Urinary tract infection or UTI refers to an infection in any part of the urinary tract comprising the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. It causes inflammation in the urinary tract and symptoms such as painful urination, burning in urethra, increased frequency, urgency, and abnormal urine.
Most infections involve the lower urinary tract – the bladder and the urethra, termed cystitis and urethritis, respectively. Women are more prone to UTI than men.
Natural and Gentle Homoeopathic Approach to Urinary Tract Infection
Homeopathy gives good results in treating cases of UTI as homeopathic medicines are safe, natural, gentle and very effective. They bring quick relief in symptoms such as pain, burning while urination, frequent and urgent urination.
Homeopathic medicines stimulate the body’s innate healing mechanism to fight the infectious agent which is causing UTI and throws it out from the body. To boost this mechanism, homeopathy uses very small amounts of highly diluted medicines procured from natural sources. This way it aids excellent natural cure with no side effects.
Homeopathic medicines are highly recommended for mild to moderate cases of UTI. However, in severe cases and cases where kidneys are involved, urgent help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken.
Individualized Selection of Homoeopathic Medicine
Homeopathy is a symptom-based science. Among a wide range of homeopathic medicines available to treat recurrent UTI, the most appropriate one is selected after a thorough assessment of the detailed symptoms of the individual. Then its potency, dose, and repetition is decided as per homeopathic principles. In this way, effective cure happens with correctly selected medicine.
Homoeopathy for Acute, Chronic, and Recurrent UTI
Homeopathic medicines work wonderfully well in urinary tract infections, whether acute or chronic and recurrent types. Homeopathic treatment gradually reduces the frequency
and intensity of recurrent UTI episodes remarkably. It also helps to reduce chances of any complications. With proper homeopathic treatment, the need for frequent antibiotic use can be highly minimized.
Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines For Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
The 10 best homeopathic medicines that are highly effective to treat urinary tract infection are Cantharis Vesicatoria, Apis Mellifica, Sarsaparilla Officinalis, Nitric acid, Sepia Officinalis, Terebinthinae Oleum, Staphysagria, Colibacillinum, Berberis Vulgaris and Mercurius Corrosivus.
1. Cantharis Vesicatoria – For UTI with Extreme Pain / Burning Before, During and After Urination
Cantharis Vesicatoria is among the main medicines that treats urinary tract infection. The key symptoms to look out for while prescribing Cantharis Vesicatoria is severe pain or burning sensation before, during or after passing urine. There is a constant urge to urinate. Cantharis Vesicatoria is very effective for UTI cases with scanty urine or urine passed in drops. At times, blood in the urine can also be observed.
When to use Cantharis Vesicatoria?
The key feature to administered this medicine is pain/burning sensation — before, during and after passing urine, along with frequent urge to pass urine.
How to use Cantharis Vesicatoria?
Cantharis is best administered in 30C potency. It can be repeated twice a day.
2. Apis Mellifica – For UTI with Severe Burning, Stinging While Passing Urine
Apis Mellifica is the next best medicine for urinary tract infection. The person who needs this medicine will complain of burning or stinging pain while passing urine, especially last when last few drops of urine cause intense burning. There is also bladder tenesmus (sensation of incomplete bladder emptying even when there is no urine left behind in the bladder). Urine is scanty and shows the presence of casts. In some cases, one may find traces of blood in urine.
When to use Apis Mellifica?
It can be administered when there is stinging and burning sensation while passing urine mainly at the time of passing last few drops of urine.
How to use Apis Mellifica?
It can be administered in 30C potency and can only be repeated two times daily.
It is also used in 200C but in order to do so, one should carefully look for the symptoms and not repeat it frequently.
3. Sarsaparilla Officinalis – For UTI with Intense Burning Towards The End Of Urination
Sarsaparilla Officinalis is the best medicine to treat cases of UTI if intense burning is felt after a patient has finished urination. Other accompanying characteristics for the use of this medicine are – scanty urine, urine with pus and blood, and pain in the urethra extending to the abdomen. The bladder is distended and tender, with tenesmus.
When to use Sarsaparilla Officinalis?
The key symptom for the use of Sarsaparilla Officinalis is unbearable pain after passing the urine.
How to use Sarsaparilla Officinalis?
It is mainly administered in 30C potency that can be repeated depending on the intensity of the symptoms but not more than thrice a day.
4. Nitric Acid – For UTI with Burning Sensation While Passing Urine With Foul Smell
Nitric Acid is one of the most effective remedies for urinary tract infection and the symptoms mainly include burning sensation while passing the urine. Urine smells foul like horse’s urine. The passing of urine is scanty, cloudy, dark or bloody. Other accompanying factors are frequent and profuse urination related to old prostate gland changes.
When to use Nitric Acid?
This remedy is best administered to patients who have foul smelling urine passed with burning and stinging pain.
How to use Nitric Acid?
It works well in low potency i.e. 30C, and is normally administered one to two times daily.
Higher potencies are not to be administered until a homeopath’s advice is sought.
5. Sepia Officinalis – For UTI In Women
Sepia Officinalis is believed to be among the most wonderful medicines for treating urinary tract infection among women. Sepia is prescribed if cutting pain is felt in the bladder and there is a feeling of the pubic area getting pushed down. The urinary stream becomes weak and the urine smells foul. Sepia is also very useful in cases of chronic cystitis (bladder inflammation). It is also recognized as the best medicine for UTI cases among women going through menopause.
When to use Sepia Officinalis?
Sepia Officinalis is administered for Urinary Tract Infection among women to manage symptoms of painful urination with a feeling of pubic area getting pushed down. It works very well if one has chronic bladder inflammation.
How to use Sepia Officinalis?
It gives remarkable results in 30C potency and can be administered once daily.
6. Terebinthinae Oleum – For UTI With Profuse Hematuria And Burning Pain
It is administered a wonderful remedy for urinary tract infections and is prepared from a volatile oil. It produces severe burning and drawing pains in the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. The urine has a characteristic violet-like odour and there are traces of blood (Hematuria), often containing coffee-ground–like sediment. The urine is rich in albumin and blood, while only a few casts are present. Other accompanying factors are spasmodic retention of urine in the bladder.
When to use Terebinthinae Oleum?
The main symptom for the administration of Terebinthinae Oleum is profuse Hematuria with burning, drawing sensation.
How to use Terebinthinae Oleum?
Initiate this medicine from lower potency i.e 30C , once in a day.
Higher potencies, such as 200C, 1M can be administered only under the advice of a homoeopathic physician.
7. Staphysagria – UTI With Burning Before And During Micturition
It is well administered and works wonders in cases of urinary tract infection. There is pain in the urethra after passing urine, as well as feeling of burning sensation in the urethra before and during micturition. It is especially useful if there is presence of cystitis among newly married women and also among bedridden patients. A peculiar sensation is present, as if a drop of urine is continuously rolling along the urinary tract. There is a frequent urge to urinate, with either scanty urine or profuse, watery urine. A constant pressure is felt on the bladder, and there is a sensation that the bladder hasn’t emptied completely despite urinating.
When to use Staphysagria?
It is administered if there is UTI alongside burning pain and a constant sensation as if a drop of urine is rolling in the urinary tract.
How to use Staphysagria?
It can be initiated with lower potency-30C, once daily.
8. Colibacillinum – For Escherichia Coli (E. coli) Positive UTI
For urinary tract infection that tests positive for Escherichia coli bacteria, Colibacillinum is the best medicine. The symptoms to use it include an urge to pass urine often enough, scanty urination and pain while passing the urine. The urine may smell foul. Blood in urine is seen in some cases.
When to use Colibacillinum?
This remedy is specifically administered in UTI cases if there is presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) — positive culture report with symptoms of painful, frequent urination.
How to use Colibacillinum?
It should be administered in 30C potency just once a day. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a qualified homeopath.
9. Berberis Vulgaris – For UTI With Kidney Stones
It works wonders in cases of UTI associated with renal calculi. There is burning sensation felt in the urethra, with a striking sensation as if some urine is in the bladder. The urine contains bright red sediment and mucus. Pain is felt in the thighs and loins during urination. Other accompanying factors include bubbling sensations and soreness in the kidney area.
When to use Berberis Vulgaris?
It is administered for symptoms of UTI along with renal calculi.
How to use Berberis Vulgaris?
It can be initiated with 30C potency, one to two times daily.
It can be used in higher potency– 200C, 1M only after consulting the qualified homoeopath.
It can be ingested in liquid form–3-4 drops in 1/4th glass of water, once daily.
10. Mercurius Corrosivus – For Hot Urine Passed In Drops Alongside Intense Pain
It is a wonderful medicine especially for cases who report hot urine passed in drops with intense pain. There is frequent almost a continuous urge to urinate. Intense burning sensation is also felt in the urethra along the above symptoms.
When to use Mercurius Corrosivus?
It should be administered if the patient reports passing of hot urine in drops with intense pain.
How to use Mercurius Corrosivus?
One may take this medicine once to two times daily in 30 C power.
Note: The above-listed medicines can be taken for 1-2 weeks. If the symptoms do not go away, it is better to consult a homeopath doctor before taking higher potencies (200C, 1M or higher).
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection arises when bacteria gain access to the urinary tract and begin to multiply there. Escherichia coli, commonly known as E.coli, (a type of bacteria commonly found in Gastrointestinal tract, GI) is the most common bacteria infecting the urinary tract. The bacteria mainly enter the urinary tract via the urethra and gut. Other less commonly known bacteria causing UTI are Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella.
Cystitis is mainly caused by Escherichia coli (E coli), 90 % of bladder infections are caused by E coli, however, sometimes other bacteria may also cause infection.
Urethritis: This type of UTI occurs when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also because urethra in females is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, herpes, Chlamydia and mycoplasma can cause urethritis.
Pathophysiology of Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection occurs when pathogenic microorganisms, most commonly bacteria like E. coli, enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. These bacteria stick to the lining of the urinary tract and cause irritation and inflammation. UTI appears in the form of symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and lower abdominal discomfort. If the infection spreads upward to the kidneys, it can cause more severe symptoms like fever and back pain.
Risk factors include:
Suppressed immune system: People who suffer from conditions like diabetes (high blood sugar) are more likely to develop UTIs because their bodies are less capable of fighting infection effectively.
Obstruction in the urinary tract: Prostatitis, or obstruction of the urethra by an enlarged prostate, can cause insufficient bladder emptying in men which raises the risk of infection. Most elderly men experience it.
Usage of Catheter: People who are unable to urinate on their own and use a tube(catheter) to pass urine are at a greater risk of developing UTI.
Risk Factors specific to women
Women are more likely to contract this disease. Risk factors specific to women for UTI are mentioned here:
1. Anatomy of female urethra: The length of urethra is short and its orifice being quite close to the anus in women, makes it easier for the bacteria to spread to the bladder. This leads to higher chances of acquiring a urinary tract infection in women as compared to men.
2. Menopause: After menopause, there is a decline in the circulating oestrogen that causes changes in the urinary tract that makes the females more prone to UTI. In some women, the urinary tract is such that the bacteria easily cling to it and these women are genetically prone to UTIs.
3. Sexual activity: Sexually active women suffer from UTI more times than women who are not sexually active.
4. Birth control agents: Women using diaphragms for birth control and also those using spermicidal agents are at higher risk of UTI.
Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection
Lower UTI Symptoms: It affects the urinary bladder and urethra, the symptoms are:
1. The most typical symptom is burning or pain while urinating.
2. Increased urine frequency without passing much urine.
3. Strong need or urge to urinate but only producing a few drops of urine.
4. Urine has a foul odour and is cloudy.
5. Non-visible or visible haematuria (urine can appear bloody)
6. Pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, and even the pelvic region will typically make you feel the need to urinate more frequently.
Upper UTI Symptoms: It affects kidneys, the symptoms are:
1. Fever and chills
2. Nausea and Vomiting
3. Flank Pain (pain on either side of lower back between pelvis and ribs)
If the bacteria move from the infected kidney to the blood, the condition can be life threatening and is termed as ‘urosepsis’ . This condition can cause extremely low blood pressure, shock and even death.
How to diagnose Urinary Tract Infection?
1. A simple test of routine urine examination is the first step. In this test, a sample of urine is tested in the laboratory. If pus cells are revealed in the urine report, you are suffering from UTI.
2. The next recommended test is urine culture test in which a sample of urine is checked in the lab for growth of any bacteria that might be causing this urinary tract infection.
3. In cases of recurrent UTI, an ultrasound may be recommended to check for any issues in bladder and kidneys.
Complication of Urinary Tract Infection
Untreated cases of UTI can lead to serious complications. The main complications are as follows:
1. Pyelonephritis – Infection spreads to the kidneys causing fever, flank pain, and possible kidney damage
2. Recurrent UTIs – Repeated infections causing chronic urinary tract irritation
3. Renal scarring and impaired kidney function – Long-term damage from persistent infection.
4. Urosepsis – A life-threatening systemic infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
5. Renal calculi –Chronic/recurrent UTI can also lead to formation of calculi in the urinary tract
Management and prevention of Urinary Tract Infection
Effective management and prevention of urinary tract infection requires a holistic approach combining hydration, hygiene, lifestyle, diet, and medical care.
Maintaining proper personal hygiene, such as cleaning the genital area regularly and wiping from front to back helps prevent bacterial entry.
Drinking plenty of water promotes frequent urination, flushing out bacteria before they can multiply.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and natural antioxidants supports immunity, while limiting sugar and processed foods reduces bacterial growth.
Regular urination and emptying the bladder after sexual activity prevent stagnation of urine. Avoiding irritants such as harsh soaps, perfumed products, and tight synthetic clothing can protect the urinary tract. For recurrent or severe infections, timely medical evaluation is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can holding urine too long cause a UTI?
Yes. Holding back urine gives bacteria more time to multiply in the bladder, increasing the risk of infection.
2. Are homoeopathic medicines effective for UTI?
Yes. Homoeopathy offers safe, natural remedies that gradually relieve symptoms and help prevent recurrence when prescribed individually.
3. Can UTI go away on its own?
Mild UTIs sometimes improve naturally, but untreated infections can spread to kidneys and cause serious complications.
4. Why are women more prone to UTIs than men?
Women have a shorter urethra and a urethral opening close to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Hormonal changes and sexual activity can also increase the risk.
5. How is a homoeopathic medicine selected for UTI?
Homoeopathic medicine is selected based on individual symptoms, severity, and overall symptoms of the patient. Each remedy is individualized to target both the infection and the patient’s overall well-being, making the treatment safe and natural.
6. Do I need antibiotics along with homoeopathy for UTI?
Mild UTIs may be managed with homoeopathy alone, but severe infections or kidney involvement may require antibiotics; homoeopathy can be used simultaneously for symptom relief and prevention.
7. Can homoeopathy prevent recurrent UTIs?
Yes. Individualized homoeopathic remedies can strengthen urinary tract defences and reduce the frequency of recurrent infections.
8. When should I consult a doctor urgently for a UTI?
One should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms – High fever, chills, or body aches, severe pain in the lower back or sides (flank pain), blood in urine or very dark/cloudy urine, persistent vomiting or nausea.
9. Are UTIs more common in older adults?
Yes, age-related changes in the urinary tract and weaker immunity increase UTI risk in older adults.
10. Can menopause increase UTI risk?
Yes, menopause can cause natural decline in oestrogen levels. The lower oestrogen levels can change the urinary tract environment, making infections more likely.