. Once I quit coffee the problem went away. I allow myself 1 cup of decaf coffee per day and no more, this I can get away with.

Cranberry

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Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 08/15/2014
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Cranberry juice worked for me when all antibiotics failed to for my urinary tract infection. And worked fast. All symptoms gone in one week. Surely worth a try. It was prescribed by a urologist when like I said: All the antibiotics had failed. I drank 3 cups of pure cranberry juice a day as prescribed for a chronic infection that had troubled me for years. I only have one kidney, so this was especially troubling for me. The cranberry juice makes it so bacteria are unable to cling to the inner surfaces throughout the entire urinary tract which includes your kidneys. Here is a website that discusses how cranberry juice works to clear a person of a urinary tract infection:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721152005.htm

The cranberry juice worked for me....Oscar

D-Mannose

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Posted by Margie (WA) on 06/06/2024
 ★★★★★

I would get 2 to 3 UTI's a year and I hate having to get antibiotics. I started taking D-Mannose last year and have not had 1 UTI since I started taking. Now I take every other day and so far so good.

D-Mannose
Posted by Mjmuze (Long Island, NY) on 05/02/2023
 ★★★★★

I use D-Mannose with cranberry, hibiscus & dandelion blend (found on Amazon and not expensive) for my mother's constant uti's. She is bedridden and seems to get them often. I use it for myself, as well, on occasion. I also drink organic unsweetened cranberry juice at same time, It works like a charm. Hope this helps.

Estrogen

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Posted by Kristi (Washington) on 06/05/2024
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Menopause causes hormonal changes that lower hormones. Estrogen levels decrease it can trigger UTI . Some women find that they are getting more UTIs in their menopausal years than before. Estrogen applied locally can help with decreasing UTI's. There is new area of medicine for those suffering with urinary tract issues it is called "UroGynecology" The lack of estrogen weakens the bladder the urethra, the tube it can causes problems in controlling urinary functions. Reduced estrogen also alters the acidity of the vulva and the vagina, which can make the area more prone to infection by bacteria or yeast overgrowth. Foods that increase estrogen: flaxseed, organic soy, peaches, garlic, sesame seeds, Brussel sprouts broccoli, kale, cashews. Supplements, vitamin B, Vitamin D, and resveratrol evening primrose oil, DHEA and the Dong Quai. Some women cannot have hormone therapy if they have breast cancer it is best to check with the the expert on this

Replied by Daniel
(Illinois)
06/05/2024

I would read Dr. Peat's book "From PMS to Menopause' before trying to increase Estrogen by any means. There should also be a sufficient amount of other hormones present, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone ect...

Kristi
(Washington)
06/05/2024

I did suggest women seeking hormone therapy, please consult with an expert meaning gynecologist on this. The doctor orders a blood test to check the levels of hormones, before they prescribe. An alternative medicine doctors (naturopaths) will prescribe a compounded plant-based hormones and may suggest diet changes, which is the best route in my opinion. Insurances may not cover this. Most MD'S do not prescribe plant based hormones, they typical prescribe synthetic (man-made) hormones . It's about individual preference of which route one may choose to go.

Garlic

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Posted by Allison (Cleveland, OH) on 07/29/2024
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I was struggling with a persistent UTI caused by lettuce bacteria-I tried the antibiotic did not last maybe a day of relief—tried cranberries, sort of worked, but then I tried raw garlic clove, one piece- and that is what got rid of my UTI, raw garlic.

Ginger

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Posted by Sandrini (France) on 10/23/2019
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Editor's Choice

I have a great trick for chronic UTIs! At least it worked for me: eating the equivalent of a dice of raw ginger every day. I discovered it by accident.

I had a constant subtle pain like the beginning of a UTI for almost a year! It was so annoying. Nothing came up in my blood and urine analysis, it was so frustrating. Sometimes I was having a crisis, got antibiotics, the acute pain was gone, but that annoying little pain remaining, like a little pinching. And then I had a cold and a friend recommended raw ginger (add milk, or yoghurt, or some food, it's very acidic!).

Well my flu didn't stop, but within 2-3 days my UTI symptoms totally disappeared. I continued taking it for about one week or two. And it has been gone.it's now been about 2 years.

When I feel the slightest beginning of pain(it really almost never happens) I just eat some ginger, smaller quantity now. I hope this helps someone too.

Methylene Blue

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Posted by MHO (Provo, UT) on 03/18/2022
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I am an intermittent catheter user, therefore, I have chronic bladder infections. Ever since I began using Methylene Blue I have stopped getting UTIs. I use Methylene Blue 1% solution. The normal dose is 10 drops in water morning and night. I only need 2 drops morning and night. I use a straw to drink it so my teeth won't turn blue. It has the added benefit of stopping my candida symptoms.

Having said this, I am also very careful about what I eat: no sugar or fruit of any kind. I don't use any artificial sweeteners. I avoid wheat and other grains. I eat canned beans, eggs, fish, chicken, vegetables, and brown rice. I have to avoid nuts.

Replied by ALEKSANDRA
(Pennsylvania)
05/23/2024

My husband has Foley catheter and almost always UTI except, like now, when he is in the hospital and gets antibiotics. I got 1% MB and hope he will try it. I did. 4 drops twice a day---but I don't have his drugs/health issues. Anyway--how did you know that 2 drops and not more is enough? People here suggest a lot more.

ALEKSANDRA
(Pennsylvania)
07/21/2024

MHO will not answer I guess so I'll write what I did. I gave him 4 drops twice a day and it seemed to work for a week (bladder spasms)--i upped to 5 drops, and so far so good.

i think such upping the MB dose is the way to go -- esp. that somewhere I read that small doses of MB also work wonders!

Multiple Remedies

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Posted by Nadine (NYC) on 01/04/2021
 ★★★☆☆

:Constant urinary tract infections

Currently taking pure cranberry mixed with d-mannose and drinking 70 oz of lemon water. Anything else should I use? Borax, Baking Soda. Need to add something else.

Can urinary tract infections cause stoke, is it dementia or a urinary tract infection, in most older adults it is hard to tell. Most doctors go straight to AMS-altered mental state instead of testing for a UTI.

We need to be our own doctors because the medical community is a total failure.

Replied by laadeebug
(san diego)
02/22/2021

My grandmother woke up one morning convinced that she was getting ready to die and asked me to to call the doctor as well as her PRIEST! She was so out of sorts they ordered hospice to come in immediately and it turned out she had a UTI. She had no symptoms of having one and it more than likely was from a catheter from a recent hospitalization. Anyhow, she cleared up and was back to her usual self. The hospice nurse told me that what happened was a common occurrence in the elderly and does cause things like weakness, confusion, etc.

Oregano Oil

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Posted by Wendy (Columbus, OH) on 02/20/2019
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Editor's Choice

My experience with bladder infections (UTIs).

Over many years, I've been prescribed Cipro for recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Five years ago, I tore my left hamstring simply taking one step from my porch into my home! It has never completely healed, although doing leg exercises has strengthened the surrounding muscles in my leg. Then, @2 years ago, the hamstring area directly behind my left knee "popped" again by just taking a small step up into a restaurant. My nutritionist back then let me know about the debilitating side effects of these particular antibiotics.

Recently, since my kidney transplant 3 years ago, and since my immune system is compromised due to the immuno-suppressants, I've been getting the monthly UTIs again. Docs put me on 3 different antibiotics over these past months, including Cipro, to stop the infection. However, after each 10-day course, I'd get another infection 4 days later! Turns out I had the klebsilla pneumoniae super-bug (most likely in my digestive tract/intestines), which is NOT killed off by the antibiotics, thus causing and allowing (IMHO) the UTIs to recur! I then did my research, and discovered the essential oil, Oil of Oregano, which is purported to kill off the super-bug.

I started taking it regularly and for the past 3 months have not had another UTI. Now, when I initially had a urinalysis done the superbug count (the klebsilla pneumoniae) was greater than 100,000!

Since then, I've had very minor UTI symptoms (I can spot them a mile away!), and each time have requested a urinalysis & culture only to find out that the results are clean. I attribute these current mild symptoms to "cheating" with sugar and "bad" carbs (for me, it's breads, pastas, ice-cream, caffeine, etc.).

Once I cleaned up my diet, and added the D-Mannose/Cranberry supplement (found at WF), I've had no symptoms whatsoever.

Also, anyone else suffering from recurrent UTIs, super-bugs, etc., please do your research and meet with a qualified health professional, including functional medicine professionals, keeping your primary doc in the loop! You need to be very careful ingesting/using new homeopathic remedies because everyone is different, and these remedies could affect different people differently!

Also, per the Oil of Oregano instructions, do not take it (capsule form or liquid form) longer than 2 weeks at a time, which is what I did. I took it for 2 weeks, then took a 1-2 week break, then only took it again for another 2 weeks IF I still had symptoms. Of course you really need to get both a urinalysis AND culture done (ordered by your doctor) to confirm exactly what bug you have.

Replied by Marie
(Oregon)
08/06/2024

Did you use the Essential oil or capsules for the Oregano oil? My concern is that many EO companies are not very honest and they are not regulated. Often EO's are tainted with other things and are anything but pure. What brand did you use for this?

I appreciate your story. I'm seeking a solution for someone close to me that just got over Sepsis CAUSED by a bladder infection. We will try Oregano.

AM
(the US)
08/06/2024

It is very difficult, if not impossible to get a pure, unadulterated, undiluted, medical grade essential oil. The more exotic oil is the better chances are that is it adulterated or 90% fake. Oregano oil is not exotic, still the same approach applies. I'd only buy from Young living oils. I used to buy from Floracopea but they don't sell it anymore for it takes tremendous efforts to find a reputable distiller and track every step to ensure it doesn't get augmented on the way to a consumer. Also, one should only take a trace of EO internally, not a drop. A drop is too much.

Try homeopathy. It works.

Here are some helpful links that I found here on EC (and have been using since)

https://www.drhomeo.com/homeopathic-treatment/9-best-homeopathic-medicines-for-urinary-problems/

Clinical case series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV0NO350R4U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJuWcdnTTIM

Replied by Wendy
(Dublin, OH)
08/08/2024
25 posts

@Marie: I use the capsules found at WF (on the bottle, it says "Vegan Liquid Phyto-Caps"). Not sure if EC allows brand names, but the brand name I use starts with the letter "G" and ends with the letter "a". :-)

In addition to my earlier post above, I also take a probiotic specifically designed for urinary tract health. It's a proprietary brand "prescribed" by my Functional Medicine Practitioner.

So, at least for me, the combination of a clean, healthy & diverse diet (lots of fresh seasonal veggies & fruits, good-quality meats & fish; no junk food; no bad carbs, etc.), lots of water every day, & the probiotic, I have not had a UTI in @ONE year (fingers and toes crossed, of course! ).

The second I feel a twinge (a little bit of pain) in my urinary tract, or when I pee, I know I've eaten something in excess that may have caused this twinge. So I think back to what I ate and make the decision either not to eat that food, or eat much less of it. It really is all about listening, and making smart decisions, about your own body.

Prevention Tips

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Posted by DianeC (Riverside County California) on 05/16/2022
 ★★★★★

I stopped getting Urinary tract infections due to this daily cleaning after each bowel movement! I also am avoiding using antibiotics for UTI's.

This is especially important for females as our private part is in close proximity to our rectum! I used to get many Urinary tract infections until I started doing this:

1.Religiously after each bowel movement I remove my clothing from the waist down.

2.I sit at the edge of my bathtub and I keep a plastic cup and mild baby wash soap near the tub, and I wash out my bottom area until it is clean, I am talking about the rectum. (do not soap your vaginal area--nurses orders.)

And I use the plastic cup to rinse my private parts with clean cool water until I am rid of all soap and feces from my body!

I have never felt so clean in my life!

Since I started this new way of cleansing I have not gotten a Urinary tract infection! I believe that our feces entering our vaginal area is causing UTI's.

This is my personal opinion.


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