Ayurveda for urinary tract infection, Cause, symptoms, and treatment
What is UTI (urinary tract infection)?
The urinary system which includes kidneys, bladder, ureter, and urethra plays a significant role in filtering and eliminating the liquid waste from the body. Like any other system, the urinary symptoms are susceptible to infection from microbes that are too small to be seen, When it affects the lower urinary tract it is called cystitis, and when it affects the upper urinary tract, it's known as pyelonephritis
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and miserable. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.
Ayurveda and UTI
According to Ayurveda, urinary infections are classified under mootra vaha srotho rogas.
Mootra krichra is the term used to define the condition of dysuria (Difficulty in passing urine).
Ayurveda explains Mutrakrichra happens due to vitiated doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) entering the urinary bladder and causing constriction, obstruction, and irritation in the Mutramarga (urinary passage) and causing difficulty in urination. This condition is termed Mutrakrichra and can be addressed with ayurvedic treatment for UTI.
Depending on the doshas that are vitiated, different types of mutrakrchra (dysuria) is explained: –
· Vataja Mutrakrchra – vitiated dosha is vata.
· Pittaja Mutrakrchra – vitiated dosha is pitta.
· Kaphaja Mutrakrchra – vitiated dosha is kapha.
· Sannipataja Mutrakrchra – all 3 doshas are vitiated.
· Shalyabhighataja Mutrakrchra – caused when the urinary tract gets injured by a foreign body – internally or externally – causes severe pain during urination.
· Shakrut Vighaataja Mutrakrcha – causes when the urge to defecate is controlled
· Ashmarijanya Mutrakrachra – caused due to urinary calculi, and often managed through ayurvedic treatment for UTI.
· Shukraja mutrakrchra – due to abnormalities with ejaculation of semen, a condition that may benefit from ayurvedic medicine for UTI.
There is also an involvement of Apana vata according to Ayurveda in many urinary disorders Hence therapies that normalize the Apana vata are also opted for treatment for UTI.
Symptoms of UTI
Since Urinary Tract Infections is a broad term, the symptoms are different for different affected organs present in the urinary system.
Depends upon the area of infection: –
Upper Urinary Tract Infection
· Common symptoms are: –
· Pain and tenderness in the middle and lower back and also on the flanks
· Fever with chills
· Nausea and vomiting.
Lower Urinary Tract Infections
· Common symptoms include: –
· Increased frequency of urination and feeling of incomplete evacuation.
· Increased urgency for urinary symptoms of urinary tract infections.
· Pain, Burning sensation, blood, or discomfort while passing urine.
· Color change of urine – it can be cloudy, bright yellow, bloody, or can resemble tea or cola, indicating symptoms of urinary tract infections.
· Urine has a strong odor, a common symptom of urinary tract infections.
· Pain – lower abdomen and pelvic pain in women and rectal pain in men.
· Extreme fatigue and headache due to dehydration
Women are more prone to UTIs than men because of the unique features of female anatomy.
Shorter Urethra – Females have a shorter urethra compared to men and the urethra is placed close to both vagina and anus. Bacteria occur around the anus and vagina naturally and hence is easy to get infected.
Menopause – With menopause, the estrogen levels in the body decrease, and along with there can be changes in vaginal pain and bacteria – hence the chances of UTI increases.
Causes of UTI
The vast majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), usually found in the digestive system
The condition may also worsen if the person is already suffering from kidney stones and if there is an enlarged prostate.
As per Ayurveda, The imbalance within ‘Pitta Dosha’ results in these infections. Nidana parivarjana is the primary choice of treatment. The causative factors would be
Less intake of water
Consumption of too hot, sour, or spicy foods.
Tobacco and Alcohol usage.
Suppressing the natural call. (Vega Dharana)
The habit of retaining urine in the bladder for a longer duration.
Overexposure to sunlight.
Stress
Excessive intake of meat (of marsh animals) and fish
Irregular and yet frequent intake of food before the previous meal is digested can exacerbate symptoms of urinary tract infections.
Regularly riding on the back of fast-moving animals/vehicles
Risk factors influencing UTI
Over 50 percent of all women will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime, with 20 to 30 percent experiencing recurrent UTIs because of the female anatomy, as women have a shorter urethra than men which shortens the distance for the bacteria to reach the bladder.
Also, certain birth control methods and the decline of estrogen hormone after menopause increase the risk of infections.
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
If your doctor suspects you have UTI, she/he will advise you on the following tests for an accurate diagnosis: –
· Urine routine Analysis – For WBC, RBC, or pus cells in urine.
· Urine culture – For the causative microbe.
· CT or MRI – In case of repeated UTIs or suspect structural problems in the urinary tract.
· Cystoscopy – In case of recurrent UTIs.
Ayurvedic Management for Urinary Tract Infections
This process of detailed history recording and clinical examination- which includes the classical Srotha-dusti pariksha – is needed for an accurate understanding of the Dosha of the individual and it helps for an accurate medical management
Ayurvedic Herbs to Treat UTIs
Ayurvedic formulations and herbs make the treatment an effective one as it preserves normal pH which reduces the bacterial load. Few herbs like
Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris): This herb has important in treating UTIs as it helps in reducing inflammation due to its diuretic properties
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): Since it is diuretic and anti-inflammatory it reduces the urea and creatinine levels in the blood. Additionally, it also helps to relieve kidney stones.
Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): As it has diuretic properties it increases the production of urine in the body. It also reduces benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Brihathi – is a diuretic and can increase the urine production
Bhadra – It is mostly used in urinary calculi cases due to its diuretic property
Trina panchamoola like kusa, kasa,darbha ,gundra and itkata moola helsp as diuretic
Panchakarma in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
The holistic treatment eliminates toxins and purifies the body, mind, and consciousness. The possible ayurvedic treatments are
Snehana: This is one of poorva karma of panchakarma which is widely used in UTI. This can therapeutically help in herbs effectively transported to different tissues of the urinary tract and help in helping the bladder control, especially in cases of post hysterectomy.
Swedana: The process of fomentation helps in eliminating the toxins and restoring cell metabolism
Virechana: Therapeutically purgation cleanses the body a complete emptying of the digestive tract resulting in clearing the blockages.
Basti: It is the process of medicated enema that purifies the urinary tract and also maintains the pH and neurological control of the urinary bladder.
Uttara Basti: A procedure of urethral douching which helps in cases of chronic UTI
Diet & Lifestyle Advice to follow
Avoid intake of hot, oily, spicy, sour, salty, and bitter foods as part of home remedies for UTI management.
Increase intake of liquids in the form of water, juices, coconut water, and other cooling drinks.
Increase intake of pitta-pacifying herbs like green cardamom, cumin coriander, red sandalwood, licorice root, etc.
Avoid exposure to the sun or in a hot atmosphere
Consume seasonal fruits such as apples, grapes, peaches, berries, pomegranates, figs, and plums in abundant quantities as part of home remedies for UTIs.
Use of cinnamon in cooking and tea as it has an antibacterial effect, serving as one of the effective home remedies for UTIs.
Coriander drink will nourish and cool the urinary tract and accordingly flush out the toxins.
Include cucumbers in your diet as they are highly rich in water content.
Lifestyle
One must be careful with personal hygiene, vaginal cleaning should be done properly
Loose-fitting clothes are advised
Use dry clothes after the bath.
During menstrual periods, women should practice good personal hygiene practices.
Do not hold the urge to urinate as it retains toxins in your system.
Some options of common samanoushadhis are
· Brihatyadi Kashayam
· Goksuradi Kashayam
· Punarnavadi kashayam
· Punarnasvasavam
· Chandraprabha gulika
· Drakshadi kashayam
· Chandanasavam, an ayurvedic herbal remedy often prescribed for UTI treatment.
· Guduchyadi kashayam
Yoga asanas advised in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Yoga asana strengthens the urinary system, pelvic floor muscle and the urinary system including:
· Gomukhasan (cow face pose)
· Uttanapadasana (raised leg pose)
· Viparitakarani (legs up the wall pose)
· Pawanamuktasana (wind relieving pose)
· Ardha matsendragana (half spinal twist pose)
· Suryanamaskar
· Trikonasana (Triangle pose) is often recommended as part of ayurvedic treatment for UTI, thanks to its ability to potentially improve urinary tract health.
Can you fully recover from a UTI?
Yes, you can fully recover from UTI provided you take appropriate treatment in the right time
Can a UTI be lifelong?
No, it won’t be if you intervene with proper medical attention at the right time
How can I increase my urine flow in Ayurveda?
There are several herbal remedies that offer potential benefits to increase urine flow. In ancient texts of ayurveda (Brihatrayees) are are different ganas and vargas of herbs explained which are diuretic in nature.
By taking appropriate measures and following a perfectly hydrated lifestyle we can keep the optimum urine output
Yes, you can
Which Ayurvedic medicine is best for recurrent urinary tract infections?
You can incorporate draksha, punarnava, goksura and all gourd varieties of vegetables to prevent recurrent UTI
Which dosha causes frequent urination?
It’s the imbalance of pitta which causes Recurrent UTI
Can UTI be cured with yoga?
Yes you do, provided you take proper lifestyle advice
What is Ayurveda Punarnavasava used for?
It’s an Ayurvedic fermented liquid formulation(Asava) that is widely used in recurrent urinary infections in Ayurveda.
Did you know that urinary tract infections are more common in women than men because they have a shorter urethra?
Yes. In women, the urethra is closely located to the anal opening in which bacteria can be lodged easily. Unless they follow proper hygiene, they are more prone to get the infection
How can I relieve urine infection pain at home?
You can hydrate yourselves
You can take water infused with coriander seeds
You can take raw juices of gourd veggies like ash gourd, ridge gourd, cucumber, etc.
Is Panchakarma necessary for UTI?
For chronic cases of UTI, panchakarma do offer a possible cure
What aggravates UTI?
It’s mainly the hot and spicy foods and lack of hydration that become the prime reason to aggravate UTIs.
Why is UTI pain worse at night?
It could be due to decreased urinary output at night timings you feel excruciating pain at night.
Will Suppressing Urine cause UTI?
Suppression of urine can definitely cause UTI for a few reasons like increased bacterial accumulation, increased heat, and accumulation of toxins and pressure in the bladder