Urinary tract infections are a common medical issue that affects the urethra, ureters (tubes that join the bladder and kidneys), bladder, and kidneys. It bothers millions of people worldwide. The urinary system’s organs help to regulate blood volume, blood pressure, levels of electrolytes and metabolites, and blood pH. It also helps the body get rid of waste such as salts, toxins, and water through urine. The body’s urine reveals the inner body’s health. For example, high urine glucose levels could be a sign of diabetes.
Ayurveda, the traditional holistic medical system of India, offers an alternate approach to controlling and avoiding UTIs, while conventional medicine delivers effective treatments for these infections. The goals of Ayurvedic principles are to rebalance the body and deal with the underlying causes. In this blog, we will explore causes, remedies, and ayurvedic management strategies.
UTI symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Burning Sensation
- Lower abdominal pain
- Urge to urinate
- Foul-smelling urine
- Fever
- Fatigue
- White and bloody urine
Understanding UTIs in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Urinary Tract Infections are often stated as “Mutrakrichra,” which means “painful urination. The natural processes of the urinary system are disrupted by imbalances in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), according to Ayurvedic philosophy, which can result in UTIs. Here’s how Ayurveda views it:
- Vata Imbalance: An excessive amount of Vata dosha can cause the urinary system to become dry and irregular. This could result in symptoms like frequent urination, pain, and a burning sensation.
- Pitta Imbalance: An elevated Pitta dosha can cause heat and irritation in the urinary tract. This may result in symptoms like a strong urge to urinate, pain and a sensation of heat during urinating.
- Kapha Imbalance: An imbalance of Kapha dosha can cause the urinary system to become slow and stagnant. Cloudy urine, a sense of heaviness, and slow urine flow are some of the symptoms.
Ayurvedic treatment for UTIs
To treat it effectively, Ayurveda emphasizes dietary adjustments, herbal treatments, lifestyle modifications, and holistic practices to restore balance. Here is a list of Ayurvedic approaches for urinary Tract infection management.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Hydration: Taking adequate water is important for maintaining urinary tract health. Having warm water throughout the day reduces inflammation and promotes urine flow by flushing out toxins.
- Foods to avoid: Avoid taking spicy, sour, and salty meals as they can alleviate Pitta dosha and exacerbate it’s symptoms. Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate your bladder.
- Include cooling foods: consume foods like cucumbers, coconut water, and coriander. These cooling foods can reduce inflammation and balance the Pitta dosha.
- Herbal Teas: Take a sip of herbal teas brewed with Ayurvedic ingredients including coriander, fennel, and rose petals. These herbs have calming potential that helps reduce UTI discomfort.
Ayurvedic herbs and medicines:
- Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Gokshura helps to soothe urinary tract discomfort and increase urine flow due to its diuretic properties.
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Shatavari is a rejuvenating herb that promotes the overall urinary tract and soothes inflammation.
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): This herb is well known for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps remove extra water and toxins from the body.
- Chandraprabha Vati: This ancient Ayurvedic remedy is often used to treat this infection. As it contains herbs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that help ease the symptoms.
- Brihathyaadi Kashayam: This amalgamation of herbs helps to treat UTI, burning sensation and beneficial in dysuria.
- Chandanasavam: It is effective in calming and soothing burning sensation due to excess pitta.
Lifestyle changes:
- Adequate Rest: Getting enough sleep is essential for healing and balancing the body’s energy. Make sure you get enough sleep and avoid physical and mental stress.
- Yoga and Pranayama: Adjust your daily routine to include mild yoga poses and pranayama (breathing techniques). These techniques can lower stress and improve general well-being.
- Stress Management: Stress can make UTI symptoms worse. To keep your emotions in check, use stress-reduction practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation.
Ayurvedic Cleansing (Panchakarma): Prefer taking Panchakarma treatment under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. A detoxification procedure called panchakarma helps the body get rid of accumulated toxins, regaining equilibrium and vigor. Particularly, it is helpful for persistent UTIs.
Maintain personal hygiene: Good hygiene habits reduce the risk of UTIs, especially during menstruation. It is advisable to wash the genital area with warm water rather than using soaps and chemicals.
Consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner: Consult an Ayurvedic professional who can evaluate your unique constitution (Prakriti) and the precise dosha imbalances causing your UTIs. They can design a treatment strategy that is unique to you and your needs.
By addressing the underlying imbalances in the body, Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to treating urinary tract infections. By incorporating these strategies, people will not only be relieved from UTI symptoms but also prevent them from coming back. To get individualized advice and care that fits your particular constitution and health objectives, consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. The holistic approach of Ayurveda can support long-term urinary tract health as well as general well-being.
