Natural Remedies for UTIs: ACV, D-Mannose, and Bladder Infection Relief

D-Mannose

Posted by Julie (Nm) on 12/02/2015
★★★★★

Hi, D-Mannose powder is wonderful for recurring bladder infections. I have almost always had my urine screenings to come back from the lab with low grade infection but don't take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. I began searching online for help with bladder infections and found that others had great results with D-Mannose. It seems that bacteria attach themselves to the bladder lining and D-Mannose creates a "slickness" to that lining which creates conditions in which the bacteria detach and you rid yourself of the bacteria via urination. Whatever the process, IT WORKS. I used D-Mannose once per day just before retiring to sleep for 10 days. I keep D-Mannose in my medicine cabinet but have not had to use it for more than six months now. WONDERFUL!! I hope this works for you.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Posted by Gale (Clifton, Nj) on 03/21/2015
★★★★★

After experiencing sleepless nights owing to UTI urgent bathroom visits even after days of antibios - found baking soda in water and organic apple cider vinegar in water suggestions. First I tried them separately because couldn't imagine them together. Two tbls. ACV in 8 oz water. One tsp. baking soda in 8 oz water. Each 2x a day. Bladder cramping stopped after a few hours after waking and each subsequent slept longer without bathroom visits. Finally, tried 1/2tsp. baking soda in 2 tbls. ACV(organic) in 8 oz. water and was delighted to find it was not salty or vinegary but like an unsweetened mildly carbonated soda. I was planning on using Stevia if necessary but it wasn't needed at all.

I don't know about arthritis, constipation, or blood pressure but the UTI is under control. I was literally losing my mind from lack of sleep and discomfort even with 10 days of antibios. It was the BS and ACV in water 2-3x a day that made the difference. First, separately and now together. I intend to continue this as part of my diet forever.

Amazing! Thanks.

Probiotics

Posted by Kate (Kalamazoo, Michigan) on 02/03/2015
★★★★★

Hi everyone, I'm a long time reader on Earth Clinic and thought I'd post in case anybody is experiencing what I have been going through. Sorry for the length, I tend to be a bit wordy.

This all started 5 years ago when I got a new partner. I had dated this individual before and had gotten regular UTI's when intimate with him. This time, I got 3 (tested positive) UTI's in a row, over a period of maybe 6 months. So I spent a lot of time on serious rounds of anti-biotics. The symptoms would subside briefly and then I'd have another infection. After about 7 months, the tests for UTI's started coming back negative, but the symptoms were still very, very strong.

The doctor told me I had "cystitis" which if you don't know is an "incurable" inflammation of the bladder. I learned to live with the symptoms. It was quite unpleasant to say the least!

I also began to develop on and off vaginal yeast infections, which I treated with yogurt suppositories mostly. I began getting kidney pain, having regular shortness of breath, random abdominal pain and migraines. My previous partner and I had broke up at this point (infidelity issues on his side, which may or may not be relevant.) I went to the urgent care for random kidney/abdominal pain, who suggested possible appendicitis. That didn't feel right to me and I went home and continued having issues.

I became friends with a nutritional healer who told me I had a systemic candida infection. I went on a very strict diet for about 10 months, and all symptoms improved dramatically. Less pain with urination, much fewer headaches, abdominal pain gone, etc. However, when I recently went off the diet, all of the symptoms came rushing back! Kidney pain, yeast infection symptoms, and UTI symptoms. Well, all of these together do of course point to an infection of the urogenital system. But I had seen maybe 7 doctors and gotten nowhere.

I looked into trichomoniasis (which despite being incredibly common is not usually tested for), yeast, scar tissue in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis (even though I didn't have symptoms for that). A common way to treat all of them is with a hydrogen peroxide douche, 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed half and half with distilled water, 1-3 times a day. I told my nutritionist friend that I was going to do this - he recommended doing a douche with probiotics at night to re-inoculate the vagina.

I went out and bought one, I know we can't say the brand name but its very important that it's these specific strains so I'll write the strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuter RC-14. I think I read years ago that these two strains were actually initially cultured out of the vagina of a healthy adult female.

I did the hydrogen peroxide douche last night, followed by two probiotic capsules orally and one in a tablespoon of water vaginally. This morning, I douched with the hydrogen peroxide again and took another probiotic orally. I'm planning on douching twice more today and doing a probiotic douche before bed.

The yeast infection symptoms are 98% gone, and the UTI symptoms have also subsided. This is the first time in 5 years that I've been without the UTI symptoms. I just browsed this article http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/52/suppl_6/S452.long, which is about fungal infection in the bladder, kidneys, and vagina.

My guess (although of course it is a guess) is that I developed a fungal infection from all of the anit-biotics I took to clear the documented bacterial UTI's. Although I ate extremely large amounts of probiotics through supplements and fermented foods while on the candida cleanse, I think I did not get the right strain to colonize the vagina in all of my efforts.

I hope the good effects keep lasting, and hesitate to write so early as I don't want to get anyone's hopes falsely up. However, when I look at the reviews of this specific probiotic on amazon, it seems to help SO many people with any sort of women's troubles - UTI, yeast, vaginosis, that I thought I would write now just for that. It seems as though it may be akin to having a fecal transplant for patients with severe intestinal issues. I believe that the probiotic is helping more than the douching.

I hope this helps someone; this site has helped me so much. Good health and blessings to all.

Lemon

Posted by Julie (Columbia, Mo) on 12/29/2014
★★★★★

I happened to be desperate and couldn't get any unsweetened cranberry juice, but there was lemon juice, and I had some stevia which I use as a sweetener, so I made myself some strong "lemonade", and it knocked out the bladder infection quickly! Of course, I continued to take several doses until all symptoms were gone, but it REALLY works! Hope this helps someone :)

Vitamin C

Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 07/16/2013
★★★★★

I have a history of recurring uti's so when I felt one coming on 6 days ago, I came straight to Earthclinic. My symtpoms were urgency. Burning urethra and tenderness in the bladder, although I rarely have burning upon urination. I read all the yea's for the ACV and I know that most bacteria doesn't like the acidity, so I gave it a shot. This is what I took:

1) 2 tablespoons of ACV with the "mother" mixed in with some water. I would down this like a shot and then chase it with a glass of water. I did this every 3 hours or so during the day. I noticed immediate relief of the burning sensation and the urgency would improve.. Also, it's a diuretic so I could void easier.

2) 5,000 mg of Vitamin C a couple times a day. It's also good to take a dose right before bedtime to keep the urine acidic during the night. I crushed the tablets with a garlic press and put them in a glass with a pinch of baking soda. Mix a little water so it fizzes and drink it like a shot. Follow with a full glass of water. I had around 12,000-15,000 mg a day.

3) I also take oregano oil pills and turmeric on a daily basis, so I continued this as well. Although, honestly, I think the biggest help was taking the ACV and Vitamin C to change my pH.

I did this for 4 days. You have to listen to your body... If I felt like it was too much, I would skip a dose or two. Also, you have to drink water until your eyeballs are swimming, literally. Flush all that bad crap out!

I went and got a dipstick test yesterday and it was clean!!! My Dr. said to keep doing what I was doing (I had told her about the ACV and mega-dosing Vitamin C) She said they change the pH of the urine and the bacteria can't thrive in it.

I'm still taking vitamin C, around 5,000 a day for a few days, to make sure the infection is gone and starting back on my probiotics. I do feel lots better and hope this can help someone!!!

Cranberry

Posted by Shell (San Diego, Ca) on 06/26/2013
★★★★★

I had recurring bladder infections for years. After the last one -14 years ago--I began taking cranberry capsules as a PREVENTATIVE. I just take one in a.m. and one in the p.m. I take 3 if I'm going to have sex. You can also take d-mannose as a preventative. Urinating before and after sex is always good to do.

Cranberry

Posted by Amy (Los Angeles, California, United States) on 04/20/2012
★★★★★

I have recently had lots of problems with a Urinary Tract infection and a bladder infection. Last night I reunited with an old friend named Gail.

In our discussion I related to her about my woes with my Urinary Tract infection and my bladder infection and how I had tried everything to help my problem. Cranberry juice, Cranberry capsules, etc....

Gail told me to eat CRANBERRY SAUCE instead of the cranberry juice as the CRANBERRY SAUCE is more concentrated. So I started eating a can of ____ Cranberry Sauce this morning and I SEEM TO BE WELL FROM THE BLADDER INFECTION by 5:30 pm!

I am passing this on so others can maybe get relief from this awful illness like I did!

Acidophilus

Posted by SandyM (MI) on 07/14/2024
★★★★★

Hello and thank you so much for your post of Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Urinary Tract+. I too had tried all of the other natural remedies recommended (ACV, Sea Salt, Cranberry juice, D-Mannose) and they gave relief to my symptoms but couldn't get rid of my UTI (urethra). Then, I discovered this post and ordered Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Urinary Tract+. I tried just 2 a day and it didn't help, so I kicked it up to 4 per day (2 first thing in the morning, 1 late afternoon, and 1 before bed) for a week. Finally(! ), infection is gone. I will continue to take 1 per day for the next couple of weeks just as a precaution. Thanks again for posting!! Love this website and the people who contribute.

Acidophilus

Posted by Liliana (Florida) on 06/08/2017

Fem dophilus. You can find it in whole foods.

Acidophilus

Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 08/12/2022

Your post is a few years old, but here are a few suggestions for current sufferers. I was also prone to UTIs after intimacy. My naturopath recommended eliminating immediately after, showering, D-Mannose and blow drying (yes, a little odd but dryness is important). My mom's friend always dried corn silk and made it into tea which resolved hers. When we renovated our home, my husband surpised me with a bidet. They're not very expensive at the big box hardware stores. I love it. It's not what Europeans use, which are the best, but it's better than having to take a shower. If you don't have electrical for a bidet to work, a handheld shower is second best.

Alka Seltzer

Posted by Jlkincaid (Fargo, North Dakota ) on 12/22/2011
★☆☆☆☆

I tried the alka seltzer remedy too and I ended up in the er with a fever and a severe bladder infection. The pain was so severe that I felt like I was giving birth all over again. I wouldn't suggest to anyone to use the alka seltzer!

Vitamin C

Posted by Caitlin (New York, NY) on 11/10/2011
★★★★★

I have been struggling with a bladder infection for about 3 weeks now, trying every possible remedy under the sun (plus antibiotics, which helped initially, but then it came back). I read about Vitamin C and decided to try it. I took 2 doses of sodium ascorbate (c powder with baking soda) as recommended on this site and within 24 hours my bladder infection symptoms had completely disappeared. Amazing!!

Cranberry

Posted by Kopka79 (Lapeer, Michigan, Usa) on 05/16/2011
★★★★★

I had a TERRIBLE bladder infection that, of course, reared its ugly head in the middle of the night while my doctor was closed. So I went searching online for help. I came across your site & it was filled with amazing information! I knew only of cranberry juice for UTI's. There were so many suggestions that I wasnt sure which to try... So I tried them all! I created a cocktail out of cranberry juice, baking soda, vitamin C, sea salt and excedrin. I felt relief within 15 minutes and the infection was gone after only 3 days... With no antibiotics. I will be visiting your site often s I have 3 children who are constantly picking up bugs from school & such. Thank you so much for creating this life, time, money and sanity saving site!! Sincerely, Chris

Sea Salt

Posted by Grannyguru (Oro Valley, Az, Usa) on 04/06/2011
★★★★★

This is the first time I have ever had a urinary tract infection. I hope it's the last time. I took the ACV but it still hurt. Then I read Ted's sea salt remedy and tried that. Wow! The pain is entirely gone! In just minutes. So far it has stayed away, just a hour or two later. I'm going to continue with cranberry juice etc. Thank you Ted! Alice

Olive Leaf, Turmeric

Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 02/02/2010
★★★★★

OK, guys, I'm sure by now, it's well known, (since I've tried every cure on this website known to man) My struggles with Chronic Bladder infections on here.

Recently, I broke down and went to the hospital to get antibiotics. They didn't work, it was alarming truly, this is modern medicine. After, about, THREE trips back to the hospital, and THREE rounds of antibiotics, and about 4 months of struggling with my latest bladder infection, I finally found a natural cure, that I think is very effective.

I was frustrated, nothing was working. I tried the ACV, I tried sea salt, baking soda, alka seltzer, EVERYTHING. Coconut Milk, (which tastes really gross)

My friends, a combination of Olive leaf extract, and turmeric herb cured my stubborn bladder infection.

You have to take about 2 dropperfuls of olive leaf extract (alcohol free) dissolved in a cup of water about three times a day, along with 2 caps of turmeric herb, three to four times a day.

This is intensive treatment, but that's what it took for me.

I cap my own turmeric by the way, in veg. caps 00

Alka Seltzer

Posted by Big Dave (Riverside, Calif. Usa) on 04/04/2011

Also I forgot... The drinks that keep your kidneys open and runnin Is Grapefruit Juice(fresh preffered)and Cranberry juice that has nothing in it but straight juice... Mixed together it is a wonderful drink for any diabetic... Now you as a diabetic need Chromium... This is the diabetics FRIEND.... It will keep your bloodsugar in check... It may take a month to work but you will see it in your blood checks with your meter... Gluco sure is a brand name, check with a good health food store that sells suppliments... Ok... ? God Speed

Corn Silk

Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 09/21/2025
★★★★★

Corn Silk Tea Soothes The Bladder.

Reportedly, corn silk tea has a smooth effect on kidney, bladder and urinary problems, and can clear up pus, infection, burning or scalding urine. It will also soothe inflammation of the urinary passages due to gravel or kidney stones, and regulate the flow of urine (whether too much or too little), in cases of bladder drip and incontinence—inability of the bladder to hold urine—and urine retention or stoppage of urine. It seems to heal diseased areas of the kidney, bladder and urinary passages and flush out uric acid, toxins and other poisons.

Reported Cases:

J.D. writes: I experienced the most excruciating pain I ever felt in the form of sudden attacks of burning and scalding urine. The burning and scalding came upon me in uncontrollable waves of pain. I noticed a thick white pus dribbling out of me that turned the water a cloudy color. The flaming hot pain lasted nearly an hour. Attacks came without warning, and were especially loathesome mfles away from home. A doctor gave me a sulfa drug. This did nothing for my immediate pain and gave me nausea. Another antibiotic turned my urine red. After endless trips to the doctor, and pain so bad I nearly passed out, I tried corn silk tea. It cleared up immediately, like magic!

Mrs. M.B. writes: Some years back (I am now 83).. there seemed to be something dreadfully wrong with my kidneys. Three doctors, having taken an X-ray which showed the lower half of one kidney completely black, decided there must be an operation, at least exploratory. Deciding not to have the operation, I took my family to the country, bag and baggage, and drank corn silk tea instead of water for a year. Upon my return to the city, one of the doctors called upon me and asked, How are you?' I answered, 'Just fine! And you are going to laugh when I tell you I have been drinking corn silk tea.' He said, Well, that is nothing to laugh at—this is where they get their kidney medicine.' Another X-ray showed an entirely clean kidney. Now I swear by corn silk tea… a proven remedy.

Mrs. M.B. adds: Corn silks can be stored in glass jars; no need to refrigerate. One puts a handful of dried brown silks in a stew pan of water, boils it for 15 minutes to be sure it is sterile, and then drinks. It is as simple as that—no recipe is needed. It works wonders in clearing up kidney trouble

Baking Soda

Posted by Wiskawind (Seattle, Wa) on 10/10/2010
★★★★★

I had a bladder infection for more than a year, where the doctor kept putting me on antibiotics, but they didn't work. So I went online, and found where a gal had drank a glass of water with just 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda every hour on the hour for eight hours; by the third glass I was feeling great. (smile)
Haven't had another bladder infection. (grin)

Baking Soda

Posted by Art (Tustin, California Usa) on 08/01/2011
★★★★★

A friend asked me if I had any antibiotics that she could take for a recurring bladder infection. I told her to skip the antibiotics and the potential negative side effects associated with them and just drink some baking soda mixed in water. I made her a 16oz. bottle of water with two teaspoons of baking soda in it. She drank that in the afternoon and made herself another one in the evening before going to bed. In the morning she made one more bottle and she called me that evening and told me she felt "normal" again!

She also told me that she takes a couple of very potent prescription drugs for her rheumatoid arthritis and one of the side effects is that she get's small ulcer type sores in her mouth that are very painful. Her doctor told her that this happens often because of the medication, but gave her nothing to help the problem. I told her to swish the baking soda water around in her mouth before swallowing it. After the three bottles that she drank for her bladder infection she said the sores went away also! Baking soda is some good stuff!

It's been about two weeks since she drank those three bottles and she tells me she has had no more problems and will definitely go with baking soda over antibiotics next time she has another bladder infection.

Coconut Milk

Posted by annie (London, uk) on 11/07/2007
★★★★★

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 !

Coconut Oil

Posted by Catheryn (Jonesboro, AR) on 04/02/2007
★★★★★

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.

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!

Acidophilus

Posted by Jennifer (Fort Smith, AR) on 09/20/2006
★★★★★

At the first sign of a bladder infection I take a couple Acidophilis pills and drink lots of water. This really helps. It also helps to take Acidophilis when your taking your Dr prescribed antibiotics because sometimes when the bad bacteria is killed so is the good resulting in a yeast infection and the Acidophilis stops that from occuring! I like it best in pill form but it can be bought in milk and it is naturally in yogurt.

Acidophilus

Posted by Marina (Chicago, Il) on 02/10/2012

I am responding to a general thread on bladder infections and uti- to say that we keep coconut oil ovules made with a drop of lavender essential oil in our women's health care clinic, and they seem to knock out bladder infections - best to address at the earliest symptom, which is generally a slight burning upon urination. Taking a few glassfuls of water to which 1 t. of cranberry concentrate (unsweetened) is added is also a helpful adjunct to this treatment- along with rest!

Acidophilus

Posted by D (Vancouver, Bc/canada) on 05/02/2012

For all of you who get UTIs after sex - a simple thing like peeing right after you've just had sex will make a big difference. When you empty your bladder the urine flushes out the bacteria that has lodged in the uretra before it can breed and cause the infection. Made a huge difference for me - I never get UTIs anymore.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Gary (Kitchener On) on 05/17/2023

Hi Mana to Many,

I found the quickest and long lasting relief from my U.T.I. is taking 1 cup in morning and 1 coffee cup bedtime.

Put 1/2 tea spoon of Himalayan Salt in warm water, stir well and drink it.

Works like a charm..

Take care

Gary

Coconut Oil

Posted by Art (California) on 05/22/2023 2771 posts

Denise,

I almost missed your post as it was pretty far back in the postings. The following links will explain the differences. I generally use unrefined VCO when I use it.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/refined-vs-unrefined-coconut-oil

And this one :

https://www.nutiva.com/blogs/blog/virgin-vs-refined-coconut-oil-5-things-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Which Coconut Oil is Better, , including 50% lauric acid.

I use a mix of other ingredients for UTIs so I have no experience with VCO for that purpose.

Art