UTIs are a common type of infection that happen when bacteria infects the urinary tract. Symptoms can include burning while urinating and needing to go more often. Women are more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter and can be infected more easily. Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs include having diabetes, bowel incontinence, kidney stones, being immobile, not drinking enough fluids, and being pregnant.
According to Ayurveda, a type of traditional Indian medicine, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by an imbalance of the Pitta dosha, which represents heat or fire. A diet and lifestyle that increases Pitta is often the cause of a UTI. Increased intake of sour, salty, bitter, oily, spicy and fried foods and tea, coffee and alcohol beverages aggravate Pitta. Working in the sun or hot weather and excessive physical exertion also aggravates the condition. Increased Pitta can lead to the production of heating toxins in the body, which can accumulate in the urinary channels and disrupt the body's ability to fight infection. This can lead to bacterial growth and UTIs. While conventional drugs may target the bacteria, they may not address the underlying imbalance, which can cause the infection to recur. Ayurvedic medicine aims to restore balance to the urinary system and alleviate heating toxins for long-term relief from UTIs.
To prevent and treat UTIs, Ayurveda recommends a combination of dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. Some of the key Ayurvedic remedies for UTI include:
1. Increase the intake of liquids in the form of water, coconut water and other cooling drinks
2. Stay away from working in areas with intense heat, including the sun and places with high temperatures, such as near boilers or furnaces.
3. Consume more herbs that help balance Pitta, such as green cardamom, coriander, red sandalwood, and licorice root.
4. Take cold water baths 2-3 times a day and add 1/2 teaspoon of powdered red sandalwood to the water.
5. Avoid intake of hot, oily, spicy, sour, salty, and bitter foods
6. Home remedy: mix 3 tablespoons of powdered coriander seeds and 1 tablespoon of powdered rock candy (or refined sugar) in a container, preferably an earthen pot, containing 3 cups of water. Allow it to sit overnight. In the morning, mix the solution well and drink 1 cup of it 3 times a day. This is a very effective remedy for balancing Pitta in the urinary tract.
It is important to note that UTIs can be a serious medical condition and it's always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.
Overall, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to treating and preventing UTIs by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body and promoting overall health and wellness. By incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your daily routine, you can help to keep your urinary tract healthy and reduce your risk of infections.
