Now a days, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has become the second most common type of infection and it is one of the most serious health problems affecting millions of people each year. It involves the infection in the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Women are especially prone to UTIs. It is a microbial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract. Normally, urine is sterile and is free from microbes.
The main cause of Urinary Tract Infections in 90% of the uncomplicated cases in the infection due to bacteria Escherichia coli, which live in the bowel (colon) and around the anus. The infection spreads when bacteria get into the bladder and begin to grow.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION?
It is not necessary that urinary tract infection always causes infections but when they do, they may include the symptoms such as:
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Strong and persistent urge to urinate
- Cloudy appearance of urine
- Pelvic pain in women, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.
- Fever
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION?
The urinary system is designed to keep out the microscopic invaders but sometimes these defenses fail. It occurs when the bacteria enter the urinary tract and start multiplying in the bladder.
The most common UTIs that occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra are:
1. Cystitis (Infection of the bladder)
This is one of the most common types of UTIs which is caused by bacteria Escherichia coli and commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Other bacteria are also responsible.
2. Urethritis (Infection of the Urethra)
It occurs when the bacteria present in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract spread from anus to urethra.
DIAGNOSIS
Certain tests and procedures that are used to diagnose Urinary Tract Infections include:
- A routine urine examination: Urine examination is done to look for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells and bacteria.
- Urine Culture Test: The laboratory analysis of urine can be followed by a urine culture. This test is done to analyze what bacteria are causing infection.
TREATMENT
In modern medicine, the prescription of antibiotics is the first line of treatment.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is defined as Mutrakriccha in Ayurveda. Urinary Tract Infection though is difficult to manage but Ayurvedic internal medicines can be a good option for its management. Although modern medical system has many modern drugs but there are cases where patients suffer from the lack of desired results.
MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
The line of Ayurvedic treatment is mainly based on Dosha Chikitsa. This disease involves the vitiation of mainly Pitta dosha along with the involvement of Vata dosha.
PLANET AYURVEDA OFFERS HERBAL REMEDIES WHICH INCLUDE
Herbal remedies of UTI by Planet Ayurveda are alkaline in nature, work on Mutravaha srotas and have Vatapittshamak properties. These herbal remedies have Tikta and Madhur rasa, so these act as both Pitta and Vata pacifying in nature. Therefore, these remedies work on the root cause, have Daha shamak (pacifies burning sensation) property, reduce inflammation, make urine alkaline by reducing pH, sooth the epithelium of urinary tract.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS INCLUDE
- Punarnava Capsules
- Mutrakrichantak Churna
- Varunadi Vati
UTI Care Pack
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Punarnava Capsules
Punarnava Capsules by Planet Ayurveda contain the standardized extract of the herb Boerhavia diffusa. It is considered among the group of anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs and well known for diuretic and swelling reducing properties. The herb has cold potency and is mainly Pitta pacifying in nature. Therefore, these capsules work effectively in reducing the inflammation of urinary system.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
2. Mutrakrichantak Churna
Planet Ayurveda's Mutrakrichantak Churna is a mixture of dried extracts of various herbs that remove inflammation and infection in a natural way without the use of antibiotics. This churna also relieves painful micturition and acts as an effective remedy for all chronic kidney disorders as well.
Ingredients of Mutrakrichantak Churna are:
Sr. No. | Botanical Name | Common Name | Parts | Quantity |
1. | Crateva nurvala | Varun | Roots | 30 gm |
2. | Boerhavia diffusa | Punarnava | Roots | 30 gm |
3. | Tribulus terrestris | Gokshur | Whole | 30 gm |
4. | Chicorium intybus | Kaasni | Leaves | 30 gm |
5. | Phyllanthus niruri | Bhumi Amla | Whole | 20 gm |
6. | Albezzia lebbok | Shirish | Bark | 20 gm |
7. | Moringa oleifera | Shigru | Bark | 20 gm |
8. | Achyranthes aspera | Apamarg | Fruits/Seeds | 10 gm |
Dose: Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water or boil 1 teaspoonful of powder in 400 ml of water until it remains to 50-60 ml. Filter this preparation and then drink it. Take this mixture once in the morning 45 minutes after breakfast and 45 minutes in the evening after dinner. Make sure to prepare fresh every time.
3. Varunadi Vati
It is a classical Ayurvedic preparation useful in the treatment of all urinary tract disorders. Planet Ayurveda's Varunadi Vati is prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Crateva nurvala. This herb is commonly known as Varuna. It is a famous Ayurvedic diuretic herb which relieves urinary retention and also useful in renal calculi.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE TO MANAGE AND PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION ARE
1. Water
Increase the intake of water as it helps to flush out the bacteria and other liquids such as fresh coconut water should be taken.
2. Buttermilk
Fresh buttermilk should be consumed twice or thrice a day as it helps in expelling the infection and treats inflammation.
Meaning: According to this shloka, takra (fat-less buttermilk) is light to digest, astringent, sour in taste. It improves digestion strength, balances Kapha and Vata dosha, useful in inflammatory conditions, ascites, hemorrhoids, malabsorption syndrome, urine infection, dysuria, anorexia.
3. Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice is very beneficial in burning urination as it is coolant in nature and it has diuretic property as well. It also prevents urinary tract infection.
Reference: Astang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 5, Shlok No. 42
Meaning: In this shloka, the qualities of sugarcane juice are explained. Juice of sugarcane is laxative, heavy to digest, unctuous, nutritive therefore improves weight, increases Kapha dosha and increases urine volume.
AVOID
- Intake of red chilies, junk foods, aerated drinks etc.
- Consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
