How many times has it been that the moment you mention one unusual body symptom in a casual conversation, you’re suddenly presented with an age-old home remedy that has been around since generations?
Always makes you wonder - what about the scientific validity of such claims?
One very common doubt is about turmeric benefits for UTI and we hear you! We did the research and here’s what we found.
1. Understanding Urinary tract Infection
The urinary tract consists of kidneys, ureteres, urethra and bladder (in women) along with prostate (in men). It all works together as the body’s excretory system.
UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria (such as E. Coli) enter any part of this tract or system.
Although UTIs can happen to anyone but these are more common in women as compared to men (1) due to the anatomical reasons.
Image credit: connersclinic.com
If you’re curious to learn more about UTI and its symptoms, an article about Complicated UTI Symptoms might be helpful.
2. UTI Symptoms And Common Causes
Some common symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs can be:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Incontinence
- Burning sensation while urination
- Abdominal pain or fever
- Cloudy/dark, strange-smelling urine
According to the recent studies, some of the causes behind UTIs are frequent intercourse, having history of UTI in family, reaching the menopausal phase, baldder stones, holding pee for too long or unhygenic urinary habits. (2)
If we’re digging into the causes of UTI, one might doubt if anxiety can be a reason too.
3. Home Remedies To Cure UTIs: Are They Effective?
In most cases, UTIs can be cured using simple and easy home remedies. However, if the problem persists or starts getting worse, you should immediately seek medical help.
Here are some of the remedies that one can try:
- Increase fluid intake and pee often
- Drink more cranberry juice
- Baking soda to ease the symptoms
- Add more probiotics in your diet, promote healthy bacteria in your gut!
- Boost your Vitamin C by eating more citrus fruits
- Include Lemon and ginger tea in your mornings
You may also try parsley tea, corn silk tea or hibiscus tea.
The treasure of natural cures for UTI is endless. Dive into this and read: Natural Remedies for UTI
4. Turmeric and UTI: Five Health benefits
Who hasn’t heard of the home remedies that don't include turmeric in it?
Various studies have proven the turmeric benefits for UTI because of its various medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-supportive. (3)
Image credit: HealthLine
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Antimicrobial action
Think of it as a war between the unhealthy bacteria causing infections in the urinary tract and turmeric with its antibacterial properties fighting against it.
Turmeric includes several antiviral and anti-fungal properties as well which saves the body from these pathogenic attacks.
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Reducing inflammation
The pain and inflammation during UTIs is the toughest part to deal with. Turmeric has been found to be effective against the inflammation causing agents in the body and provide quick relief.
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Preventing the recurrence of UTI
One of the major causes of UTIs is the history of these infections in the body which makes an individual prone to develop them again.
It has been recommended to use turmeric for UTI cure and prevention from its recurrence.
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Enhancing immunity
Turmeric has the power to enhance and empower the immune system of the body which acts as a defence against any such infections and diseases.
Prevention is always safer than cure and a healthy immune system can always help.
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Healing is important
In some cases, the upper tract infection of UTI can lead to the damage in the kidneys. However, consumption of turmeric can help in preventing or healing kidney damage.
5. Is Turmeric Tea Good For UTI?
Image credit: cathydrug.com
Turmeric is a safe dietary product and you can add it to your food while cooking and salad dressings, however, its consumption should be avoided with an empty stomach.
One of the most effective ways of turmeric consumption is making it into tea. If you are wondering how to take turmeric tea for UTI, you can follow a very simple process given below:
- Put some water to heat and wait until it turns lukewarm
- Add a teaspoon of turmeric into the water
- Mix and stir it well to consume it before the turmeric starts to settle down in the cup.
6. How To Use Turmeric For UTI? What Are The Other Options
Among the other turmeric recipes for UTI are some of the interesting variants of turmeric tea.
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Iced turmeric orange tea
Add some orange juice, honey and a teaspoon of turmeric in cold water and enjoy this refreshing and healthy sip of your drink.
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Fruit infused turmeric tea
Boost the nutrient profile of your turmeric tea and add some strawberries, cranberries, mint leaves to savour it on a hot day.
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Ginger turmeric tea
This one is for the colder days of the year.
Add some ginger, turmeric, orange and lemon juice along with echinacea in some warm water for the most comforting combination.
If you’re looking for more variations of teas to cure UTI besides the one with turmeric, we’ve got you covered.
Also you may like to read: Tea for UTI
7. Other Ways To Treat UTI
- Pelvic floor exercise. Exercise is the best technique to strengthen pelvic muscles that have been stretched or weakened owing to a variety of factors such as pregnancy, surgery, and so on.
- Practice good sexual hygeine.
It is always recommended to pee after sex and get rid of all the dirty bacteria right away.
Using condoms and enough lube during penetrative intercourse is a smart way to prevent UTIs from reappearing. - Urinate when the need arises. It is the body's most natural way of eliminating pathogens from the system.
- Try some natural supplements such as cranberry juiceor garlic extract according to the need.
RECOMMENDED READING: Cranberry juice for Male UTI
8. Don’t Forget To See A Doctor
Image credit: SteadyHealth
It Is always good to remember that while “natural” remedies and prevention methods are good ways to deal with UTIs.
It is also necessary to understand that one should not wait until the symptoms get worse before they seek medical help.
Finally, it is important to make sure to get it checked if you are someone who is having recurring and mild UTI symptoms despite taking all the precautions.
9. The Final Words
Using turmeric tea for UTI prevention and cure have been proven to be one of the safest and most effective ways.
With some basic precautions like dosage and timings of its consumption, you can never go wrong with turmeric, especially with its extraordinary medicinal powers.
