Ayurveda for Recurrent urinary Tract Infections – Natural Healing & Prevention Remedies

Abstract

Recurrent urinary Tract Infections are a prevalent concern. Especially among women, involving frequent infections of the urinary tract. The majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most common culprit. These recurring infections can cause significant discomfort, complications, and negatively affect one’s quality of life. Factors such as sexual activity, urinary tract structural issues, post-menopausal changes, and weakened immune systems increase the risk of recurring UTIs. In this article we will discuss this in detail with its Ayurvedic Overview.

Introduction

Recurrent Urinary tract infection (UTI)is defined as having two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within a year. “Recurrent” indicates that the infection reappears or occurs repeatedly. It is also known as Chronic UTI, Frequent UTI, and persistent UTI. It affects More womens than mens because of the shorter length of the female urethra, Which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. The proximity of the urethra to the anus increases the likelihood of bacterial transfer from the gastrointestinal tract . More than 50% of women will have at least one symptomatic UTI in their lifetime, and about 26% will have a recurrence within six months after the first infection is treated. A study in primary care found that 53% of women over 55 and 36% of younger women reported having a recurrence within a year.

Causes and Risk Factors

Recurrent UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly E. coli, entering the urinary system. E. coli usually resides in the lower gastrointestinal tract and can transfer from the rectum to the urethra. In Women the risk of bacterial transfer increases after:

1. Wiping from back to front after bowel movements
2. Sexual activity, including intercourse, or masturbation
3. Not urinating frequently enough
4. Diarrhea or difficulty cleaning properly after bowel movements

Other bacteria that can cause recurrent UTIs include:

1. Enterococcus faecalis
2. Klebsiella
3. Proteus mirabilis
4. Staphylococcus

Certain underlying conditions can make recurrent UTIs more likely, such as:

1. Thinning and dryness of the vaginal lining (vaginal atrophy) due to menopause or cancer treatments.
2. Urethral or bladder cysts (diverticula) that trap urine and bacteria.
3. Incomplete bladder emptying (urinary retention), which can lead to bacterial growth and infection. Causes include vaginal prolapse, diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
4. Kidney stones.
5. Congenital urinary system abnormalities, such as UPJ obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), ureteroceles, and ectopic ureters.

Some autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, may increase the risk of recurrent UTIs due to the use of immunosuppressant’s or steroids, which are known to make individuals more prone to infections.

Symptoms

Recurrent Urinary tract infection’s symptoms includes

1. Dysuria
2. Suprapubic pain
3. Cloudy or unpleasant smelling urine
4. Increased frequency of urination
5. Urinary Incontinence
6. Urge Incontinence
7. Hematuria

Diagnosis

Diagnosing recurrent UTIs involves

1. Medical History: Discussing symptoms, risk factors, and previous UTIs.
2. Physical Exam: Checking for tenderness or signs of infection.
3. Urine Tests: Urinalysis and urine culture to identify bacteria.
4. Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to check for structural issues.
5. Cystoscopy: A camera inserted into the bladder to look for abnormalities.
6. Urodynamic Testing: Assessing bladder function and urine retention.

Complications

Recurrent UTIs can increase the risk of developing

1. Kidney issues, including kidney infections (pyelonephritis) and kidney disease
2. Blood infections (septicemia)
3. Sepsis
4. Ongoing bladder pain
5. Resistance to certain antibiotics

In pregnant womens, recurrent UTIs may lead to:

1. Premature birth
2. Low birth weight of the baby

Treatment

Recurrent urinary tract infections include

1. Vaginal Estrogen treatment

2. Antibiotics

1. Nitrofurantoin
2. SMX-TMP
3. Trimethoprim
4. Cephalexin

3. Non-Antibiotic Treatment

1. Cranberry supplements
2. Methenamine Hippurate

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, urinary symptoms are broadly categorised into Mutraghata (urinary Obstruction), Mutrakricha (Painful Urination), and Basti Roga (Renal disease). The underlying cause of Mutrakrich and Mutraghat is the imbalance or disturbance of the vata dosha. This vitiation of Apana Vayu is considered to disrupt normal urinary function, leading to various urinary disorders. On the basis of doshas that are aggravated.

Different Types of Mutrakricha are Described

1. Vataj Mutrakricha
2. Pittaja Mutrakricha
3. Kaphaj Mutrakricha
4. Sannipataja Mutrakricha (when all three doshas are vitiated)
5. Shalyabhighataj Mutrakricha (Occurs when the urinary tract is injured by a foreign object, either internally or externally, causing intense pain during urination)
6. Shakrut Vighaataja Mutrakricha (occurs when the urge to defecate is suppressed)
7. Ashmarijanya Mutrakricha (caused by urinary stones (calculi)
8. Shukraja Mutrakricha (Due to abnormalities with ejaculation of semen)

Treatment

Ayurvedic preparation used in UTI are

1. Varunadi Kwath
2. Varunshigruadi kwath
3. Chandrakala Ras
4. Trivikrama Ras
5. Gokshuradi Kwath
6. Chandanasava
7. Chandraprabha vati
8. Gokshuradi guggulu

Home Remedies for UTI

Here are some simple ways to protect yourself from UTIs

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and healthy fluids to flush out toxins and prevent bacterial buildup in the urinary tract. Avoid excessive alcohol as it can damage the liver.
2. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Foods high in Vitamin C, like red peppers, oranges, and kiwis, help combat UTI-causing bacteria by lowering urine acidity. Pregnant women should aim for 100 mg of Vitamin C daily.
3. Drink Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, reducing the risk of infection.
4. Add Garlic to Your Diet: Garlic’s allicin has strong antimicrobial properties, helping to fight off bacteria, including drug-resistant strains like E. coli.
5. Urinate Frequently: Don’t hold urine for too long. Regular urination helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
6. Maintain Cleanliness and Dryness: Wipe from front to back and wear loose cotton underwear to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
7. Use Clove Oil for Relief: Clove oil contains eugenol, which has antibacterial properties that can ease pain and reduce infection symptoms.

Yoga for UTI

1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This pose helps stimulate the urinary system, improving kidney and bladder function and relieving symptoms of UTIs.
2. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): This pose can help relieve tension in the lower abdomen and pelvis, improving blood circulation to the urinary organs.
3. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): This pose helps in reducing stress and calming the body, promoting overall health and well-being, which is beneficial for preventing UTIs.
4. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): This position promotes relaxation and helps open the pelvic region, improving circulation to the urinary tract.
5. Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Practices like Kapalbhati and Anulom Vilom help regulate the body’s energy flow, reduce stress, and improve overall health, which can support the immune system in fighting infections.

Herbal Remedies for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a well established GMP certified Ayurvedic company. Their formulations are rooted in traditional Ayurvedic knowledge, aiming to enhance overall health and well-being. These formulations are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. One of their popular products, the UTI Care Pack, is specifically formulated to support urinary tract health and aid in managing urinary tract infections (UTIs). This pack contains a combination of herbal formulations  like Punarnava Capsules, Gokshuradi Guggul, Varunadi Vati, Chandanadi Vati, Reno plan Syrup  which work synergistically to reduce inflammation, combat bacterial infections, promote healthy urination, and support kidney and urinary tract function, offering a natural and effective approach to managing UTIs.

Product Description

1. Punarnava Capsules

These capsules are prepared using standardised pure extract of Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa). Punarnava has a revitalizing impact on the entire urinary system and supports the proper functioning of the kidneys. It helps to alleviate inflammation and can also reduce the burning sensation experienced during urination.

Dosage: Two Capsules Two times a day with lukewarm water after  a meal

2. Gokshuradi Guggul

Gokshuradi Guggul is in the form of tablets. These tablets are pure extract of polyherbs like Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Black pepper (Piper Nigrum), Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Mustak (Cyperus Rotundus) etc. Gokshura  (Tribulus Terrestris) acts as a natural diuretic which helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary system. Guggul (Commiphora mukul) helps to reduce inflammation and promote normal urinary tract function. It also helps in controlling frequent urination, offering significant relief from urinary tract infections.

Dosage : 2 tablets two times a day with lukewarm water after a meal.

3. Varunadi vati

These tablets are pure extract of Varun (Crataeva Nurvala), Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), and Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul). These herbs help to pacify kapha and pitta dosha. It helps in relieving symptoms such as pain and discomfort, while also supporting kidney and bladder health, ensuring better overall urinary tract function.

Dosage : 2 tablets two times a day with lukewarm water after a meal.

4. Chandanadi Vati

Chandanadi Vati is in the form of a Tablet . It is combination of polyherbs like Safed Chandan (Santalum album), Kababchini (Piper cubeba), Safed Ral (Commiphora wightii), Gandhbijora (Cymbopogon martinii), Kattha (Acacia catechu), Amalaki (Phyllanthus Emblica) etc. The combination of these ingredients makes the formulation highly effective as a supportive herbal remedy for urinary tract infections. Chandan is known for its cooling properties, helping to reduce excess heat in the body, which can positively affect the symptoms of urinary tract infections

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water after a meal

5. Reno plan syrup

This herbal syrup is a combination of many herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri), Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), kaasni (Cichorium Intybus) , Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) etc. All these herbs present in this formulation helps to protect and rejuvenate kidneys and urinary systems. These herbs have a diuretic effect which helps to increase the urine flow and flushes out the toxins out of the body. As this formulation is in liquid form it can easily be absorbed.

Dosage : 2 tsp two times a day with lukewarm water after a meal

Conclusion

In conclusion, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can significantly impact a person’s health and quality of life. However, with the right approach, including timely antibiotic treatment, lifestyle changes, and the use of herbal remedies, recurrent UTIs can be effectively managed and prevented. Natural treatments like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Planet Ayurveda’s UTI Care Pack can provide valuable support by reducing inflammation, promoting urinary health, and preventing bacterial growth.