Comments on: Home Remedies for Bladder Infections

By: TM

TM — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:06:24 +0000

I have had a few bladder infections over the years. The first when I was very young and sexually active. My mom refused to take me to the dr. for that very reason. My grandma treated my symptoms by limiting me to drink water and cranberry juice only. The infection did go away after a couple of excruciating days. And every time since, whenever I’ve felt it coming on, I increase my water intake and keep the infection at bay. This has worked for me.

Now, my daughter has a bladder infection from wearing her panty-liner all day and overnight (of which I was unaware) and I had her drink water and cranberry juice (100% juice) but it hasn’t seemed to help her, maybe because she didn’t bring it up until it was a full-blown infection. Even though I do not put much faith in doctors and she didn’t want to go at first either, I’m going to have to take her now because I can’t stand to see her in pain.

So, each of us is different. I think as someone said before, if after a day or two of the home remedies, they don’t seem to work, you should probably see a doctor. Chances are you won’t be able to get an appointment until a couple days later anyway. Might as well do what you can until the doctor can see you.

By: Carol

Carol — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:24:01 +0000

I had a lot of UTIs in my 20’s and now in my 50’s am experiencing that again. I have taken antibiotics, with unpleasant side affects, and the UTI returned, so I consulted a naturopath who has prescribed Cranstat Extra (urinary tract support) and D-Mannose (a powder taken in water). I usually take a teaspoon of pure cranberry concentrate in water every morning (no sugar) and drink at least a half gallon of water a day. Then I recalled that years ago I would make a bladder tea from a natural remedy book by Joy Gardner: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add one tablespoon echinacea root. Simmer for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons yarrow flowers, 2 teaspoons bearberry (uva-ursi), 2 teaspoons cornsilk (from Indian corn), and 1 teaspoon juniper berries. Steep for 15 minutes in a covered container, then strain. Store unused portion in the refrigerator. If you cannot obtain or cannot use 1 or 2 of these herbs, increase the other herbs, and the tea should still be effective. Drink 1 cup a day for a week. This is a very effective tea for treating bladder infections, however is you develop a fever or symptoms do not subside you should consult a physician. Also symptoms of burning urine, frequent urination, and pain in the bladder can also indicate many other serious illnesses/disease such as STDs or kidney disease. A good rule of thumb is to use allopathic medicine for diagnosis, then depending on the severity of the diagnois make a decision about the course of treatment. Naturopathic treatment can be preferrable, correcting the root of the problem vs. treating the symptoms with drugs. If the problem/deficiency, etc. is not corrected, the illness/symptoms often reoccur. Good luck.

By: tina

tina — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:44:35 +0000

I agree that seeing your doctor is important, and if you have recurrent infections, ask to see a urologist. However, after having UTIs on and off for four years, many different antibiotics (often back to back), many medical procedures and a surgery (urethral diverticulitis), then having it all come back again only to be told this time it is not the same thing, it’s just something I’ll always experience on and off, I’ve decided to go the natural route. Why put antibiotics in your system only to have the infection return the day after you’re finished?! I’ve been very frustrated by how little doctors can do, unless you’re a standard case. I find naturopaths and homeopaths (good ones) look at the whole you. The best solution I’ve found so far is goldenseal for fighting an infection already in progress (every infection so far gone in two days max.) That said, I am researching how to naturally solve why my body does this so I can stop it.Until then, goldenseal is the next best thing as far as I’m concerned.

By: heidi

heidi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:48:09 +0000

I’m 32 & get bladder infections at least twice a month ever since I had a hystorectomy 6 yrs ago. I drink so much water a day I think I’m going to grow gills soon. I don’t drink pop, coffee, tea or anything other than water & cranberry juice. I’m so tired of this, it’s interfering with my life as well as the lives of my family. I’ve been to the doctor & specialists so far nothings working. I’m looking for advice from anyone, I can’t keep going on like this. If anyone could help I’d be forever greatfull.

By: amyjo

amyjo — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:28:16 +0000

Im 27 and have repeat bladder infections… I go to the doctor and they prescribe me sulfa med. A week later i feel symptoms again go back to the doctor and they prescribe the same antibiotic.. I tell them i dont think that it works on me. I just finished my prescription a week ago and feel symptoms.. anyone know of an antibiotic i can tell them to try?? I am so tired of having them
THANKS

By: ASHA

ASHA — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:48:39 +0000

IF U HAVE A UTI OR BLADDER INFECTION WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. YOU NEED TO SEE A DR. BECAUSE IF LEFT UNTREATED FOR TO LONG YOU CAN GET REALLY SICK. I KNOW CAUSE I DID. THE INFECTION WAS BAD AND IT WEAKEND MY IMMUNE SYSTEM AND I ENDED UP WITH A VIRAL INFECTION AS WELL. WHICH I HAD TO BE ONE LIKE 3 MEDS 4X DAILY FOR LIKE 2WKS.

BUT TO PREVENT A INFECTION…. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER DAILY TO CLEAN YOUR BODY AND ALSO DRINK PLENTY CRANBERRY JUICE, APPLE JUICE WORKS TOO BUT NOT AS WELL AS CRANBERRY. I DRINK LIKE 3 JUGS OF CRANBERRY JUICE A WEEK AND I HAVENT HAD AN UTI INFECTION SINCE. BUT THE FIRST FEW DAYS YOU WILL HAVE TO PEE….. ALOT!!!!

By: Carli

Carli — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:33:56 +0000

OMG!! I cant believe there are people on here saying drs over prescribe medications and to question drs. yes its good to question on bigger issues like lupus or other major diagnosis, and getting second opinions are great. but seriously your talking about a bladder infection!! the dr is NOT trying to scam you or mislead you here…its small potatoes!! it is a simple, clearly black or white test, either you have an infection or you dont. you should NEVER wait to treat a bladder infection or try home remidies because they WONT work! you need antibiotics to kill the infection!! I agree that antibiotics are over perscribed for coughs and colds but never for this!! if you do not seek treatment promptly, the infection will spread, up to your kidneys, and trust me from experience it SUCKS!! its horribly painful, you cant stop pukeing, and a kidney infection can PERMANETLY SHUT DOWN YOUR KIDNEYS!!! as for antibiotic use decreasing your immune system, this is unproven, but if it were true, it would be with use over a VERY long time. It has no effect on your immune system to use antibiotics for a few days to a few weeks (in rare cases) for treating a urinary tract infection

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you suspect you have a bladder infection, see a doctor…I promise they are not trying to make extra money by prescribing antibiotics, they are one of the oldest type of drugs, theyre cheap. You NEED antibiotic treatment, home remidies will not work, they will just let the infection get worse and spread. prevention is a great idea for any illness, for example, wiping front to back, peeing after sex, keeping your neither regions clean. But it will not prevent all bladder infections.

Again, not promptly treating a bladder infection can let it spread to your kidneys, and even one kidney infection can PERMANENTLY SHUT DOWN YOUR KIDNEYS!! in which case you would need dialysis and a kidney transplant.

-A Registered Nurse who has had both UTI’s and kidney infections.

By: jaz

jaz — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 05:52:30 +0000

N-E body ever have the feeling that your bladder is pulsating like right after you urinate, thus feel like its going to drop! OMG. AAUHH!!

By: Kirstyann Robertson

Kirstyann Robertson — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:27:02 +0000

Well, i’m 16, and have suffered from UTI’s for about 2 years.All docters prescribed was trimithorperin, which woked the first 2 times, then after that,they kept prescribing it and it wasn’t working! I found i got them more frequently if anything, so i tried drinking more water and cranberyy juice everday, i dont get the infections as frequent, and even better, i recently found i love orange juice, and the extra vitamin C has done wonders,i haen’t had an infecton in 4 months!

By: gail cagle

gail cagle — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:17:19 +0000

Colostrum capsules ,from Health Food Store, work well to fight infection and I take 2 caps at least 4 times a day at the start of a bladder or any other infection. I also give this to my son, grandkids and dog when needed during an illness or infection.

Also, I find the brand with lowest sugar in Cranberry juice and dilute it some with water. Blueberry is the next best juice for bladder irritations but also dilute as it too has high sugar count. I drink these throughout the day until the condition seems corrected.

Both watermelon and cornsilk teas are good to flush out the kidneys/bladder. Marshmallow root tincture (from health food store) is very soothing and calming to the bladder and I always take it under the tongue, where it absorbs quickly, or add a few drops to a good herbal tea or cup or water water.

I take 2 Ester C caps morning, noon and night….ester c is easier on the stomach than regulard vit.c. I have only 1 cup decaf. coffee in a.m. and no wine or alcoholic drinks until condition is remedied.

Get a chart or book (from internet , health food or book store) that shows the reflexology pressure points on the soles of feet and palms of hands. Gently massage these spots on the feet and hands to help break up the congestion in the bladder/kidney areas and then drink lots of water to help flush these toxins from your system.

I have fibromyalgia so try to have reflexology done on my feet at least twice a month and you can feel, when those spots are being massaged, if they are sore or hurt and then I know to immediately to start my routine before the bladder infection actually kicks in so am usually able to use the above remedies and get it stopped very quickly. A good reflexologist is a” diamond in the rough” and can help you to relax, when stressed, and help to gradually detox your system, which helps immensely if you have fibro, arthritis, anxiety, and many, many other conditions.

Many massage therapist have been trained in reflexology and if you haven’t tried this it’s well worth doing at least once. One leaves a session feeling calm and overall much better. I live in Az. and find most therapist charge aprox. $50 for a one hour session or you can split a session with half massage and half reflexology…..absolutely the most wonderful treat you can give your body!!

Acupuncture is good for bladder/kidney problems as well as many other health issues. Years ago I had walking pneumonia for about a month and doctor couldn’t get it to clear up so I tried acupuncture and the lungs were clear and pneumonia gone after 2 sessions!

Hope these suggestions help some of you gals.