Natural UTI & Bladder Infection Remedies 2026: Biofilms & D-Mannose

Vitamin C

Posted by Aniasf (San Francisco, Ca, USA) on 12/08/2009
★★★★★

Vitamin C for bladder infection (cystitis)

I had a few acute bladder infection that I treated with antibiotics. Then there was that really nasty one which turned into a chronic problem. I was on various drugs for a year, it was ruining my stomach and whenever I stopped taking them the problem was returning.

A friend showed me a book about natural healing where one of the remedies was high dose vit C. I didn't expect much but it was easy enough to try. I think I was taking 5000 to 8000 mg a day in diluted form. Within days I was off any other medication and then shortly off vit C as well. What a life saver!

My bladder has never been the same after that year of cystitis, I have to avoid most of red wines, but this is manageable.

The cure in the book also mentioned drinking cranberry juice and eating watermelon with seeds. Maybe they also helped, but the vitamin drink had critical effect. I could feel the pain ease almost immediately after taking it.

Coconut Milk

Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 12/06/2009
★★★★★

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.

Alka Seltzer

Posted by Michele (Spring Grove, Pa) on 12/04/2009
★★★★☆

Adding to my previous post of 12/01/2009:

Alka-seltzer worked great at relieving the pain and immediate symptoms. However, I want to note very clearly it did nothing for the underlying infection. Continued use of it was actually masking the symptoms while the infection was getting worse.

Today, realizing I was not getting better, I went to my Doctor and ended up on antibiotics.

The Alka-seltzer is GREAT to get you through the night (or day) until you can get to a Doctor - but it will not cure an actual infection. Using it for more than a day or two could actually make things worse.

I'm still glad I used it though - I could not have gotten through the night with the pain I was in and I could go to my Doctor rather than the ER.

Baking Soda

Posted by Cheryl (Bakersfield, California) on 12/01/2009
★★★★★

I want to tell you of a cure that helped me once. In 1986 I had a bladder infection. I got them often and it would always cost me a hundred dollars to get rid of it. Fifty for the office call and fifty for the medicine that turned my urine red. My symptons were an intense feeling that I needed to urinate, but I could not. I would have intense pain and cold chills. Well I got it one day, and I didn't have the money to go to the doctor. I prayed and I heard a man's voice inside my head say: "Go in the kitchen and pour yourself nine ounces of pure water, put one level tablespoon of baking soda in it, stir and drink it down." Well, I had never in my life heard of doing that, but I obeyed the voice and did it. And pretty soon I could urinate without pain, and the water came out very soft! I only had to do that one more time and to this day I have not had another bladder infection! That's the only time that GOD spoke to me so clear! (Don't try the baking soda if you just had a bowl of chili as it might cause a reaction).

Alka Seltzer

Posted by Michele (Spring Grove, Pa - Usa) on 12/01/2009
★★★★★

YEA!!!!! I haven't had a bladder infection for years, but got hit with one tonight - of course, after all the drugstores locally were closed . I immediately came to this site as it has been very helpful for other things. First tried the ACV, but the pain was getting worse, along with shakes and chills. Frequent urination with little result and increasing pain finally got me to go wake my husband up and send him to an all night gas station/store for Alka-Seltzer.

By the time he got back, I was nearly on the floor with the pain - and I have a very high pain tolerance. Took 2 tablets in water and then took a hot - steaming hot - shower. By the time I got out of the shower the pain had subsided and I was able to urinate a more normal amount. Took another dose about 2 hours after the first and am also drinking cranberry juice and my normal mix of ACV and honey.

I am absolutely AMAZED at how quickly the Alka Seltzer worked. I'm sending this site link and the info to everyone I know. Thank you so much!!!

Oregano Oil

Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA) on 11/25/2009

You can also find Oil of Wild oregano at The Vitamin Shoppe which is a nationwide chain and cheaper than Whole Foods. They are a really great store for many resources and less expensive. Their own brands are often on sale and very high quality. I know the woman who is the manager at ours is extremely knowledgeable as well. Also, you want the oil to be strong. I just put a dropper in, swallow it down and then follow it with a glass of water. Hope this helps. Lisa

Oregano Oil

Posted by Adam (Tucson, Arizona) on 11/24/2009

I have used oregano oil in the past for a couple things, but I am wondering, which type of oil did you use and how much. All the oregano oil I have seen is very strong and I haven't found a good way to dilute it. Thanks.

EC: Most health food stores will carry Wild Oregano Oil in capsule form. Whole Foods has a few great brands!

Dandelion

Posted by Liz (Shelton, Washington) on 10/31/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Dandelion is free. Recently used it to cure bladder and kidney infections in both my granddaughter and my daughter. Used the dried leaf which I had collected and dried. It really does work. Use one rounded teaspoon per six to eight ounces of boiling water. Let it steep for at least five minutes before drinking. If the infection is severe two rounded teaspoons may be used per cup. Do not use dandelion leaves that have been sprayed with chemicals or that have been collected from along roads or highways. I have very old dandelion plants that grow leaves that obtain 14 inches in length and 8 to 9 inches wide and collect them every year to dry. Dandelion also makes a good body cleanse and was used by the pioneers as a spring tonic. Some people do not care for the taste of the tea so adding a mint tea and some honey to it improves the taste. My daughter says she doesn't mind the taste.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Uva Ursi

Posted by Christinesr (Vaughn, Wa) on 10/20/2009
★★★★★

I battled UTI's for years on a monthly basis and had doctors give me 3-5 day doses of antibiotics which only made me resistant. I could not get the doctors to understand what they were doing! So, I searched out natural remedy's that I now swear by. This is my daily routine & when I have an infection (which has been 2x' in the last 3 years!)

Daily:
ACV pill 2x's a day
UVA URSA pills 2x's a day (there are some pills that are for balancing the urinary tract system that have this herb in it)
Vitamin C 1x's a day
Water, water, water
Keep it clean down there, especially after sex

During a UTI:
Double or triple dosage of ACV
Double UVA URSA dosage
Sit in a shallow tub with warm water and 1-2 cups of ACV. Soak for about 5 minutes.
Cut out all sugar

I have shared this with friends who now swear off doctors for UTIs.

Pilates and Chiropractic Treatments

Posted by Jo (London, Uk) on 10/17/2009
★★★★★

recurrent bladder infections and irritable inflammed bladder beaten!

I struggled for 2 years to get this under control with antibiotics and natural remedies but I have finally been cured with pilates and chiropractic treatment. Also, you need to get the right antibiotics if you are willing to take them again but i wouldn't touch them unless you are willing to work your pelvic floors muscles and the easiest way is pilates. Your bladder may also be displaced and the nerves from your spine to your bladder may be trapped in some way. its worth getting checked. I was shocked to find i have scoliosis which explains my back ache and corrective treatment and pilates is giving me my life back from recurrent bladder infections. If you do not wish to take antibiotics again then you can use golden seal tincture. you can make it into a warm douche (let any alcohol evaporate first) and hold it inside for 15 mins, do this until you feel the infection is gone but do not use to long periods of time. I actually take oregano oil every night before bed 8 drops mixed with a tablespoon of codliver oil which is also good for inflammation.

if you do nothing else then do pilates and work those pelvic floor muscles....after only 3 1hr sessions 1 x per week my bladder feels like it should! I'm 31 by the way so I can't imagine how bad this could have got if I didn't treat it. please email me if you would like any more info as i know how desperate you can feel when these infections won't go away! best wishes

Cranberry

Posted by Corinthianblue (Albuquerque, Nm) on 10/17/2009
★★★★★

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.

Alka Seltzer

Posted by Rice (Nyc, Ny) on 10/02/2009
★★★★★

a lot of people asking for the alka seltzer cure for uti - i googled it and you take it as directed on the box - 2 tablets in 4 oz od water. should work in 1/2 hour, many recommend taking 2-3x the day you have symptoms. happy to help and cheers!

Uva Ursi

Posted by Azg (Toronto, On) on 09/28/2009
★★★★★

For Urinary Tract Infections, please try Uva Ursi. It's a powdered leaf in a gel cap... you follow the instructions on the bottle (I think 2 gel caps, 3 x a day) and within 36 hours all symptoms of the UTI are gone! I used to get UTI's like clockwork - every 3 month. I remember reading something about how the bacteria that causes it burrows into the skin of the bladder to hide from the anti-biotics. Because the skin in the bladder sheds like the skin that covers our bodies, eventually enough skin is shed to uncover the bacteria - and BAM you have another Urinary Tract Infection.

I don't know how the Uva Ursi worked, but after treating ONE UTI with it, I haven't had one since...it's been about 4 or 5 years since my last UTI and I've recommended this to countless women in my life.

Earth Clinic, I don't know where you want to post this, but I think it's so important that women who deal with recurring UTIs read this information... THANK YOU for this amazing website.

EC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uva_ursi

Cranberry

Posted by Jamie (Lake Worth, Fl) on 09/28/2009

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.

Cranberry

Posted by Jan (W. Ma, USA) on 09/27/2009
★★★★★

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).

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Jenk40 (Seattle, Wa, USA) on 08/29/2009

I have a question for Ted. I took 1 tbsp ACV and 1 tbsp baking soda together for UTI and it has caused watery diarrhea now for over 24 hours. Can you please recommend anything that will help?

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Jenk40 (Seattle, Wa, USA) on 08/28/2009
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Warning: ACV and Baking Soda for UTI. I woke up and realized I was getting a UTI this morning so I came to EC site to find out what I could do without having to use antibiotics. I saw all the positive responses for ACV so I tried that. I put 2 tbsp into to 2 cups of water and drank it down. 20 minutes later I was still in pain so tried again; 2 tbsp ACV in 2 cups water. 40 minutes went by, nothing. Then read that some had needed to add baking soda to the mix. So I put another tbsp of ACV and mixed with 1 tbsp baking soda. In less than 15 minutes the pain had subsided. However, shortly after started having watery diarrhea. I had read in another persons post that people who are experiencing stomach problems should be careful with the ACV/baking soda mixture because it can act as a laxative, but for some reason didn't pay attention. Well, my stomach has been touchy lately and this definitely made it worse. It helps with the infection, but may cause other problems. I don't recommend this cure to someone with stomach issues.

Apple Cider Vinegar, D-Mannose

Posted by Stefani (Cleveland, Ohio, USA) on 08/26/2009
★★★★★

I'm new to this site but SO glad I found it! I have been suffering from a recurring UTI for the past 3 months and I was getting fed up with all of the harsh antibiotics I'd been prescribed (Cipro, Bactrim). I am also without health insurance at this time, so I began to search on the internet for effective NATURAL remedies to get rid of this awful infection once and for all and that's when I read about apple cidar vinegar and D-Mannose. I bought a small jar of ____ Apple Cidar Vinegar (with the mother) from my local whole foods and not being totally convinced it would work, sprung for the D-Mannose tablets too. I've found that the apple cidar vinegar was pretty strong, but I still put two tsp in a glass of water (or tea or cranberry juice) three times a day for three days. The frequency of urination was beginning to subside, but because I was taking both ACV and D-Mannose, I couldn't determine which one was working. Since the ACV was giving my stomach a hard time, I decided to stop taking it for a day or two, but kept up the D-Mannose. To my astonishment (and relief), the D-Mannose seems to have done the trick! No more frequent, painful urination! Today is Day 6 of treating my UTI on my own (Day 3 of taking ONLY D-Mannose) and so far, so good! I feel like a normal human being again! I've read that D-Mannose is only effective in powder form, but I have to disagree, at least in my case. I take two capsules first thing in the morning with a full glass of water and one capsule at night before bed and presto! No moe UTI! (Although I do want to point out that since drinking the ACV, my skin has never looked better!) I just wanted to share my experience, as so many of you have shared yours, and hope that sharing my experience might help someone, as I have been helped by this site! Good luck in searching for natural remedies and remember - don't give up! There ARE other ways to treat infection and disease besides what your doctor pushes on you. Find answers and find good health!

Club Soda

Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 08/10/2009

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.

Club Soda

Posted by Doc Sheila (Toronto, Canada) on 08/09/2009
★★★★★

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.

D-Mannose

Posted by IceSeraph22 (Burton, MI, USA) on 07/28/2009
★★★★★

I have never had UTI before. But when I got it I knew!! I called my mom and got her on the ball. But with all of her wisdom, a hot bath, sea salt, cranberry juice, and some over-the-counter drugs to help with the symptoms, it was the experiences of the people on this site that really made a difference. I went out and grabbed D-Mannose as quick as I could. This progressively helped my condition and in three days of use i was completely healed. Not to be religious. But I was free from pain and bleeding. I know pretty icky but this site keep it real.

I really appreciate this site. and this is not the first time that I have been helped.

Sea Salt

Posted by Kim (Cleveland, Ohio) on 07/21/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I tried the sea salt cure for my bladder infection and ended up with very low kidney function. My kidney's were functioning at 24% capacity ( 15% or less is considered kidney failure). My urinary tract was so irritated I had to go on painkillers so that I could urinate without screaming. Took several visits and alot of test for a Kidney Specialist to figure out it was the salt that was the problem. Turns out that you kidneys can only handle so much salt.

Now I watch my sodium intake no more than 2000 milligrams a day and I go to the doctor to treat my bladder infections rather than use natural remedies. Please be careful people! Fooling around with home remedies can have harmful side effects!