Table of Contents
Bladder Infection (UTI) Remedies
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
7 YEA
1 WORKED TEMPORARILY
[YEA] 09/27/2008: Donna from Bozeman, Montana writes: "I recently drank baking soda in water to try and treat a UTI that came on very suddenly. I saw somewhere online to take 1 tsp baking soda in 2 cups of water. Then an hour or two later, I took 1 tsp of the baking soda in 1 cup of water, then it said to have some chamomile tea after that. I did this, then repeated with some baking soda water (about 1 tsp per cup or cup and a half) several times over the next day or two. I was prepared to take some antibiotics that my husband had stopped taking from a recent dental procedure, because I was doubtful that the baking soda would work, but Voila! I was cured of the UTI symptoms with just the baking soda water and trying to drink/void more often.
The bonus was, I had the beginnings of a vaginal infection, and that also went away. And the sore throat/bad cold that I was fighting subsided much more quickly than I thought, once I started taking the baking soda. I'm very interested in all the varied claims, and how it can work. I worry a little about the saltiness of the baking soda, but think if I use it moderately, then supplement with folic acid and B vitamin supplements, plus increase my calcium intake, that hopefully I should be okay.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!"
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[YEA] 09/06/2008: MH from San Francisco, CA, USA writes: "This is my 4th bladder infection this year. :( I hate having to go to the doctor and taking antibiotics so I looked at your website. (Last time I took antibiotics, I ended up getting a yeast infection also. Go figure.) I don't know about other people, but when I have a bladder infection, I end up in bed miserable for at least 1/2 of my day (in between painful, constant urinations.) Then afterwards when the antibiotics kick in and the pain is a little better, by that time I'm exhausted and miserable.
I used 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda to 8 ounces of water, and low and behold, the pain stopped within 15 minutes and I was able to urinate more normally. Just to be safe I drank plenty of water and had 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
My bladder infection went away extremely fast and incredibly less painful than curing with antibiotics! (Let alone, cheaper!) Thank you for your advice everyone!"
09/07/2008: Linda from Reading, PA replies: "MH: Did you take the baking soda and water orally or via douching? Thanks"
EC: Probably took it orally...
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[YEA] 06/09/2008: Sue from Montreal, Canada writes: "I had this horrible bladder infection yesterday and drank water and tea all day. It helped me go to the bathroom but the burning would not go away. I found a receipe on the web: boil 3 onions in 4 or 5 cups of water and drink the juice. I tried that and the burning did not go away. I drank herbal tea 3 kinds cranberry, echinnacea, cherry stem tea. I helped a bit but got fed up and drank lukewarm water with baking soda (2cups) That did it. Another cup of echinnacea. Today I feel much better and went to natural food store and bought probiotic, apple cider and cranberry pills. I will have more baking soda later tonight. Sue"
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[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 05/26/2008: Laura from Ottawa, Canada writes: "I drank 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a tall glass of water, and it did seem to help my bladder infection a bit, but not enough to prevent me from having to go to the doctor two hours later."
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[YEA] 02/08/2008: Elizabeth from Memphis, TN writes: "I have chronic bladder problems (Interstitial Cystitis) and am always looking for something to make it better. I drank 1/2 tsp of baking soda in some water during the worst possible bladder pain ever. In 15 minutes the pain was gone. I feel that the baking soda made the urine less acidic and that let my bladder be less irritated. Anyway, baking soda did what hundreds of dollars of meds could not do--make me feel better!"
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[YEA] 01/05/2008: Cory from West Hurley , NY writes: "I HAVE USED BAKING SODA FOR OVER 20 YEARS FOR NAUSEA IT WORKS EVERY TIME. IF I EAT GREASY FOODS OR JUST A STOMACH VIRUS. I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT IT. IT ALSO WORKS GREAT FOR UTI'S IT MAKES THE SHAKING ICKY FEELING GO AWAY...."
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3 SIDE EFFECTS
01/30/2009: Sadie from Ky, USA writes: "You can prevent a lot of bladder infections by simply going to the bathroom after any sexual activity. Peeing right after sex pushes all the bacteria out that would go on in otherwise and cause an infections. Its also best to take a shower instead of baths but if you cant give up your baths it might help to pee right after them too."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/09/2009: Rosey from San Francisco, CA writes: "There should be a section about causes for bladder infections. I realized mine were being casued my Method laundry detergent. I constantly had pain, but it went away the week the bottle of soap ran out. Always buy frangance free soap. Same goes for non-bleached tampons, ladies!"
[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/10/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "I hope everyone already knows to avoid all bubble baths because they are also known to cause bladder infections."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/09/2008: Suzi from Lolo, Montana writes: "Bladder Infections---for Ladies Only:
My very first infection occured on my honeymoon in 1975! The doctor seemed to be condesending and diagnosed "honeymoon cystitis". I was frightened and miserable. The antibiotics did the trick. 30 years later and quite literally, 17 trips to the emergency roomlater, plus at least 3 courses of meds a year(do the math)...I have been UTI free for over a YEAR!!! I continue to be sexually active with my husband and this is the not so simple "light bulb moment for me"!!!
Last year when my husband was gone for 3 months, I felt an infection coming on and was dazed and confused since it had been MANY months since we were intimate. The only thing I could detect that I was doing different was taking over- the counter sleeping medication(Unisom) for sleeplessness! So while the infection was clearing up I started to connect every single episode of UTI's to those darn sleeping pills.
When we would go on vacation----pills, camping--pills, honeymoon---pills, insomnia---pills! FOR THIRTY YEARS! I have had NO infections now since early 2007 and nothing has changed in the intimacy department. In fact just the freedom alone has increased our frequency! It boggles my mind to think about all the damaging courses of differnt antibiotics that my body has endured. So young or old, if you are dealing with cystitis, and use Unisom, or Compoz, or any of those sleeping pills at the drug store, etc....you may very well have the connection that I do. Just what it is in the sleeping pills that triggers bladder infections I don't know---------but I'm positive they are the culprit! "
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/23/2007: Kim from East Alton, IL writes: "I have tried Azo, lemon, cranberry, and alka seltzer all as natural remedies for my uti's. Blueberries seem to work best for me. I have had them since childhood and fought one off recently by blueberries and water, water, water."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/29/2008: K from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: "Just thought I would let everyone in on my long history of UTI's. I have had them since I was 10 months old and I am now 23. There is these herbal vitamins that I picked up from the china town herbal store and I SWEAR by them!!! U take 5 .. 3 times a day with hot water and it goes away instantly. I would write the name of them but Its in chinese. I will look it up and get back to you all.. also I read some peoples stories about getting yeast infections, and I have never had one in my entire life so you might want to switch your medication. I also asked my doctor for 3X the amount of medications so that I can start taking them right away when my UTI is really intense. We all know how they feel OUCH! Also try taking warm baths!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/09/2009: Doc Sheila from Toronto, Canada writes: "Club Soda cure, I have been using ordinary club soda for many years now for urinary infection, burning sensation on urination and also constipation. I am a homeopath and I suggest this remedy to my clients it work magic each time.
On reading the ingredients in club soda I notice that the main ingredient is sodium bicarbonate,sodium citrate, potassium sulphate( potassium sulphate is known as Kali sulp) a homeopathic tissue salt for urinary infection detox and diabetes,other ingredients
they also add carbonated water for the fizz. Try two eight ounce glass daily, you may add lemon for addition flavour.
Please let me know if other individuals have this experience."
08/10/2009: Tricia from Ireland replies: "I hadn't heard of club soda for uti's but it is an age old remedy here in ireland for heartburn. (Thanks to Ted, now I know why it works) I discovered it when I was pregnant and afraid to try any other medications or remedies in case I hurt my baby. This stuff was a godsend. It is essentially the same as teds recipe with added carbonated water. Teds remedy works out an awful lot cheaper though.Another one that I used when I was pregnant was club tonic water for leg and foot cramps. It contains quinine and seemimgly this is what a doctor will give you in tablet form for this ailment anyway."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 11/07/2007: annie from London, uk writes: "I had a severe urine infection.I was going to he bathroom every 10 mins But found the cures within hours of drinking coconut milk. It is available from fresh coconuts but also in cans and cartons. A friend of mine's infection spread to the kidneys and had to be referred to hospital as the antibiotics were not helping and she was in severe pain. I recommended her this treatment within 3 days she was cured. She drank a glass of the coconut milk 5/6 times a day. Her tests showed the infection was completely gone and the kidneys were clear and healthy !"
[YEA] 12/06/2009: London from Sandusky, Ohio replies: "Absolutely.Coconut milk does appear to work for a bladder infection, or UTI.
Ever since I had my daughter 4 years ago, I get chronic bladder infections, I'm prone to them. I get one about every six months. I've tried everything from the over the counter medications to cranberry supplements, syrups, and juices, Uva Ursi(which has worked for me a couple of times), and Apple cider vinegar(which is sometimes effective at getting rid of minor bladder infections in the early stages).
Last year, it went to my kidneys, and I became very ill. I had a full blown kidney infection. At that time I was on the apple cider vinegar trip, ( I was stubborn, my Mom kept telling me to just go to the doctor and get antibiotics, and I didn't listen till the last minute)and that did nothing for my kidney/bladder infection. When I finnaly broke down and went, they put me on STRONG antibiotics I was amazed at how effective they were at curing me, and within a week, my infection was gone, but then I got the worst yeast infection I've ever had in my life, and so I spent another week battling that, LOL!!!
Sometimes you need to break down and get antibiotics.
However...this time, although I did not have a kidney infection, just a bladder infection, and the antibiotics they put me on, weren't as strong, they really weren't working for me and I was getting frustrated, so I decided to try coconut milk.
The day I decided to try the coconut milk thing, I woke up with a nasty cold. I kid you not, within three days of drinking a can of coconut milk a day, the cold was COMPLETELY gone, and the bladder infection much, much better!!!
I've always had techniques to shorten the duration of my colds, like vitamins and teas and stuff, but I've never had a cold just be gone, in three days.
I've been having to deal with this painful bladder infection for 3 weeks now, and now it seems to be gone.
I drank about 5 cans of coconut milk in a three day period. Also, at first I didn't like the taste so I sweetened it with ice and sugar and it tasted awesome. By about the second day I didn't mind the taste so much so I just made sure to chill the can in the fridge before opening it. works!!! I'm amazed."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 05/30/2009: Jasmine from San Francisco, California writes: "Coconut oil cured by urinary tract infection. I took only one tablespoon a day.
I used "___ Coconut Oil" from Whole Foods.
I had a urinary tract infection with moderate to severe symptoms for approximately one week, and then mild to moderate symptoms for two weeks thereafter. I wanted to avoid antibiotic medication at all costs, seeing as the effects of those antibiotics can be as problematic as the problem itself. (Don't get me wrong -- I understand that sometimes you HAVE to take these things. But in this case, I wanted to find a way around it).
I spent the first few days chugging cranberry juice and drinking water. This was pointless and did absolutely nothing. I even used unsweetened, pure cranberry juice which was terrible to drink. It probably works for some people, but not for me.
Then I tried some random supplement especially formulated for curing UTI's from Whole Foods with cranberry extract and d-mannose. This worked better, but still not enough.
Next, after reading the reviews on this website, I tried apple cider vinegar. This helped, and reduced my symptoms of the UTI by about 40%. However, if I forgot the ACV for a day or two, the UTI would come back.
The only thing that worked 100% was coconut oil. I took a single tablespoon each day. It helped tremendously and cured my UTI. I don't know if coconut oil will work for everybody, but for some reason, it worked incredibly well for me. Since I only took one tablespoon in the morning, I imagine it would work very well if they took two tablespoon, one in the morning and one at night.
So before you try using antibiotics (which can be ineffective, especially if the bacteria develop a resistance to the antibiotics) *TRY* coconut oil. Just go to Whole Foods and buy cold-pressed coconut oil."
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[YEA] 04/02/2007: Catheryn from Jonesboro, AR writes: "Although I had begun using VCO for other reasons, I realized after only two months that a chronic, "incurable" bladder condition that I had had for twenty-one years was much better. Then it seemed to just disappear. It has been over a year since any symptoms, and I don't expect any. My urologist was astonished."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/09/2006: Trudy from Netherlands writes: "I tried everything for bladder disease. The regular doctor prescribed Nitrofurantoin... so bad.. it causes even bladder disease... so I became very very ill ONLY COLLOIDAL SILVERWATER was THE REMEDY( for E-coli). Bladder disease was gone. Afterwords I took DMannose...very good..no pain anymore...also good for interstitial cystitis...really true. I have to tell this for the doctor did not know that Nitrofurantoin causes bladder disease. read: Natural Medicine Encyclopedia C.Norman Shealy."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/12/2008: Anna from Costa Mesa, California writes: "I tried to do the vinegar douche but I got worst I started getting pain in the vagina, thank God for corn silk and shave grass tea I felt better 3 hours later. They usually sell this in the mexican stores: One bag of corn silk and boil it in 4 cups of water, and for the shave grass tea they sale those in tea bags so you put that in a cup of hot water and drink it drink as many as many cups as you can, keep drinking it for 5 days or longer, even if you feel better. Both teas work but if you only find the corn silk it will work fine."
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17 YEA
2 NAY
[YEA] 10/17/2009: Corinthianblue from Albuquerque, Nm writes: "I have tried various cures on this sight for my UTI and none of it was working, even stuff not listed here. I tried just cranberry, I tried the extract, the pills, and different juices and none of it worked until I found a strictly cranberry juice (no sugar added or other juices). I poured a cup of the cranberry juice and diluted it with a cup of water and chugged the whole thing down. I did this once a day. First day, the pain dropped almost to nothing. Today, I did this drink when I got up and there is zero pain anymore. I'm going to do this one more day and just be done with it. I feel like I'm cured.
Alkaseltzer only worked temporarily.
ACV worked for that day only and stopped working.
Lemon seemed to help kill this faster."
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[YEA] 09/27/2009: Jan from W. Ma, USA writes: "Cranberry extract (just a drop or two - it's potent stuff!) clears up urinary tract infections in humans and dogs (probably in cats also, but I've never tried).
Humans: dilute two drops in 8 oz. of water and drink. Use twice a day until gone (usually within 36 hours). Or just drink diluted regular cranberry juice, sugar-free.
Dogs: dilute one or two drops (depending on size of dogs) in water and squirt down throat with a medicine syringe. Use twice a day until gone (usually within 36 hours)."
09/28/2009: Jamie from Lake Worth, Fl replies: "While I agree with cranberry extract for urinary tract problems. Plain Cranberry juice will not be strong enough to correct a problem. There is no way a person could drink enough of it."
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[YEA] 12/11/2008: Barbara from Benton Harbor, MI,USA writes: "Just stumbled on this site. So hello everyone! This is a fantastic resource. Years ago I developed a UTI. Never have liked DRs so knew there had to be a better way, besides there's always the problem of antibiotics and yeast. Researched cranberry juice and calculated how much I would have to drink for any benefits, not to mention the sugar intake.Not that I'm opposed to sugar. I believe, in most cases, in moderation as opposed to abstinance. Then I spotted cranberry capsules in the vitamin section and thought, "what the hey". I have been taking 2 capsules in the morning for decades. Now you could probably count the # of bad habits I have and still need more toes and fingers. The least of which is sugar addiction. But I don't have UTIs. My oldest sister suffered from chronic ones and was real resentful that I hadn't turned her on to the caps long, long ago. But with the same treatment she hasn't had a problem for a decade. For my own reasons I have been treating bad life habits for yrs with natural remedies.So I might add that if you look at other cultures and their predominate lack of health issues, then research their nutrition habits many things can be avoided. Such as cayene capsules, Latinos and the lack of colon cancers. I take them for warmth in winter, (don't take w/some forms of stomach ulcer problems). I have just started to look into the C-nut oil thing. Vanity and my hair started it + extremely dry skin. Years ago I tried ACV and didn't care for the taste, yea I was once a baby about flavor. Decided to go back. Read about the upset stomachs/belching/gas over the oil. Have to say mine comes from the ACV not the oil. Like the one gal I too just "shoot" it down but I drink half my water before hand then more as a chaser. For those who are developing infections after sex. Maybe the best attack would be to treat your sexual partners also. Sex can be a big bargaining chip for getting your way. I would like to add that there's a supplement formula on the market which is excellent for toxic cleansing. Anyone who would like the name can write to the above e-address and I'd be glad to let you know where to find it. I am not a distributor. Just info about it."
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[YEA] 10/14/2008: Mia from Jacksonville, Fl writes: "For the life of me I don't know why studies can't conclusively say that Cranberry juice works to cure bladder infection.
I have had 3 bladder infections (or UTIs) in my life. Two turned into kidney infections.
I just got over symptoms of the third two weeks ago. Within 2 hours of the first symptom I had completely red urine (from the blood).
I read everything about how only pure cranberry juice will work IF it would work at all. I read so many reports that there was no conclusive evidence that cranberry would CURE a bladder infection. They said it may prevent them but there was no evidence of a cure. I can tell you I have evidence of a cure. I drank a glass as soon as my urine turned red. The symptoms began to improve slightly.
I went to the pharmacy and the pharmacist told me any fluid would work just as well as the cranberry so to be calorie conscious I started drinking straight water. NOPE! Within half an hour the symptoms were WORSE than before I began drinking the water.
So I began chugging ocean spray cranberry. It wasn't pure, it was sugary, and it WORKED. For good measure I also took 1/2 a tsp. of baking soda in a glass of water AND I went to CVS and bought some cranberry pills all these things against the advice of the pharmacist but the last kidney infection I had left me with BAD BAD side effects from the cure so I was really desperate and IT WORKED! I did this for three days.
Don't belive that cranberry doesn't work - even the Ocean Spray kind. I woke up the next day 100% better. Still some slight pressure after urinating but that was it and by the next day all symptoms were COMPLETELY GONE."
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[YEA] 09/27/2008: Stella from Ashevile, NC writes: "I take one cranberry capsule in the morning and one at night every day to prevent UTI's. It helps. I get mine at Sam's Club. I'm 54 and going through the change and more susceptible to getting UTI's than I used to."
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[YEA] 09/10/2008: Veronica from Thousand Oaks, California writes: "I have been plagued by bladder infections since being married. I know they call it the "Honeymoon" infection because it is common to occur after intercourse. Doctors have always prescribed an antibiotic for my infections, but as soon as I stop taking the medication, the infection returns a few weeks later. I was researching natural remedies and found that cranberry pills keep the bacteria from adhering to the inside wall of the bladder. I like ____ because it has other soothing and healing ingredients like Buchu leaf, Pipissewa, Uvu Ursi leaf, Oregon grape root and Marshmallow root. I take this right after intercourse with a glass of water and I haven't had a bladder infection in almost 5 years. This is amazing because I was constantly on antibiotics year-round and was absolutely miserable. This has been a huge miracle not to be on antibiotics. I'm so glad that I found this remedy that I wanted to share this with anyone who also has been plagued by bladder infections. It's such an easy remedy... I can't believe it took me 10 years to come across it!"
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[NAY] 07/22/2008: Robin from Ladera Ranch, CA writes: "I have had bladder infections for half my life and cranberries just don't cut it for me. I've tried the pills, tons of water, unsweetened cranberry juice, craisins (I know craisins have sugar but I've tried that too) and none of it works for me. I did a post on ACV working, I guess everyone is different."
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[NAY] 06/04/2008: Tara from Jenkintown, PA writes: "I drank cranberry juice for weeks, and still wound up with a serious kidney infection. I guess it doesn't help everyone."
06/05/2008: Bret from Phoenix, Arizona replies: "Cranberry juice is not an antibiotic. It acidifies the urine which inhibits ecoli. Also, studies did show that e-coli bacteria cling to the sides of the bladder. Cranberry juice removes this adhesive property and the bacteria are more easily flushed away. Also, if you are drinking Ocean Spray or a Juice Cocktail, you are drinking very diluted stuff that is high in sugar. Frozen concentrate is your best bet, Cranberry tabs also are a great idea. I use these in my elderly patients who are incontinent and get frequestn UTI's. Cranberry is more preventative than curative. Bret"
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