Urinary tract infection is an extremely common disease, particularly among women. According to the CFPC (College of Family Physicians of Canada), 1 in 2 women are affected by this pathology during their lifetime. But what is a urinary infection and, above all, how to soothe its symptoms naturally? Homeopathy is recommended for women's health and helps reduce or even avoid urinary infections.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A “urinary tract infection” is an infection that affects one or more parts of the urinary system, namely the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys. We can distinguish 3 types of urinary infections:
- Infectious cystitis : this is the most common urinary infection. Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and urethra caused primarily by the intestinal bacteria Escherichia Coli, or E coli. This bacteria, naturally present in the intestine, goes up into the bladder, clings to the walls and causes infection.
- Infectious urethritis: This infection is an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) caused by bacteria. The infection then only affects the urethra, and not the rest of the urinary system.
- Pyelonephritis : this condition is more serious than the previous two and consists of inflammation of the kidneys by a bacteria, generally E coli. It can be the result of untreated or poorly treated cystitis.
Here we will focus on the most common urinary infection: cystitis. This occurs almost exclusively in women. Indeed, in women, the urethra, the conduit which connects the urinary meatus to the bladder, is much shorter than in men. Additionally, the anus is closer to the urinary meatus. These 2 factors facilitate the spread of bacteria from the rectum to the bladder.
The causes of cystitis in women are multiple:
- Anatomy, quite simply, as we have just seen
- Improper method of wiping after going to the toilet (from back to front) which promotes the transport of bacteria
- Sexual relations, which can contribute to the rise of bacteria in the urethra
- The use of a diaphragm for contraception, which puts pressure on the urethra
- Low frequency of urination, which contributes to the storage of bacteria in the bladder
- Pregnancy, because the baby presses on the bladder and hinders urination
- Using tampons during your period
- Prolonged sitting
- Underwear and clothes that are too tight
As for the symptoms , they are easily recognizable:
- Burning when urinating (burning sensation when urinating)
- Frequent need to urinate, even a few drops
- Urgent need to urinate
- Dark, cloudy urine, sometimes containing blood or smelly
- Pain in the lower abdomen
If these symptoms appear, a simple urine test with strips to be performed at home or at your doctor's office will confirm the diagnosis.
4 natural remedies to soothe a urinary infection
Cystitis should never be taken lightly. If the infection can be easily treated in its early stages with a dose of antibiotic, it becomes much more complicated to treat if it affects the kidneys and can lead to hospitalization. If in doubt, consult your doctor immediately and follow the recommended treatment.
Along with the treatment prescribed by your doctor, natural remedies can help soothe symptoms and promote healing.
We have selected for you 4 Homeocan remedies perfectly adapted to overcome a urinary infection, simply and naturally:
- Essencia Tea Tree Essential Oil : This Essential Oil is antibacterial, which makes it a great ally in your fight against cystitis! To use it, dilute it to 5% concentration in a vegetable oil (for example 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil for 95 drops of vegetable oil) then massage your lower stomach with this natural remedy, 3 times a day.
- Cystitis H6 Homeocan Professional : This Homeopathic remedy helps relieve the symptoms of urinary infection. It contains in particular Juniper, which stimulates the elimination of urine, and Mercurius corrosivus, a painkiller. This homeopathic remedy is used orally, at a rate of 15 drops, 3 times a day.
- The Clay Clay Range : Clay acts as a local painkiller. To benefit from its benefits, apply a 2 cm thick green clay poultice to your lower stomach and leave for a few minutes. Repeat several times a day.
- Cranberry extract PhytoCaps : Cranberry is a small fruit used since the 19th Century to soothe and prevent urinary infections. Indeed, it contains PAC (Proanthocyanidols) which have a very useful property against cystitis: they are non-adhesive, that is to say they prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder and the urethra. Using this remedy is simple, you just need to take 2 capsules with a glass of water, 1 to 2 times a day.
Our simple tips for preventing a urinary infection
Many women are affected by recurrent cystitis, which appears more than 4 times a year. Whether this is your case, or you simply want to put all the chances on your side to avoid a urinary infection, here are some simple tips to apply on a daily basis:
- Use a mild soap suitable for intimate cleansing
- Urinate after each sexual intercourse to eliminate bacteria
- Drink at least 2 liters of water every day
- Do not hold back urinating for long
- Restore or maintain healthy intestinal and vaginal flora thanks to probiotics
- Use cotton underwear and avoid pants that are too tight
- Use homeopathic products
- Regularly consume herbal teas known for their diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, such as Orthosiphon, Juniper or Echinacea.
Homeocan Natural and Homeopathic Remedies as Aromatherapy helps soothe the symptoms of urinary infections . Combined with the treatment prescribed by your doctor and the simple advice given in this article, they will help you forget about these infections and get back in shape!