Over the Counter Treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as an anti-inflammatory or aspirin, can help alleviate the pain associated with a UTI. A heating pad can also be placed on your abdomen. Applying castor oil directly on the skin near the painful area, then covering the area with a soft cloth and a hot water bottle for half an hour to an hour, can be used as a non-medicinal anti-inflammatory. If you are experiencing a swelling or burning sensation, a hot sitz bath can also be helpful.
- It is very important to drink lots of water to help get rid of the bacteria. Drinking 100 percent cranberry or blueberry juice is also effective in disinfecting an eruption. It is recommended you drink at least 16 ounces of naturally sweetened juice daily until your UTI has cleared.
- Herbal treatments are usually safe and cause minor, if any, side effects when taken as prescribed. It is recommended you consult with a natural health practitioner or holistic medical doctor prior to beginning an herbal treatment in order to receive the proper dosage. It is very important that you do not take more of the recommended dosage, as overdosing on herbs can cause serious side effects or can be fatal.
The following herbs may be taken in the form of tea 3 to 4 times daily, along with 2 to 3 liters of water:
Uva Ursi
Cleavers
Buchu
Goldenseal Root
Marshmallow Root
Cornsilk
Usnea Lichen
Horsetail - If you suspect that you may have a UTI or are experiencing any uncommon abdominal pain, it is very important that you see your health care provider. Since a UTI is an infection, proper treatment calls for antibiotics, which can only be prescribed by a certified medical practitioner.
- Not receiving antibiotics and proper treatment for a UTI, as well as a confirmed diagnosis, can lead to other infections and prevent detection of other serious conditions, such as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Since some STDs, such as Chlamydia, can cause UTIs, it is important that other diseases are eliminated in order to receive proper treatment for your condition.
