One of the most annoying adverse health conditions one can experience is urinary tract infection [UTI]. While the condition can target anyone, it is more common in women than in men due to a urethra which is much shorter, allowing bacteria to enter the bladder more easily.
In addition to bacteria as a cause, UTIs may also develop from the use of catheters and from sexual intercourse, just as multiple, or new, partners increase the chance of bacterial, or microbial infections.
The urinary tract is divided into two parts, the upper urinary tract, which consists of a pair of kidneys and a pair of ureters; and, the lower urinary tract which comprises of the bladder and urethra.
Disease can manifest at any point along the tract and is named accordingly. An infection situated in the urethra is called urethritis, an infection of the urinary bladder is called cystitis, and an infection located in the kidneys is termed pyelonephritis.
Some of the best-known symptoms of at UTI are:
- Pain and burning before, during, or after urination
- Blood, or pus, in the urine
- A feeling of incomplete voiding
- Fever
- Highly offensive urine with a strong, pungent odour
- Pain during coition [in women]
- Frequent urge to urinate and involuntary urination.
The use of contraceptive devices and spermicides can increase the risks of getting a urinary tract infection, as also pregnancy, and the prolonged use of antibiotics.
There are some household remedies that may be used to manage UTI as well as successful homeopathic medicines.
Simple Home Remedies
- Drink plenty of water. Water will dilute the urine and help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. It will also ease the burning sensation experienced while passing urine. 3-4 litre is recommended
- Heating pads can be used on the abdomen to provide temporary relief
- Cranberry juice can assist in palliating UTI
- Avoid spicy foods
- Maintain good hygiene in the genital area.
Homeopathic Approach
Homeopathy is based on the ‘like cures like’ approach in which a substance that can produce a specific set of symptoms in a well person is matched with a similar set of symptoms that appear in an ill person.
It is extremely important, therefore, to observe and record all the symptoms in the presenting case in order to find the homeopathic remedy most alike to that picture.
The following are some of the homeopathic remedies that produce a picture similar to that of a variety of UTIs.
Cantharis [Spanish Fly]
Cantharis is, for the most part, my first choice. It has proven successful in almost all UTI cases. The guiding symptoms of Cantharis are an intolerable and constant desire to urinate; urine that is scalding and bloody; dribbling; also, urine that is passed drop by drop. The burning can be present before, during and after urination; and notably, the last drops of urine burn and smart.
Mercurius Solubilis [Quicksilver]
Mercurius is a good remedy for cases in which there is frequent urging and a slightly green discharge from the urethra. The urine is dark, bloody; and there is characteristically severe burning at the beginning of urination.
Cannabis Sativa [Hemp]
This is a remedy with a burning sensation when beginning to pass urine. The urine is scanty and passed in drops; and, there are stitching pains in the urethra. The burning, while urinating, can extend to the bladder.
Equisetum Hyemale [Scouring-rush]
Equisetum is also well known for UTIs and one of the best for the constant urge to pass urine. There is frequent urging with severe pain at the close of urination; urination does not relieve the discomfort. Urine flows drop by drop and there is a sharp, burning cutting pain in the urethra during urination. There can be biting itching in the meatus; worse, scratching. It is an excellent remedy for treating UTIs in pregnant women.
Kreosotum [Beechwood Kreosote]
This is handy in women who must hurry when the desire to urinate comes. The urine is highly offensive and pronounced during the day. Kreosotum is known to treat UTI where there is intense itching in the vulva and vagina. This becomes worse when the urine is passed.
Staphysagria [Stavesacre]
This remedy is helpful in cases of UTIs that result from physical relations. There is a sensation ‘as if’ there is a drop of urine rolling continuously along the channel. There may be a burning sensation in the urethra even while not urinating.
Sarsaparilla Officinalis [Smilax]
Sarsaparilla has severe pain at the conclusion of urination. Urine dribbles while sitting. There is pain in the lower abdomen and the stream is weak. Urine flows drop by drop.
Pulsatilla [Pasque Flower]
Pulsatilla is useful in cases of UTIs where there is spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen. Burning may be felt during and after urination. Urine may be passed involuntarily during coughing. It is a good remedy for sensitive, changeable women who are upset by a urinary tract — also, any — infection.
Dosage
A good potency to treat UTIs is 200C.
The condition responds well to homeopathic treatment and should not be lengthy. The dose may be repeated when improvement ceases; typically, at 3-4 hour intervals. A competent homeopath should be sought out for any UTI which goes beyond a few days after self-treatment.
This article gives a good overall view, as also learning, on the homeopathic treatment of UTI.