Are You Prone To UTIs? Essential Oils For UTI
Do you experience UTIs regularly? If you do, you will know how annoying and painful they can be. An infection of the urinary tract can make it impossible to do even the most simple tasks.
UTIs were not treated with antibiotics, so there wasn't much to choose from. There is now an alternative weapon to fight UTIs: essential oils. This article will explain how essential oils can be used to treat UTIs (urinary tract infections).
What is Urinary Tract Infection?
Before we discuss how essential oils can help with UTIs, let's first briefly define what a urinary tract infections is. UTI (urinary tract infection) is when bacteria enters the urinary system via the urethra. Once there, they multiply in the bladder. UTIs most often manifest as a burning sensation during urination.
Symptoms May Also Include:
- Cloudy urine
- Strongly scented urine
- Pelvic pain (in females)
- There is blood in the urine
A UTI that isn't treated promptly can cause serious complications. It is crucial to seek immediate treatment if you think that you might have a UTI.
What Essential Oils Can Do for
You can use essential oils to relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Some essential oils may have antibacterial properties which can fight the infection. Others can help with pain and inflammation.
Here are some essential oils that might be useful in treating a UTI.
- Lavender oil
- Tea tree oil
- Oregano oil
- Cypress oil
- Frankincense oil
Lavender Oil:
Lavender oil has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It also speeds up healing. One study showed that lavender oil was equally effective in treating bacterial vaginosis as the antibiotic metronidazole.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oils with strong antibacterial properties. It has been shown to be effective against many kinds of bacteria, including those that can cause UTIs. Tea tree oil proved to be just as effective in UTI treatment as the antibiotic amoxicillin, according to a study.
Oregano Oil:
Oregano oils have powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. One study showed that it is effective in treating E. coli infections, the leading cause of UTIs.
Cypress Oil
The essential oil of Cypress is astringent, diuretic and antimicrobial. It has been shown to be effective against E. coli, as well as other bacteria that causes UTIs.
Frankincense oil:
Frankincense essential oil has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial qualities. One study showed that Frankincense oil was effective in treating E. coli (the most common cause of UTIs).
Use essential oils to treat UTIs:
Essential oils can be used in several ways to treat a UTI.
A few drops of essential oils can be added to warm water, and soaked in the water for 20 minutes. Inhale the aromas by adding a few drops to a diffuser. A cotton ball or cloth can be used to apply diluted essential oils directly to the areas around your bladder (abdomen/back, or thighs).
What to Avoid
You should not consume alcohol while you use this method, as it can dry out your skin. Before applying essential oils to your bladder, make sure you do a patch test. If you feel any irritation, stop using essential oils. You should consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant before you use this method.
Conclusion
We want to end by saying that essential oils are safe and effective for treating a UTI if used correctly. Make sure you follow these instructions and consult with your doctor before taking any risks.