Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the common and uncomplicated bacteria causing infection mostly seen common in women aged (18 to 24) Foxman and Buxton (2013) then in men. Research studies state that this bacterial infection begins in the urinary system and it is the 2^nd most common infection after 'respiratory infection'.

The urinary tract consists of ureters, kidneys, urethra, and bladder. Infections can be caused either in the ‘lower urinary tracts’ consisting of urethra and bladder, or it can be caused in the kidneys and ureters in the upper urinary tract Geeta (2011).

As Urinary tract infection is a common bacterial infection also known as UTI and usually, antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infection. However, bacteria's are becoming antibiotic-resistant and there is a good chance of recurring infections.

It's important that we eliminate the bacteria completely and reduce the chances of recurrent UTI symptoms through the use of UTI home remedies, many of which don't require a prescription.

These 10 research based UTI remedies can be easily prepared at home by following the detailed directions listed below to quicken your recovery or even prevent them in the first place.

When your body suffers from UTI Symptoms such as:

• Urge to urinate all the time
• Lethargic feeling
• Fullness of Rectum
• Reddish urine
• Foul-smelling urine

Then you know that it is caused by bacterial strain Geeta (2011). In this case, Parsley is recommended as one of the beneficial herbs in treating UTI naturally. For the preparation of the first remedy to give you relief from UTI you need :

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 2 cups of water

Follow the Directions to prepare your alternative UTI home treatment with Parsley Water:

Method

1. Boil 2 cups of water
2. At the boiling point add fresh 1 cup parsley
3. Reduce the heat and leave the water for 6-10 minutes on simmer.
4. Strain the leaves out and drink the hot water

Source Howcheng

Ingredients

• Celery seeds (handful of them)
• 1 cup of water

Method

1. Bring 1 cup of water to Boil
2. Add handful of celery seeds to the water
3. Drain the water ( let it cool )

Cranberry is one of the most evidence based research fruit and studies conducted in the past discuss its usefulness in the fighting bacterium that causes (UTI) which are seen as hair like structures that cling on to the urethra region.

Cranberry juice consists of an acidic substance that causes the fimbria to become harder thus reducing the chances of contracting the infection and making it hard for the bacteria to multiply Guay 2009.

Additionally, the research states the efficacy of cranberry products been used extensively over the decades as a preventive strategy and alternative effective treatment for battling with many bacterial and fungal infections Guay 2009.

In order to use cranberry juice as an alternative medicine to heal bacterial infection kindly follow the process below:

Ingredients

• Cranberry
• Blend it to make a juice (* Don’t use water at all)

Method

1. Use the real juice without loading any sugar into it
2. Drink 8 ounces daily (three times)

Let’s just say that the berry family is an effective alternative medicine to treat UTIs. Just like the cranberry, blueberry too can affect the fimbria of the ‘bacteria’ that attaches to the urinary tract.

Blueberry is very difficult to get and it’s not as easily accessible as the cranberry. However, it can be ordered online nowadays, or it can be found in an international market where you can get an easy access to this fruit.

Ingredients

• Two cups of fresh blueberries

Direction to consume them as medicine

1. Blend berries to make juice which can be consumed three times a day
2. Eat freshly washed berries at breakfast

The best alternative treatment for any kind of disease or internal illness is drinking plenty of water which is accessible 24x7. UTI is a bacterial and fungi infection and it is easy for the population of bacteria or fungi to increase if the body isn’t hydrated.

Therefore one of the best alternative ways to eliminate the microbes from the system is through urine.

The research studies prove the importance of drinking plenty of water to bring out biochemical changes in the body that make it very easy to remove the (offending organisms).

Doctors have always recommended the importance of maintaining pH of urine as it can directly affect the urinary tract, therefore there have to be efforts made to alkalinize or acidify urine with the objective of treating bladder infection and kidney stones and the UTI’s.

Professor Henderson (Washington University School of Medicine) stressed the importance having pH of water closer to the urine to best fight the UTI’s .

Ingredients

• 3 liters of Water to be consumed daily to get rid of the unwanted microorganisms that harm your urinary tract.

Directions

• 1 liter of water can be taken in the Morning, Afternoon and Evening to balance the quantity of water needed to get rid of UTI.

Studies have shown that vitamin C helps in protecting against harmful bacteria and fungus that is caused in urethra region. Vitamin C works mechanically by increasing the ‘acidity’ in the urine which helps in killing the unwanted bacteria that causes the infection.

In a study conducted in the year 2007, it was said that pregnant women who are prone to get infected for the UTI were recommended to take 100 mg of ‘Vitamin C’ everyday Hickling and Nitti 2013.

In yet another study; behavioral factors were studied of those with the risks of UTI’s and it was noticed that the vitamin C intake helped the risks prone patients to decrease the chances of getting UTI Foxman and Chii 1990.

Ingredients

• Red Pepper
• Grapefruit
• Oranges or Kiwi Fruit 

Method

1. One serving of Oranges for Breakfast
2. One serving of Grapefruit at Lunch
3. One serving of Red Peppers for Dinner National Institutes of Health

Research studies have studied the effects of ‘Probiotics’ in treating or combating the bad bacteria in the gut system.

Probiotics are basically ‘fermented foods’ such as kombucha, kimchi, kefir and probiotic yogurt. It is said that the probiotics not only improve the digestive system but it enhances the immune function thus decreasing the risks of Urinary tract infections Ritchie and Romanuk 2012.

Additionally, according to the studies, it is also found that ‘Lactobacillus’ is actually a (Probiotic strain) and it helps prevent the eruption of Urinary tract infections in adult women PM et al 2013.

Ingredients

• One bowl of kombucha, kimchi, kefir, or probiotic yogurt

Method

Consume one bowl of either of the Probiotics mostly in the afternoon once a day.

For the preparation of Kefir, you need:

Ingredients

• A non-metal utensil (stirring utensil)
• A glass jar
• A tightly woven towel, paper coffee filter, butter muslin
• A band to cover or can the jar ring
• Mesh plastic strainer to remove the kefir grains
• 2 teaspoons of active (Milk Kefir Grains)
• Goat or Cow Milk

Method

1. Kefir grains to be transferred to four cups of fresh milk
2. Cover it with butter muslin or paper coffee filter and secure it with a jar ring or a rubber band
3. Place it in a spot with a temperature of 68-85 degree Fahrenheit to (culture)
4. Culture the mixture till the milk is thickened and the aroma is pleasant. The process should take around twenty-four hours at the most, and in warm temperatures lesser than that. It is important to keep an eye on the grains
5. After you notice a change in the texture of the milk, and then you assume that the culture is complete, you can separate the kefir grains using a drain cloth from the finished product of kefir.
6. You can place the kefir grains to the new batch of milk if you wish
7. This mixture can be stored in the refrigerator Cultures of Health.

For Kombucha Tea, you will need:

Ingredients

• Wooden stirring utensil
• Quarter Size Glass Jar
• Paper Coffee Filter
• Canning Jar ring or Rubber band to secure the Jar
• Starter Tea
• Loose Tea
• White Sugar
• Unchlorinated or Unfluoridated Water
• Kombucha Scoby

Method

1. Sugar and hot water should be combined in a glass jar till the sugar is completely dissolved in the water. The water should be hot to ‘steep’ the tea. (Tip: make sure it is not boiling hot water)
2. Place the tea bags in the sugar water to (steep)
3. Cool the mixture at a temperature of 68-85 degree F. The tea may be removed after the fifteen minutes of cooling. The longer the tea is left in the jar, the stronger it will be.
4. The tea bags can be removed from the liquid now.
5. Distilled white vinegar or starter tea can be added to the batch of the liquid
6. Add the active ‘Kombucha Scoby’.
7. The jar of the tea needs to be now covered with a paper towel or coffee filter using a rubber band
8. Allow the mixture undisturbed and out of direct sunlight within the temperature of 68-85 degree F for around seven to thirty days. The longer the Kombucha ferments the more vinegary it will taste.
9. Now the finished kombucha can be bottled and it can be enjoyed plain Cultures of Health.

Kimchi is technically a Korean dish also said to be a great fighter for UTI. Though Kimchi is originated in Korea it is now enjoyed globally and it is often accompanied as a condiment in most dishes.

Additionally, it is very healthy and can be consumed with any of your meals.

As Kimchi is a very long recipe, Here is the YouTube video to prepare Kimchi:

It can be said that alternative remedies overpower conventional over the counter drugs in many ways.

Urinary tract infection home remedies are empowering as not only they are natural but also they provide long term and permanent UTI relief unlike conventional medicine which are prescribed to be taken for the duration of time, and they do not give a guarantee of permanently disabling the harmful bacteria or fungus. 

The natural remedies for uti discussed in this article are effective because of the studies that have authenticated the use of the alternative home remedies as a quickest and safest mode of treatment which can be easily trusted.

With the changing times, it has become important to start depending on the home remedies and the ingredients easily available to heal any kind of bacterial or fungal infection Mansour et al 2014.

Why see a doctor when you can cure it at home?  The answer is simple. I can do it myself. Yes, we all can. The versatility of natural remedies allow us to overcome some of the trickiest medical complications at home.
Natural herbs, plants, fruits, and spices can revitalize human organs and lower the risk of numerous serious illnesses like neurological, cardiovascular and gestational disorders.
We are well aware of the fact that herbal extracts/medicines have been used to prevent and cure a wide range of medical problems in the past. (1)

So don’t be shy and treat yourself at home naturally, with herbs and spices easily available in routine instead of spending your valuable money on laxatives.

Constipation is a common health hazard across the globe. American population spends an estimated “800 million to 2 billion dollars/year” on laxatives to get relief from constipation. (2)

Every one of us experiences constipation at some stage. Normally, the stool gets hard, belly itches and the timing for a bowel movement is disturbed. The abnormality of the bowel movements is termed as constipation.

The intensity or severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. There are 3 main types of constipation depending upon the cause of it.

1. Atonic: Constipation caused by malnutrition/low fiber diet that resulted in the tension of the abdominal wall, colon or pelvic floor.
2. Spastic: Constipation caused as a result of side-effects of certain medications, stress or food allergies.
3. Obstructive: Constipation that took place as a result of tumors, cystic fibrosis (in kids) and inflammation in pelvic nerves is termed as obstructive constipation.

• Small & hard stool
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fewer bowel movements
• The urge to make a bowel movement again
• Swollen belly and anus canal

• Laziness
• Lack of sleep
• Depression / anxiety / stress
• Eating disorders
• Side-effects of medicines
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Disturbed digestive system/indigestion
• Pregnancy
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroids)
• Unhealthy diet.

Although constipation is mild in its essence, it can be quite disturbing both mentally and physically. Bowel movements and gastric complaints can be seriously painful. (3)

A U.S. National Library of Medicine - The World's Largest Medical Library article states: “After every bowel movement, the patient can experience swollen anus canal. The added pressure on the butt-hole and swelling may cause itchiness and pain.” If constipation is ignored or left untreated, it can lead to multiple severe sicknesses. (4)

There can be multiple reasons for you to have constipation. The problem can lie in your stomach or in GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
Poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, anxiety, and depression can be other possible reasons. Sadly, the possibilities are that you can have more than one medical issue to handle. (5)

First, start with gentle exercise, walk and increased water plus fiber intake. You can also try simple workouts, light weight-lifting, aerobics, cycling, and swimming.

Secondly, lower your alcohol and caffeine consumption to improve your symptoms. Finally, follow few of these most effective, clinically proven and tested home remedies to recover from constipation. (6)

Nature has a lot to offer. Abundant supplies of natural resources in form of herbs, plants, and seeds are at our disposal to create long lasting and effective home remedies for constipation.
Just like other oily substances, sesame seeds - also called benny are also effective as a natural remedy for constipation by moisturizing intestine and softening dry-hard stool. The high dietary fiber composition is an additional advantage for people suffering from constipation. (7)

Ingredients

• Sesame seeds

Method

1. Grind sesame seeds (whole or roasted) in a grinder.
2. Sprinkle 1/2 – 1 teaspoon on salad or cereals in the morning and afternoon.

Weight Loss with Sesame Seeds:  Sesame seeds are rich in nutrition having calcium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, molybdenum, vitamin B1, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese and dietary fiber.

Ingredients

• Sesame seeds

Method

1. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
2. Two glasses of water

Take this combination once a day/thrice a week as a meal replacement and achieve natural weight loss in weeks.

Bone Health with Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds having zinc, copper, and magnesium in noticeable quantity, can be used to increase bone density. Sesame seeds are an ideal food addition for arthritis patients.

If you ask me 1 solution to all our intestinal and gestational issues, my answer would be figs. Same goes for Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and related issues.
The best news is once you have recovered from constipation eating figs, 99% chances are it will never happen again. You just have to add figs in your daily diet. Figs can normalize stool, bowel movements, and abdominal discomfort. (8)

Figs Home Remedy for Constipation: Figs can act as a laxative and stool softener at the same time. It also strengthens and rejuvenates lower intestines and anal muscles involved in excreting stool. (2)
The only minuses with figs can be the taste and the duration you have to take it.

Ingredients

• Figs

Method

1. Tip #1:  You have to eat figs at least for a couple of weeks to ease symptoms of constipation.
2. Tip #2: ​​Take 3 figs daily, early in the morning with empty stomach.

If you are looking for a home remedy for constipation, molasses is a perfect natural laxative with multiple nutritional benefits.
Molasses can be considered as a multivitamin/mineral powerhouse with copper, calcium, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and selenium.

One of the main reasons of constipation can be the deficiency of magnesium (Mg). So, if you are experiencing constipation due to magnesium deficiency, then molasses can be the right option for you. (9)

The laxative nature of molasses is ideal for softening stool and soothing the pathway for pain-free stool excretion.

Ingredients

• Blackstrap molasses
• Warm water
• Cayenne pepper
• Minced garlic

Method 1

First, you should boil molasses thrice to maximize nutritional extraction. Once, the dark colored liquid is obtained it is ready for use.
Start by taking 1-2 teaspoons/day with 250 ml warm water at night for at least one week. You will see remarkable recovery using this natural constipation medicine.
Remember, the upper limit is 2 tablespoons/day.

Method 2

Take 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses.

Olive oil with mild laxative effect can help release stool easily during constipation. Olive oil is also known to reduce cholesterol and sugar level. (11)

-Nutritional Value of olive oil: - Omega-6: 9.7%, - Omega-3: 0.76%.

- Saturated Fat:-  13.8%, - Monounsaturated Fat: 73%, - Vitamin E: 72% (of RDA),

- Vitamin K:-  75% (of RDA).

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Lemon Juice
• Warm water

Method

1. Add one tablespoon olive oil in one teaspoon lemon juice and take early in the morning in empty stomach.
   The mixture will create an amazing laxative with antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities for maximum GI (gastrointestinal) relaxation.
2. To speed up improvement in constipation, you can also take 1 teaspoon lemon with 250 ml of water later in the day.

Source: Daniel
This is another classical and tasty home remedy for constipation.  Dates are rich in fiber and starch. The fiber allows smooth flow and softening of the stool in intestine and anus canal. Starch provides calories for instant energy.
Dates can be consumed in a variety of ways. You can find a lot of healthy recipes famous in Mediterranean and Gulf region.

Note: 100 gm of dates contain on average 400 calories. If you are weight conscious than you should keep an eye on your calorie intake. (12)

Soaking up water, intestinal cleansing and removal of waste particles from digestive system are essential in order to get rid of constipation. Consumption of 20-35 grams of dietary fiber on daily basis is recommended by FDA and UC Davis Department of Nutrition. (13)

Add foods in your diet rich in fiber. According to US food nutrient database: American Nutrition Association foods that are rich in fiber include:

- Bran cereals, - Potatoes, - Oatmeal, - Almonds, - Lentils, - Barley, - Nuts, - Red Beans,

- White beans, - Black beans, - Whole grain bread, - Apricots, - Nuts, - Berries

- Broccoli, - Plums, - Pears, - Apples and most vegetables. 

Source: US food nutrient database: American Nutrition Association

I have been a great supporter of coffee all my life. A long list of health benefits is now medically associated with consuming coffee. A lot of people take coffee for mental alertness. Whereas coffee is also good for digestive health, and eventually, it can help you to obviate constipation.

In an NCBI Study titled “Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption and Incidence of Colon and Rectal Cancer”, it was found that “Modest consumption of coffee was associated with a decreased risk of constipation”. (14)   
However, in the same study mentioned above, the results showed that the frequent consumption of coffee can result in constipation.

This means that coffee consumption in moderate quantity is helpful to overcome constipation issues and provide mental/physical alertness at the same time.

Raisins are a rich source of tartaric acid that creates a laxative effect. In addition to tartaric acid, raisins also contain fiber to improve digestion and provide relief in constipation.
A medical review with the title: A review of dietary fiber and health: focus on raisins - “Raisins are good for lowering blood cholesterol and blood glucose concentrations.” (15)

Apricot and cherries are also rich sources of fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants remove waste material from our intestines. (16)

If you need to empty your stomach easily without much pain, if you are experiencing advanced stage or if you cannot handle much pressure (if you know what I mean 🙂 ) then castor oil is the right choice for you. It is considered as an instant solution for constipation.

Ingredients

• Castor Oil

Method

• Take 2 teaspoons full of castor oil on empty stomach can stimulate intestines and anal canal to pass the stool quickly resulting in instant constipation relief.

The walls are lubricated which allows smooth passage. (17)

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil - both are equally beneficial for constipation sufferers. Flaxseed oil directly imposes a purgative impact on the walls of the anus canal, intestines, and stool to increase the number of bowel movements.
Flaxseeds can be grinded into powder and then used with salads and main courses. (18) (19)

Ingredients

• Flaxseed oil
• Pulpy Orange Juice

Method

Consume 1 tablespoon of Flaxseed oil with 250 ml of Pulpy Orange juice.

Lemon is a widely used fruit with amazing anti-oxidative, rejuvenating and anti-aging qualities.
Lemon is a quality source of numerous nutrition like fiber, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, calcium, copper, iron, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Lemon has wide range of Health Benefits:

Method

Take 1 lemon juice, a tip of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water. The combination will turn into a tasty fizzy drink.
Enjoy your drink and get rid of constipation in a couple of days.

Aloe Vera is most commonly used for skin rejuvenation and cuts and bruises.

However, there are researchers that have proved its utility in improving digestion and constipation. Herbal Medicine: Chapter #3 - Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, the 2nd edition on PubMed supports the use of Aloe Vera to treat constipation and gastrointestinal disorders.
The inner mucus/gel of the leaves provides fiber and lubrication for easy stool pass. (21)

Ingredients

• Aloe Vera gel
• Warm water
• Green smoothies
• Natural juices

Method

Take 2 tablespoons as it is or Aloe Vera gel can be consumed with water, green smoothies, juices and other healthy drinks.

It must be the number one ingredient in all home remedies used around the world. Baking soda is so amazingly versatile that its use as a home remedy for constipation is equally effective.
Baking soda is alkaline in nature, it can neutralize stomach acidity and result in easy stool release. (22)

Ingredients

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Flavored mineral water

Method

1. Take 1 teaspoon of baking soda, add in quarter glass warm water. The idea is to consume the mixture instantly so that the alkaline effect of bicarbonate is maximized.
2. Take a tip of baking soda with liquid water enhancer (black cherry flavor).

The food in our stomach is digested using different digestive enzymes and healthy bacteria present in our body.
Similarly, a large number of complex microorganisms/microbiota are present in our gut to keep it healthy. To consume these important elements we can use yogurt.

Because, yogurt is a milk product with a large number of these microorganisms / microbiota, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. So, yogurt is an essential food for our healthy gut and must be consumed regularly to keep things in balance our digestive system.

In addition, yogurt can also be used as a home remedy for preventing and treating constipation. The abundance of good bacteria will make sure that GI issues including constipation are under check. (24)

Ingredients

• Plain Yogurt.

Method

To treat constipation at home, eat 200 gm to 250 gm yogurt daily in the breakfast to consume daily requirement of probiotics and healthy microorganisms.

Dandelion is medicinal herb used as a digestive tonic for the treatment of upset stomach, loss appetite, constipation and intestinal gas.
Dandelion with “Uva Ursi” in a specified quantity is clinically proven to prevent urinary tract infections. (25)

Ingredients

• Dandelion herb/extract
• Salad
• Soup
• Tea

Method

You can take dandelion mixed in a salad, in soups or as a tea.

Don’t worry you can ease your symptoms and agony using this salt. The two main reasons to use Epsom salt as a home remedy for constipation include;
a) it is rich in magnesium which helps in stool passing smoothly in the large intestine,
b) Epsom salt hydrates the anus walls and again makes it easier for the stool to pass through.

A research study with the title: “Current management strategies and therapeutic targets in chronic constipation” consider the use of Epson salt can be fruitful in constipation. (26)

Ingredients

• Epsom salt
• Natural drinks
• Mushrooms

Method

Usually, the Epsom salt is used with natural drinks/fruit juices. The recommended dose for the first time is teaspoons and the follow-up should be teaspoon from next day on wards. Reduce the dose to a half teaspoon for children under 12.

Epsom salt can also be used with fresh or canned mushrooms. Mushrooms are another rich source of fiber, with little or zero calories.

Corn syrup was used by our mothers and grandmother in the past for the treatment of constipation.
Historically, during the World War 2, the shopkeepers use to sell corn syrup to people with constipation as a self-treatment option. (27)

Ingredients

• Corn syrup
• Water
• Apple sauce

Method

The remedy is to take 2 tablespoons of corn syrup with a ½ cup of apple sauce or warm water. 

There is something you need to do other than using herbs and spices.

• Set Schedule for Bowel movements
• Exercise

Secondly, you also have to do some exercise daily to keep your bodily organs/systems running properly including your digestive system.
A 20-30 minutes walk can solve your constipation complaint. Start with a 10 minutes walk and then increase it to the maximum you can do.
The higher, the better. Swimming, cycling, running or any physical activity will help you achieve fitness goals.

Finally, try to use all or most of the above-mentioned foods/ingredients for better health, improved digestion, and anti-aging. Adding broccoli, green smoothies and Stevia as a natural sweetener in your diet is not a bad idea.

Now to the home remedies for treating both the dry and wet cough, it is stated by Ainsley Thomas the author of ‘Home Remedies better than Cough Medicines’ that home remedies are as effective or may be more effective than the contemporary medicines. Traditional medicines are said to delay the process of recovery in case of chest infections [4].
Over the years there has been comprehensive data collected on different home remedies for a cough. The article will further outline some of the unique natural treatments for cough. The natural cough remedies mentioned in the article are researched and evidence based.

You can add the crushed leaves to one spoon of buckwheat honey and this can be given at one time to soothe the coughing sensation.
Additionally, you can be creative and create lozenges using honey and peppermint leaves. The proportion can be adjusted as per the need; you only need to make sure that peppermint is always a little more in the proportion than honey [13].

Help us to make the list longer and share your ideas with us in the comment section below. Let us know if it works for you or not. Please show us your support by sharing if you find any takeaway message from the list.