Herbal treatment uti: 8 Herbs and Natural Supplements for UTIs

28.09.202308.07.2023 by alexxlab

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8 Herbs and Natural Supplements for UTIs

Certain herbs and vitamins may help prevent UTIs and resolve uncomplicated infections. But if you have severe symptoms, you may need medical attention.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common types of bacterial infections worldwide. It’s estimated that over 150 million people contract UTIs each year.

E. coli is the most common type of bacteria to cause UTIs, although occasionally other types of infectious bacteria may be implicated.

Anyone can develop a UTI, but women are 30 times more likely to be affected than men. Approximately 40% of women will experience a UTI at some point in their lives.

A UTI can affect any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys, but it usually starts in organs of the lower urinary tract, bladder, and urethra.

Common symptoms associated with UTIs include:

a burning sensation when you urinate
frequent and intense urges to urinate
cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
fever or fatigue
pain in your pelvis, lower abdomen, or back

UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, but infection recurrence is very common.

What’s more, the overuse of antibiotics can have long-term negative consequences, such as damage to the normal, healthy bacteria in your urinary tract, and possibly contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

If you suspect that you have a UTI, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. What may start as a mild infection can quickly become serious and potentially fatal if left untreated for too long.

That said, some research suggests that up to 42% of mild and uncomplicated UTIs can be resolved without the use of antibiotics.

If you’re one of the many people in the world who experiences recurrent UTIs, you may be seeking natural and alternative solutions to avoid excessive exposure to antibiotic drugs.

Here are 8 herbs and natural supplements that may help prevent and treat mild UTIs.

D-mannose is a type of simple sugar that’s frequently used to prevent and treat mild UTIs.

It occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including cranberries, apples, and oranges, but is usually consumed in powder or tablet form when used as a UTI therapy.

Not much is known about how D-mannose works, but many experts believe it inhibits the ability of certain infectious bacteria to adhere to the cells of your urinary tract, making it easier for them to be flushed out before they can make you sick.

More research is needed to determine whether D-mannose can reliably treat or exert preventative effects against UTIs. However, a few small studies have delivered some promising results.

One 2016 study evaluated the effect of D-mannose on 43 women with active UTIs and a history of recurrent UTIs.

For the first 3 days, study participants took a 1.5-gram dose of D-mannose twice daily, followed by one daily 1.5-gram dose for 10 additional days. After 15 days, approximately 90% of their infections had resolved.

Although these results are encouraging, the study design was somewhat flawed due to the small sample size and lack of a control group.

A 2013 study in 308 women compared the effectiveness of a daily 2-gram dose of D-mannose and common antibiotic used to prevent UTI recurrence.

After 6 months, results revealed that D-mannose was as effective as the antibiotic at preventing UTI recurrence, and it was associated with fewer side effects.

For most people, taking D-mannose doesn’t pose any major health risks. The most frequently reported side effect is mild diarrhea.

However, because D-mannose is a type of sugar, it may not be appropriate for people who have challenges regulating their blood sugar levels.

There’s not currently enough evidence to establish an ideal dose of D-mannose, but most available research has safely tested doses of 1.5–2 grams up to 3 times daily.

summary
D-mannose is a type of naturally occurring sugar that may treat UTIs by preventing infectious bacteria from sticking to the cells in your urinary tract. Early research suggests that it may treat and prevent UTIs, but more studies are needed.

UTI Supplement Options

Read our full review of Uqora, a company that focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.

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Uva ursi — otherwise known as Arctostaphylos uva ursi or bearberry leaf — is an herbal remedy for UTIs that has been used in traditional and folk medicine practices for centuries.

It’s derived from a type of wild, flowering shrub that grows across various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.

The plant’s berries are a favorite snack for bears — hence the nickname bearberry leaf — while its leaves are used to make herbal medicine.

After the leaves are harvested, they may be dried and steeped to make tea, or leaf extracts may be consumed in capsule or tablet form.

Modern research supporting the use of uva ursi to treat UTIs is limited, though several compounds present in the plant have exhibited potent antimicrobial capabilities in test-tube studies.

Arbutin is the main compound credited with uva ursi’s UTI-healing potential, thanks to its antibacterial effect on E. coli — one of the most common causes of UTIs.

One older study in 57 women found that supplemental use of uva ursi with dandelion root significantly reduced UTI recurrence, compared with a placebo.

However, a more recent study in over 300 women observed no difference between uva ursi and a placebo when they were used as a treatment for active UTIs.

Available research suggests uva ursi is relatively safe at daily doses of 200–840 mg of hydroquinone derivatives calculated as anhydrous arbutin.

However, its long-term safety has not been established, and it should not be taken for longer than 1–2 weeks at a time due to the potential risk of liver and kidney damage.

summary
Uva ursi is an herbal UTI remedy made from the leaves of a shrub called Arctostaphylos uva ursi. Test-tube studies have found that it has strong antimicrobial effects, but human studies have demonstrated mixed results.

Garlic is a popular herb that has been widely used in both culinary and traditional medicine practices throughout history.

It’s often used medicinally to treat a broad range of physical ailments, including fungal, viral, and bacterial infections.

Garlic’s healing potential is usually attributed to the presence of a sulfur-containing compound known as allicin.

In test-tube studies, allicin exhibits strong antibacterial effects against a variety of infectious, UTI-causing bacteria — including E. coli.

Additional evidence from individual case reports suggests that garlic may be an alternative therapy for treating UTIs in humans, but strong research to validate these results is lacking.

Ultimately, more well-designed studies are needed to better understand the role garlic may play in treating and preventing recurrent UTIs before any definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding its effectiveness or ideal dosage.

Garlic can be consumed in its whole, raw form, but supplemental doses are usually sold as extracts and consumed in capsule form.

Garlic supplements are likely safe for most people, but side effects may include heartburn, bad breath, and body odor.

Some people may experience allergic reactions to garlic supplements, and they should be avoided if you have a history of allergies to garlic or other closely related plants, such as onions or leeks.

These supplements may increase your risk of bleeding and can interact with some medications, such as blood thinners and certain HIV drugs. If you’re taking any such medications, talk to your healthcare provider prior to using garlic to treat your UTI.

summary
Garlic has been used for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. Test-tube studies and case reports suggest that garlic’s antibacterial effects may help treat UTIs, but more well-designed human studies are needed to validate these claims.

Cranberry products, including juices and extracts, are among the most popular choices for natural and alternative treatments for UTIs.

Cranberries contain a wide variety of chemical compounds, such as D-mannose, hippuric acid, and anthocyanins, that may play a role in limiting the ability of infectious bacteria to adhere to the urinary tract, thus hindering their growth and ability to cause infection.

Test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated that cranberry prevents UTIs, but human research has found considerably less convincing results.

A 2012 review of human studies on cranberry products’ ability to treat and prevent UTIs concluded there was insufficient evidence to determine that cranberry exerts these effects.

However, the authors of the study noted that drawing definitive conclusions was difficult, as many of the studies were poorly designed, lacked a standard dosage, and used various cranberry products.

Another 2019 review suggested that although cranberry treatment may help reduce UTI occurrence and UTI symptoms in some cases, it’s not as effective as other treatment methods, such as D-mannose and the antibiotic fosfomycin.

Cranberry juices and supplements are safe for most people, but they may cause an upset stomach. Plus, long-term use may increase your risk of developing kidney stones.

Moreover, excess consumption of calories from cranberry juice may encourage unnecessary weight gain, and large doses of cranberry supplements may interfere with certain types of blood-thinning medications.

summary
Cranberry juices and supplements are often used to treat and prevent UTIs, but studies have not found them to be particularly effective. More human studies are needed to understand the role cranberry products may play in the treatment of UTIs.

Green tea is derived from the leaves of a plant known as Camellia sinensis. It has been used for its broad pharmacological potential in a variety of traditional medicine practices for centuries.

Green tea contains a rich supply of plant compounds called polyphenols, which are well known for having strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Epigallocatechin (EGC), a compound in green tea, has demonstrated potent antibacterial effects against UTI-causing strains of E. coli in test-tube research.

Several animal studies have also found that green tea extracts containing EGC may improve the effectiveness of certain types of antibiotics frequently used to treat UTIs.

Still, human studies evaluating green tea’s ability to treat and prevent UTIs are lacking.

A single cup (240 mL) of brewed green tea contains approximately 150 mg of EGC. The current research indicates that as little as 3–5 mg of EGC may be enough to help inhibit bacterial growth in the urinary tract, but this theory hasn’t yet been proven in humans.

A moderate intake of green tea is safe for most people. However, it naturally contains caffeine, which may contribute to impaired sleep and restlessness.

Moreover, consuming caffeine while you have an active UTI may worsen your physical symptoms. Thus, you may want to opt for decaffeinated green tea products instead.

High dose green tea extract supplements have been linked to liver issues, but it’s unclear whether the supplements caused these issues.

Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re interested in taking green tea supplements and have a history of impaired liver function.

Summary
Test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated that certain compounds in green tea have potent antibacterial activity against E. coli. However, no human studies have been conducted to validate these results.

Several types of herbal teas may be used to treat and prevent UTIs, but despite their popularity, very few studies have been conducted on their use for this purpose.

6.

Parsley tea

Parsley has a mild diuretic effect, which is supposed to help flush UTI-causing bacteria out of the urinary tract.

Two case reports found that a combination of parsley tea, garlic, and cranberry extract prevented UTI recurrence in women with chronic UTIs. However, more research is needed to determine whether these results can be replicated in larger groups.

7.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is used in herbal medicine practices to treat a wide range of physical ailments, including UTIs.

Like parsley, chamomile possesses a weak diuretic effect and contains plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

These features are thought to help reduce inflammation, inhibit bacterial growth, and flush the urinary tract of infectious bacteria, but more research is needed.

8.

Mint tea

Teas made from peppermint and other types of wild mint are also sometimes used as a natural remedy for UTIs.

Some test-tube research has found that mint leaves have antibacterial effects against various UTI-causing bacteria like E. coli. Certain compounds found in mint leaves may also help reduce bacterial resistance to antibiotic medications.

However, there are currently no studies available to support the use of mint tea to fight UTIs in humans.

Summary
Some herbal teas like parsley, chamomile, or peppermint may be used to treat and prevent UTIs. Still, scientific evidence for these remedies is weak.

Herbal supplements and medicines are often assumed to be safe because they’re natural, but that’s not always the case.

Much like modern medications, herbal supplements come with their own set of potential risks and side effects.

For instance, garlic and cranberry supplements may negatively interact with certain types of prescription medications, while the long-term use of uva ursi may contribute to liver or kidney damage.

What’s more, in some countries, such as the United States, herbal and nutritional supplements are not regulated in the same manner as conventional medicine.

Supplement manufacturers are not required to prove the purity of their products. Thus, you may end up consuming improper doses or ingredients and contaminants that aren’t listed on the product label.

To ensure the supplements you’ve chosen are of the highest quality, always opt for brands that have been tested for purity by a third-party organization, such as NSF International.

Summary
Given that herbal and nutritional supplements are generally not regulated in many countries, always choose brands that have been independently tested by a third party, such as NSF International.

If you suspect that you have a UTI, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Even mild infections can quickly worsen and spread to other parts of your body, potentially leading to very serious health consequences.

Thus, attempting to diagnose and treat yourself for a UTI without the guidance of a medical professional is not recommended.

Instead, communicate openly and let your healthcare provider know if you’re interested in trying herbal alternatives instead of antibiotics. They will be able to help you create the safest, most effective treatment plan for your infection.

Summary
Even mild UTIs can quickly worsen and cause more serious complications. Thus, it’s important to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional and discuss your desire for a more natural treatment plan.

UTIs are one of the most common types of bacterial infections worldwide.

They’re often effectively treated with antibiotics, but infection recurrence is common. Plus, the excessive use of antibiotics may lead to negative health outcomes.

Many people choose natural and herbal supplements to treat their UTIs to avoid overexposure to antibiotic medications.

Although research on their effectiveness is limited, D-mannose, uva ursi, cranberry, garlic, and green tea are popular choices for natural UTI treatment and prevention. Certain herbal teas may also help.

If you suspect you’re developing a UTI, consult a qualified healthcare provider prior to beginning any herbal therapy on your own.

6 Home Remedies for UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)

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UTI symptoms

Common UTI symptoms include:

a burning sensation when peeing
frequent urination
cloudy or dark urine
urine with a strong odor
a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
pelvic pain

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Bacteria cause almost 95% of UTIs, but fungi can also cause infection.

Though antibiotics typically treat UTIs, there are several natural ways to help manage infections and reduce the risk of recurrence.

This article reviews six home remedies you can use to treat UTIs.

Language matters

You’ll notice that the language used in this article to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.”

Although we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.

Unfortunately, the studies and surveys referenced in this article didn’t report data on, or include, participants who are transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.

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Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.

This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When you’re dehydrated, you aren’t urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

A 2019 study examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake. Following the schedule decreased UTIs requiring antibiotics by 58%.

In a 2020 randomized control trial, 140 premenopausal participants prone to UTIs took part in a 12-month study to test if a higher fluid intake would decrease their risk of recurrent cystitis and, in turn, their risk of developing a UTI. Researchers found that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency.

To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, it’s best to drink water throughout the day and always when you’re thirsty.

Benefits of drinking more fluids for UTI
Drinking plenty of liquids can decrease your risk of UTIs by making you pee more, which helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract.

Some evidence suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against UTIs.

Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.

A small 2020 randomized placebo study involving 19 people who had undergone kidney transplant found that the amount of bacteria in urine was significantly lower in people who received intravenous vitamin C group compared to the placebo group.

Results from a small 2016 study showed that combining vitamin C with two other popular natural UTI remedies — cranberries and the probiotic lactobacillus rhamnosus — could be an effective treatment for recurrent UTIs.

Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.

Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended daily amount of vitamin C in just one serving.

Despite these studies, more research is needed to prove vitamin C’s effectiveness in reducing UTI risk. Plus, there are conflicting views on whether vitamin C can really change the acidity of your urine enough to kill off bacteria. However, at the very least, increasing your vitamin C intake will likely offer some extra support for your immune system.

You can try products like vitamin C gummies or supplements to boost your normal daily intake.

Emergen-C 1000mg Vitamin C Powder

Price: $$
What it’s good for: for people who may not want to take vitamin C in capsule form

A liquid form of your daily dose of vitamin C, Emergen-C Vitamin C Powder is packed with the support needed for daily immunity. As a drink, it provides immune support and delivers antioxidants such as zinc and manganese, vitamin B, and electrolytes.

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Nature Made Extra Strength Dosage Vitamin C

Price: $
What it’s good for: kids who might need an extra boost of vitamin C

These tangerine-flavored gummies are an easy, tasty way to receive immune support from vitamin C. Each daily dosage boasts 500 mg of vitamin C.

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Benefits of vitamin C for UTI
Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease your risk of UTIs by making your urine more acidic, thus killing infection-causing bacteria.

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for UTIs. If drinking unsweetened cranberry juice isn’t your thing, you can also take it in capsule form.

Cranberries work by helping to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.

In a 2016 study, participants with recent histories of UTIs drank an 8-ounce (240-mL) serving of cranberry juice every day for 24 weeks. Those who drank cranberry juice had fewer UTI episodes than the control group.

Another study showed that consuming cranberry products may lower the number of UTIs someone experiences in a year in a year, especially for those who have recurrent UTIs.

In a more recent study, participants with a history of recurring uncomplicated UTIs reported a reduction in infections after taking a cranberry supplement for six months prior.

However, some other studies suggest that cranberry juice may not be as effective in the prevention of UTIs.

Because of the inconsistent results of recent studies, researchers published a review of existing studies on the topic in 2021. They initially identified 3,421 studies, and ultimately found 23 trials with sufficient data for inclusion.

The results of the meta-analysis showed that cranberry supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of UTIs. While the researchers suggested that cranberry be used alongside other therapies to treat and prevent UTIs, they also noted that several of the included trials had limitations.

Although the evidence is mixed, cranberry juice may help reduce the risk of UTIs. Whether it actually works as a treatment for an active UTI is less cut and dry.

Keep in mind that any possible benefits of this home remedy only apply to unsweetened cranberry juice, rather than sweetened varieties. Cranberry juice with added sugars won’t help treat an active UTI.

Cranberry concentrate or cranberry juice such as this one could be one way to reduce the risks of a UTI.

Benefits of cranberries for UTI
Some studies suggest that cranberries could help reduce your risk of UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.

Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and probiotic yogurt.

Consuming probiotics has been linked to many things, from improved digestive health to enhanced immune function.

Some studies have shown that probiotics may reduce the risk of UTIs. These studies have involved the use of oral and vaginally-administered probiotics, as well as different probiotic strains.

Antibiotics, the main line of defense against UTIs, can cause disturbances in levels of gut bacteria. Probiotics may be beneficial in restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment.

Studies have shown that probiotics can increase levels of good gut bacteria and reduce side effects associated with antibiotic use.

Anyone interested in upping their probiotic intake could try these ones by Renew Life:

Renew Life Probiotics for Women

Price: $$$
What it’s good for: women’s care and health

Known for preventing bad bacteria from impacting your gut probiotics can also be a good way to look after your vaginal and urinary health. This product has been shown to balance healthy pH and yeast levels and supports general autoimmune health too.

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Benefits of probiotics for UTI
Probiotics could help prevent UTIs and are beneficial for restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment.

Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.

First, it’s important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.

Peeing after sex has long been linked to a reduced risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria and is recommended by health authorities, including Planned Parenthood.

Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs.

Finally, when using the toilet — especially if you have a female urethra — make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs.

One way to stop or prevent any bacteria from spreading amongst genitalia is by using Always Feminine Wipes.

Always Feminine Wipes

Price: $
What it’s good for: easy and convenient access throughout the day

Easily resealable and compact enough to keep on your person, these wipes are lightly scented to ensure you feel fresh and clean throughout the day.

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Benefits of healthy hygiene for UTI
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Careful wiping when you use the toilet may also help decrease the risk of UTI.

Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.

Here are a few supplements that have been studied and are all available in capsule form:

Nature’s Bounty Cranberry with Vitamin C

Price: $$
What it’s good for: all-in-one supplement to support both urinary and immune health

Made from cranberry concentrate and a dose of vitamin C, these contain the equivalent of 4,200 mg of cranberries. In addition to supporting urinary health, these also contain many antioxidants that can help build up the immune system.

Shop now at Amazon

Nature’s Bounty Garlic Extract

Price: $$
What it’s good for: alternative treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria in the body as a whole

While potentially beneficial as a prevention method for UTIs, garlic extract is also known to promote heart and cardiovascular health and helps maintain cholesterol health.

While not many studies have specialized in the effects of garlic in treating UTIs, one older study found that the combination of garlic oil and parsley in pills could have a synergistic effect on bacterial growth and proliferation.

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D-mannose: D-mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests it’s effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence.
Cranberry extract: Like cranberry juice, cranberry extract works by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
Garlic extract: Research shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties, so they may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs.

Benefits of natural supplements for UTI
D-mannose, bearberry leaf, and cranberry extract are natural supplements that have been shown to prevent UTIs and decrease recurrence.

UTI supplement options

Read our full review of Uqora, a company that focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.

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Here are some ways you can manage UTI symptoms that may also help prevent a recurrence:

Stay well hydrated.
Avoid or limit foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as coffee, soft drinks, and citrus.
Avoid holding in your pee for too long.
Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to minimize bladder discomfort.
Ask your doctor about prescription or OTC pain medication.
Take all your antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

It’s important to talk with a doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. While natural remedies may help, a medical professional can diagnose a UTI and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Left untreated, UTIs have a risk of severe complications, including spreading to your kidneys. Don’t ignore signs of a severe infection.

Get in touch with a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

a fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
shaking
chills
nausea
vomiting
blood in your urine

Why are females at a higher risk for UTIs?

People with female reproductive organs are at a higher risk for UTIs because of their anatomy. The female urethra, the tube which empties urine from your bladder out of your body, is shorter than someone born with male anatomy.

The female urethra is also quite close to female reproductive organs. That means bacteria from sexual intercourse as well as products like spermicide can be in close contact with the urethra and bladder.

Females also experience menopause and pregnancy. These two biological events change the bacteria in your reproductive and digestive tracts and create conditions that make UTIs more likely.

Should UTI treatment vary according to what’s causing the infection?

Your UTI treatment may vary according to what’s causing the infection. Certain UTIs, especially chronic and recurring ones, will need antibiotic treatment as opposed to simple home remedies.

If you’re prescribed antibiotics to treat a UTI, a healthcare professional may choose an antibiotic that’s specific to the type of bacteria that’s triggering your infection.

Will over-the-counter products (OTC) products like AZO get rid of my UTI?

Maybe. OTC products like AZO contain active ingredients that have antibacterial properties. In the case of AZO, the active ingredient is a compound called methenamine.

In combination with an anti-inflammatory compound, these products are meant to help your body kill harmful bacteria.

For powerful bacterial infections, the active ingredients in OTC products just might not be enough. Also, most of these products advertise as a protection against UTIs, not necessarily a treatment for current, active infections.

Can you get rid of a UTI naturally at home, or do you need antibiotics?

Sometimes, you can get rid of a UTI naturally by resting, drinking lots of water, taking dietary supplements, and giving the infection some time to heal. Research from 2017 suggests that somewhere between 25% and 42% of UTIs resolve naturally without the use of antibiotics.

However, there are certain situations where “wait and see” just isn’t an acceptable approach. Untreated UTIs can cause potentially life threatening complications, including sepsis.

When do I need to see a doctor for a UTI?

UTIs do have a risk of severe complications if they’re left untreated. UTIs that affect your kidneys and bladder need to be treated by a professional. Don’t ignore signs of a severe infection.

Signs that it’s time to get in touch with a healthcare professional include:

a fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
shaking
chills
nausea
vomiting
blood in your urine

What happens if a UTI is left untreated?

Left untreated, a UTI can spread higher in the urinary tract to the kidneys or ureters, which are the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys.

Upper UTIs can cause severe symptoms, damage the kidneys, and spread to the bloodstream, becoming life threatening.

Can UTIs cause kidney infections?

Yes, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and have the potential to damage the kidneys if not treated promptly.

If you have the following signs of a kidney infection, seek immediate medical treatment:

fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or above
chills
pain in your back or sides
agitation or restlessness
confusion

What are signs that your UTI is healing?

UTIs typically clear up within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment. You should start to notice a gradual improvement in your pain and other symptoms.

If you don’t notice any improvement within this time frame or your symptoms are getting worse, talk with your doctor.

UTIs are a common and frustrating problem, particularly if they keep recurring.

Home remedies and OTC products can help prevent UTIs, but they can’t always completely eliminate the bacteria causing your infection. If you’re trying home remedies but still have symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional to avoid any complications.

Staying hydrated, practicing health-promoting habits, and supplementing your diet with some UTI-fighting ingredients are good ways to lower your risk of these infections in the future.

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Phytotherapy
(herbal medicine)
Herbal medicine is a basic method in Chinese traditional medicine. Experienced doctors of the TAO clinic prescribe an individual course that allows you to enhance the results of other methods, as well as solve complex health problems at the cellular level. Phytotherapy is a powerful tool for creating your personal health resource.
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Auriculotherapy
This is acupuncture on active points located in the auricle. Impact on the auricle affects the entire body. Experienced doctors using the method of auriculotherapy can reduce weight, remove smoking addiction, and also solve multiple health problems.
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Foot massage with herbal bath
A relaxing and therapeutic foot massage in a herbal bath has a beneficial effect on the entire body. There are points in the foot that are responsible for all organs, and a therapeutic massage of this zone, together with warming up in a herbal bath, simultaneously soothes, relieves pain and inflammation of the joints, removes salts, and activates Qi energy.
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Zhongping
(electrostimulation)
Zhongping – physiotherapy painless procedure – impact
on active points in the area of pain with medium-frequency current in order to
start muscle contraction.
- Improves blood and lymph flow.
- Relieves pain, reduces swelling.
- Restores range of motion in joints.
- Enhances cellular metabolism and detoxification.
- Strengthens muscles, increases muscle volume and strength.
- Solves the problem of excess weight, cellulite, stretch marks.
The procedure is effective in the treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system,
hypotension of muscles, after injuries.
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Methods of treating diseases | TAO Chinese Medicine Clinic

TAO Clinic uses traditional Chinese medicine methods that have been proven to be highly effective for thousands of years.

Basic Methods
Comprehensive programs
aesthetic medicine

Acupuncture
(acupuncture)
Chinese doctor works on 300 active points with very thin
needles:
- Regulates vital energy Qi.
- Relieves acute back pain.
- Normalizes the work of the endocrine system.
- Improves the condition of the nervous system.
- Releases chemicals in muscles
- Stimulates the regeneration of body tissues.
Safely. We use sterile needles
Without pain. The needles are inserted into the surface gently and gently.
“Make acupuncture your choice, not your last
means.”
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Tuina Therapeutic Massage
Tuina massage is a massage of acupuncture points that are associated with
functioning of the body’s internal systems. Finger
pressure, stroking, kneading, vibration, pushing.
- Warms up the muscles.
- Relieves pain.
- Stimulates the circulatory system
- Removes pinched nerves.
- Makes skin firm and muscles strong.
- Strengthens bones
Effective for the treatment of back diseases, sports injuries,
ENT diseases and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Moxibustion
(heating with wormwood cigars)
The therapy is used both separately and in combination with Tuina massage, vacuum therapy and acupuncture. The cigar warms up with smoke and does not touch the patient’s body. Smoke has a bactericidal effect.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
- Regulates the hormonal and endocrine system.
- Normalizes blood flow in the extremities. In winter, hands and feet do not freeze.
A comfortable procedure for restoring health for children who often get ARVI and acute respiratory infections.
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Cupping (vacuum therapy)
(vacuum therapy)
Performed by medical banks. Banks seem to “take away”
all the pain out. After the procedure, you feel lightness in your back.
Scientific studies have proven that vacuum therapy
boosts immunity.
- Provides powerful blood flow to the painful area and
  restores damaged tissues.
- Clears clogged pores and boosts cell nutrition.
- Starts tissue regeneration processes.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Accelerates the process of removing decay products.
- Reduces back and neck pain.
Widely used for bronchitis, myositis, pleurisy, inflammation
lungs, with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal tract and
urological diseases
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Guasha scraping massage
A unique ancient type of massage, which is diagnostic in itself. The condition of the skin after the massage shows the level of pathological processes in the body – a large number of bruises and bruises indicate the disease, both explicit and hidden. Massage is carried out with a scraper, with which the doctor “scrapes” stagnation and dysfunction from the joints and organs.
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Electroacupuncture
(electro acupuncture)
The modern version of acupuncture. A safe and painless method of treating all types of diseases. It is indicated in the stage of exacerbations due to the increased effect of electric needles, which help to achieve a therapeutic result faster. Increases the level of Qi energy.
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Phytotherapy
(herbal medicine)
Herbal medicine is a basic method in Chinese traditional medicine. Experienced doctors of the TAO clinic prescribe an individual course that allows you to enhance the results of other methods, as well as solve complex health problems at the cellular level. Phytotherapy is a powerful tool for creating your personal health resource.
Make an appointment
Learn more
Auriculotherapy
This is acupuncture on active points located in the auricle. Impact on the auricle affects the entire body. Experienced doctors using the method of auriculotherapy can reduce weight, remove smoking addiction, and also solve multiple health problems.
Make an appointment
Learn more
Foot massage with herbal bath
A relaxing and therapeutic foot massage in a herbal bath has a beneficial effect on the entire body. There are points in the foot that are responsible for all organs, and a therapeutic massage of this zone, together with warming up in a herbal bath, simultaneously soothes, relieves pain and inflammation of the joints, removes salts, and activates Qi energy.
Make an appointment
Learn more
Zhongping
(electrostimulation)
Zhongping – physiotherapy painless procedure – impact
on active points in the area of pain with medium-frequency current in order to
start muscle contraction.