This blog post is also a podcast! Click below to listen.
Looking for home remedies to treat your UTI? You’ve come to the right place! Read below to learn about urinary tract infection home remedies and get rid of that burning urine feeling for good! (And stop them from happening in the first place!)
NAFC recently conducted a survey that asked people how they were dealing with urological conditions during the pandemic. A surprising finding was that many of you reported an increase in urinary tract infections. While we don’t know why more frequent UTIs are happening – stress, a decrease in personal grooming, or poor diet choices may all be culprits – we do realize that urinary tract infections can be annoying, painful, and can cause an increase in incontinence or bladder leaks.
Urinary tract infections are caused by foreign bacteria entering into the urine tract, usually from the bowel, and they can happen to both men and women. In fact, about 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. If you’ve ever had one, you will recognize the symptoms immediately: burning urine sensations when you pee, cramping, frequent trips to the bathroom, strong-smelling pee that may appear cloudy or dark, and a feeling of not quite being able to empty your bladder are all hallmark symptoms of UTIs. UTIs are also annoying and frustrating, especially if they happen to you often. And, while the standard treatment for a UTI is pretty commonplace (an antibiotic usually clears it up in a few days), an in-person visit with your doctor to get that diagnosis and antibiotic prescription may not exactly be high on your list of things to do right now.
(Learn more about UTIs and what causes them here.)
While antibiotics are the fastest and most recommended way to treat urinary tract infections, they sometimes don’t work. You may also be wary of taking an antibiotic due to certain risks that accompany that treatment. Luckily, there are some great home remedies for urine infections you can try to treat the condition.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE BEST NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR UTIS YOU CAN TRY RIGHT FROM HOME.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER.
Drinking lots of water, and emptying your bladder when you need to, will help you flush harmful bacteria from your system. You may be hesitant to drink water due to the burning sensation you may have when peeing, but trust us on this – getting in your recommended 8 glasses a day will do you a world of good. You can also incorporate water-based foods – watermelon, oranges, lettuce, soups and broths are all great examples of foods that have high water content. Be sure to drink water throughout the day – if you wait until you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. (Try our tips for drinking more water here.)
TRY DRINKING SOME UNSWEETENED CRANBERRY JUICE.
While the research is a bit unclear, cranberries have been used as a prevention of UTI for generations. Studies have shown that cranberries actually make it harder for the bacteria that cause UTIs to stick to the urinary tract walls. So, while not really a remedy, if you frequently get UTIs, it might be worth drinking a couple of glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice, or snacking on the actual fruit (whole or dried). (Note: the “unsweetened” is key here – consuming juices with added sugars may only make your urinary tract infection worse.)
DON’T “HOLD IT”.
We all get busy, but holding off going to the bathroom gives any bacteria that may already be in your bladder the chance to grow and multiply, potentially resulting in infection (or keeping one that you already have alive and well). Drink lots of water and when you have to go, go. Another good prevention measure – be sure to pee after you’ve had sexual intercourse to wash away any harmful bacteria and prevent it from spreading.
TRY TAKING A PROBIOTIC.
Introducing a probiotic to your system may help to replenish the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that live in the gut. It is thought that probiotics may prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract cells, and may also lower the urine Ph, making it less hospitable to harmful bacteria. And, if you have taken an antibiotic to treat a UTI, taking a probiotic is a great way to build up the healthy bacteria that may have been killed during your course of treatment. Probiotics are found in supplement form (often a capsule), or they occur naturally in some types of food, including certain yogurts, kombucha, or kefir.
EAT GARLIC.
It turns out that garlic doesn’t just ward off vampires. A recent study showed that garlic extract may be effective in reducing the bacteria that cause UTIs.
ADD VITAMIN C TO YOUR DIET.
Not only does vitamin C help strengthen your immune system, but it may also acidify your urine, which limits the growth of some bacteria and may prevent urinary tract infections from occurring. Just be careful of eating too many acidic foods when you have a UTI, as they can potentially irritate your bladder, which may only make your UTI symptoms worse.
AVOID BLADDER-IRRITATING FOODS WHEN YOU HAVE A UTI.
Certain foods are known bladder irritants – citrus or very acidic foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol – these can all irritate the bladder, leading to bladder leaks. And, if you currently have a UTI, they may affect you even more. Try to watch out for these common bladder irritants to prevent further irritation to your bladder and UTI.
WIPE FROM FRONT TO BACK.
This one is more about prevention. Because many UTIs develop from the spread of bacteria from the rectum, it’s important to pay attention to how you wipe both after a bowel movement and after urinating. Always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria to the urethra, and onto the urinary tract.
HOW TO EASE THE PAIN OF A UTI
If you’re experiencing pain due to a urinary tract infection, the following may help ease it until you’re able to treat and get rid of the UTI:
WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
Your goal here is to prevent moisture from accumulating in the pelvic region, which could make your infection worse. Wearing loose clothing, preferably made from cotton or other natural materials will help keep moisture at bay and will help you feel more comfortable.
APPLY HEAT.
Use a heating pad, a warm washcloth, or a hot water bottle to apply heat to your bladder or pelvic area if you’re feeling pain or discomfort there from your UTI. You may also wish to take a warm bath to help relieve any pain and to help your muscles relax.
TAKE AN OTC PAIN RELIEVER
Over-the-counter pain medications can temporarily relieve pain caused by a UTI. Use caution here, and always speak with a doctor first, as some UTIs can turn into kidney infections. In these cases, patients should avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which could make the infection worse.
TRY TAKING A PROBIOTIC.
Introducing a probiotic to your system may help to replenish the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that live in the gut. It is thought that probiotics may prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract cells, and may also lower the urine Ph, making it less hospitable to harmful bacteria. And, if you have taken an antibiotic to treat a UTI, taking a probiotic is a great way to build up the healthy bacteria that may have been killed during your course of treatment. Probiotics are found in supplement form (often a capsule), or they occur naturally in some types of food, including certain yogurts, kombucha, or kefir.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR YOUR UTI
If your symptoms persist beyond a few days with no sign of improvement, or if your infection keeps recurring, it’s best to see a doctor. While many home remedies may ease symptoms if they persist your doctor will be able to determine the cause and prescribe a course of antibiotics that should help take care of your UTI right away and prevent it from leading to a worsening condition or infection.
Have you tried any of the above natural remedies for UTIs, or other home treatments to treat your urinary tract infection? Tell us about them in the comments below!
PS: If you suffer from chronic UTIs, this article is a must-read!
English 
Spanish 
34 Responses
No pain but tingle feeling only at night then urge to urinate. I drink lots. I on steroids due to aih and alipunerol for drug induced gout. Font smoke drink and vegetation. Eat loads of fruit & veg. Checked for uti twice over past 9 months and normal. Just flummoxed
No pain, no odor, no cloudiness in my pee. Only a frustrating urge to sit back on the toilet right after I get off because I feel the need to be relieved, and tingling at the end of my peeing. At times, only a little comes out when it feels like I have a full bladder. Be having to rush to the bathroom because it’s almost impossible to hold it on the way.
No pain, no odor, no cloudiness in my pee. Only a frustrating urge to sit back on the toilet right after I get off because I feel the need to be relieved, and tingling at the end of my peeing. At times, only a little comes out when it feels like I have a full bladder. Be having to rush to the bathroom because it’s almost impossible to hold it on the way.
I thank you for your advice I have been experiencing alot of pain but some of your advices have helped me relieve the pain and I hope for better results
Take cranberry capsules to prevent and if you do get an UTI take it to get relief. Drinking coconut water also provides relief…
I have recurring uti. I have associated it with a connection to my excema outbreaks. This time, I tried a natural remedy and the uti is slowly getting better. I mixed a handful of corriander seeds, a pinch of turmeric, an inch of grated ginger and a few cloves of chopped garlic and boiled it in 4 cups of water, reducing it to 2 on the stove. I cooled it, watered it down and mixed a teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of soda each time, and kept sipping it. I’m glad it worked for me and I didn’t have to take antibiotics like I usually do.
Male 88 years old very fit I have taken many antibiotics but they don’t work the uti seems to go then returns, all over the last 14 months
I even had a drip in hospital and home hospital over 2 weeks
Still experiencing problems
I had a turp operation 11 years ago and the problems are still happening. I do have scar tissue coming away but can’t get out so it cause’s a blockage
There are periods of no problems but it does come back
pain while urinating, no odor, no cloudiness in my pee. and a frustrating urge to sit back on the toilet right after I get off because I feel the need to be relieved, and tingling at the end of my peeing. At times, only a little comes out when it feels like I have a full bladder. Be having to rush to the bathroom because it’s almost impossible to hold it on the way.
I too have the same problems as sen in the above comments I have a urge to set back to toilet right after i pee and it hurts at that point,very little bit of amount comes and it becomes impossible to control it on the way an sometimes it comes out too.
I’m 67 female had UTI’s before but this one is really different. On 3rd day, take cranberry pills and lots of water and lemon juice. Pain is so bad now I can’t sit I have to lay down. Pelvic area has shooting pain every few minutes since yesterday. I’m going to have to go to urgent care this morning cause it’s Sunday! Worst one ever!
Frequent need to urinate m, dark pee and some odor. Burns at the end of the pee and feel like I need to push to release more then nothing comes out. Tingles and hurts too. I don’t like water and have been trying to avoid going to hospital. I had one uti before that ended up me extremely sick throwing up and ended in the hospital. So afraid if I do not find a remedy I will end up that sick again
What causes a bitter pain after urinating…it’s bitter like vinegar
I am 71 and I am a diabetic and have had UTI’s many times. This time am experiencing lower back pain and pain in my left lower abdomen. Clear urine, no odor and slight burning sensation after urinating . I’m drinking Cranberry Juice and lots of water.
I’m an older female. I’m having some itching then urge to urinate and mild pain while urinating. Urine goes back and forth between dark cloudy to almost clear. Looks and smells better when I take vitamin C and drink more water. Its been happening for about three days or so. I don’t like the way antibiotics make me feel. I’ve had irritation similar but not to this degree.
I have uti problem now and usually cannot empty my bladder there is residual urine always in large quantities left doctor has passed catheter and got dilated my urethra but after sometime it is again narrowed because of constant infection want a remedy for it it’s been 33 years I am suffering wth this
I really thanks to this tips, it really help me and save my life. Once Again thank you so much!!
I had no symptoms one time, except sore legs at night. Didn’t think anything of it because I was pregnant. Then the pain in my legs continued during the day. The next day, my whole body hurt. Nothing helped ease the pain and the gp had no idea, but requested blood tests, which, because it was too late, would have to be done the next day. Woke the next day with a fever. I had to go to emergency because I was pregnant. That night I was admitted with sepsis, due to UTI and kidney infection.
Basically, I had no symptoms to link with UTI and would have died with sepsis if I wasn’t pregnant
I have a problem itchiness I was wondering is the secretions so acidic or what’s happening what’s the remedy please ive taken antibiotics but the infections keep coming back for the past 10 years. Please help
Lots of good tips and thanks to Priscilla for the herbal drink recipe I’m determined to beat this,
So I haven’t necessarily been pissing blood but I blood has come out a few time after I’ve finished taking a piss. It happened twice a couple days ago and twice again today. It does kinda hurt to pee too lowk. What’s strange to me is that it’s not consistent so I don’t know how concerned I should be. I don’t know what I should? Help
I don’t have any serious pain after or during urinating..but I experience urine small drops coming not stopping..I always want to visit washrooms.I need help please
77yo male so sick & tired & scared to death of recurring life-threatening UTIs but still trying to research & use natural herbs & supplements as much as possible!!!!
Some of the symptoms mentioned in the comments may not be U.T.I., but rather constipation because if your colon is backed up that will also make you feel like you have to pee again right after you get through going.
Gary, a detox might help you! There are many so you just need to find one that you’re comfortable with & works for your body, but my personal favorite is the lemon water detox. You’ll have to look up the details on how much for yourself.
(Note if you’re going that route: no need to drink as fast as they typically tell you; just drink as fast as you can, (I typically have mine drank within a half hour & it still works just fine), & remember to lay on your side & massage your abdominal area BOTH sides & relax while you w8 on your body to do it’s thing.)
This morning I woke up and my back was in agony. I felt bloated as well. Had to rush to the bathroom most of the day. I’ve put a heating pad on my back and it’s helped for the pain but I have to pee just about every 5 minutes and then there’s hardly anything coming out. By the time I’m out of the bathroom I have to go again. I’ve massaged my bladder to see if that would work, but also not. I don’t drink a lot of liquids for the exact fear of having to pee throughout the night. I don’t drink coffee very often either. It’s a nightmare. You’re constantly scared of wetting the bed if you don’t jump up quick enough. It also doesn’t burn. It’s a constant tingling sensation
I have had a UTI now for a month off & on. My Dr. gave me antibiotics & it went away for a while. Then it can back. I had this before back in September & I got injections of Invanz & it cleared it up. But this time that I went to get the injections I had an allergic reaction to Invanz. I don’t understand that! So I had to quit doing the injections. Now my Dr. said she will see what to do next week, (this is Saturday, my birthday). I don’t know what she is going to give me because I’m allergic to so many antibiotics. And the urologist won’t see me till May 9th, because I’m a new patient. I can’t wait that long! Need help! The burning is coming back again. I think I will try some of these natural treatments. I am praying alot & reading my Bible with verses on healing. Because I have been walking in fear of getting sepsis. So if any of u have something that really works let me know!
Thank you
I will be able to sleep
Vit C really works
Relieved the pain
I so empathise! Struggling with Utis for 5 years. Having to resort to antibiotics now as can’t cope any longer. Have tried many natural remedies but realise my lifestyle also has to change- mo alcohol or sugar, no coffee, and abstaining from physical intimacy until I really get to what’s beneath this. I am dedicating the next 6 months to different natural approaches beyond the usual – d mannose, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, probiotics. Now will also go the route of anti- inflammatory diet, acupuncture, and deep emotional healing. Hoping you find relief and myself too!
I have a home remedy that has worked for me in the past to help it go away without antibiotics.
1. Apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup ( a good shot )
2. Baking soda (a pinch)
Room temperature, mix together. Take shot, follow up with as much water as you can drink comfortably.
3. Water, push as much as you can. Everytime you think about water make a pact to drink some no matter how much. Pee. Pee. Pee..
Take shot every couple of hours if possible, if not, you get the idea. Takes longer than antibiotics but it’s not antibiotics. It’s natural. Repeat until symptoms are gone or at least 2 weeks at the most to be sure.
I’ve been getting UTIs for years and more than an occasional one. I always just went to the doctor I got antibiotics the one I have now I’ve had for like 2 years cuz I haven’t been with the doctor. I however eat cranberry pills everyday vitamin c plus several other multivitamins and probiotics. It’s just not I guess getting into the point where I’m being irritated by it as far as symptoms but I can tell I had I was starting to get one couple years ago. They suck.
Severe pain, attacks my back and make my right leg numb. Tried everything and then realised it was the soap, I was using. I am not sure if I can mention the name, but it is one of the big brands. Always make sure what type of soap you use
I have a problem with itchiness. Like the urine is acidity. Is there a remedy. Why is this happening. Thank you
Hello I have some pain when urinating but it’s not as bad now. This is happening very recently so I have lots of question. I am 60 years old this year & I have a problem drinking liquids mostly not remembering to. However I am drinking as much as I can. I’m not some1 that goes to the doctors often as I don’t generally get sick often. I don’t suffer any chronic ailments etc. I try my very best to keep healthy so I eat the right foods & exercise when I can. I was recently very very sick with the flu for 3 weeks after 15 years. However I don’t know if the meds caused the uti & I’m also on collagen( this when I noticed the problem I’m having. I have always taken care of my body. I smoked but since stopped for just over a year before this problem, I don’t drink alcohol nor do I drink fizzy drinks at all. I also have to rush before it leaks which is frustrating. Please advise. Thank you🙏
I have burning, when I pee. I have to pee constantly. But I am on a water pill. I don’t want to go to the hospital or doctors. What can I do?