7 Natural Remedies for a UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common during pregnancy and are one of the main reasons antibiotics are prescribed to pregnant women. During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes that unfortunately can promote infections. The growing uterus can cause urine retention, and hormonal changes make it easier for bacteria to multiply.

Antibiotics are often necessary to effectively treat an infection and protect the health of both mother and baby. At the same time, overuse of antibiotics is linked to the growing problem of bacterial resistance, and during pregnancy, there is also concern about the potential effects of these drugs on the developing baby. Research suggests that the use of antibiotics during pregnancy may carry a risk of potential harm to the developing child. Recently, one study found a connection between antibiotic use and an increased risk of miscarriage.

Another study, which evaluated the effects of antibiotics (nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and cephalosporins) used to treat UTIs, found an increased risk of birth defects such as cleft lip, esophageal, and anal malformations in offspring. Additionally, research also suggests a link between antibiotic use during pregnancy and later functional disorders in children.

Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections in women. It is estimated that up to half of all women will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime, and some will struggle with recurrent infections. I personally experienced a bladder infection during my first pregnancy and was treated with antibiotics, which worked very quickly, but caused recurrent thrush almost until the end of the pregnancy.

At that time, I didn’t yet have knowledge about how to prevent urinary tract infections, nor did I know how to support the body in fighting them. Today, we’ll look at natural ways to prevent recurrent infections and natural methods to support treatment.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only. I always recommend consulting your healthcare provider before using any supplements, even the most natural ones.

1. Gentle Intimate Wash Supporting the Microflora

Let’s start with the basics – intimate hygiene. What kind of soap or wash do you use for your intimate areas? Many products on the market contain ingredients that can disrupt the natural microflora, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. A healthy vaginal microflora, mainly Lactobacillus, protects against colonization by harmful bacteria.

Unfortunately, even some products advertised as “gentle” or specifically for intimate hygiene can cause irritation.

It’s sometimes hard to believe – when I walk into a cosmetics store and check the ingredients of popular intimate washes in the UK, I often see SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and artificial fragrances. Even the “sensitive” versions, which are fragrance-free, often still contain SLS.

That’s why, when choosing a wash, always read the ingredient list on the back of the bottle. Look for gentle cleansing agents, such as:

Coco-Glucoside
Decyl Glucoside
Lauryl Glucoside
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Since it can be difficult to find an intimate wash free from SLS and artificial fragrances, I personally opt for fragrance-free children’s washes, such as Child’s Farm Sensitive available in the UK, or Alterra Sensitive available at Rossmann. They are gentle on the skin, don’t irritate, and work well for anyone prone to sensitivity or infections.

2. Cranberry Can Help You Avoid Antibiotics

Almost all of us have heard that cranberry “is good for the bladder.” But what does the science say?

Two studies have looked at whether cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy. In one study of 188 women, cranberry juice reduced the amount of bacteria in urine by 57% and cut all infections by 41%.

In another study involving 760 women, as many as 70.5% of participants who drank cranberry juice reported a significant reduction in infections, compared to 32% of women who drank water.

Cranberry juice is therefore a safe, natural way to support the body in fighting infections. Just remember to choose natural, unsweetened cranberry juice instead of store-bought sugary varieties – for example, Biona in the UK. In Poland, unsweetened cranberry juices are available in most health food stores.

3. Vitamin C – A Natural Support for Your Bladder

In one of my previous articles, I wrote about the positive effects of vitamin C on skin elasticity during pregnancy – it helps prevent stretch marks. However, it turns out that vitamin C doesn’t just support immunity and protect the skin; it can also help effectively prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

One study looked at whether taking 100 mg of vitamin C daily could protect pregnant women from UTIs. It found that only 12.7% of women taking vitamin C developed an infection, compared to a higher rate in the group that did not take it.

4. Canephron® N – An Effective and Safe Herbal Remedy for the Urinary Tract

Canephron® N is an herbal preparation containing gentian root, lovage, and rosemary.

A review of 17 clinical studies conducted in pregnant women and children showed that:

In adults and children, Canephron® N effectively reduced the number of recurrent urinary tract infections compared to standard therapy.
Children who had undergone surgery for vesicoureteral reflux benefited from preventive treatment with Canephron® N.
In adults with kidney stones, an additional 10-day course increased the chances of spontaneous stone passage and may help prevent future stones.
In pregnant women, treatment with this herbal blend sped up symptom relief and normalized urinary inflammation.

Across all studies (3,115 patients), only one adverse effect was reported – a mild skin rash. No teratogenic, embryotoxic, or harmful effects on child development were observed.

5. Rosemary – A Natural Weapon Against Urinary Tract Infections

Rosemary has strong antibacterial properties, making it an interesting alternative or complement to traditional therapies. It not only supports the body in fighting the flu – which you can read about in my latest ebook (available on the homepage in the newsletter section) – but also has documented benefits for the urinary system.

Scientific studies have evaluated rosemary’s effectiveness against common bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Here are the key findings:

The antibacterial activity of rosemary was comparable to the antibiotic co-trimoxazole and slightly weaker than ciprofloxacin.
Rosemary extract was particularly effective against biofilm-forming bacteria, such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

6. Lactobacillus Probiotics – Your Allies Against Recurrent Infections

Lactobacillus are beneficial bacteria that naturally occur in the vagina and intestines. Women with higher levels of these bacteria are less likely to experience urinary tract infections. When Lactobacillus levels drop, harmful bacteria can more easily colonize the urinary tract. Studies show that Lactobacillus probiotics may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs, especially in women who suffer from frequent infections or take antibiotics for extended periods.

7. Cinnamon – Boosts Probiotic Effects and Reduces Overactive Bladder Symptoms

Since we’re talking about probiotics, it’s impossible not to mention the spice that enhances their effect – cinnamon. Research shows that combining Lactobacillus probiotics, cranberry, and cinnamon can effectively support bladder health. Lactobacillus inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, while cranberry and cinnamon reduce bacterial adhesion to the bladder walls – and together, they work even more effectively.

Women who used a supplement combining probiotics, cranberry, and cinnamon reported noticeable improvement: after 6 months, 97.3% of participants were satisfied, and after 8 months, all women reported improvement.

Cinnamon has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine, including for treating nighttime urination, by “strengthening and warming the kidneys.”

In one clinical study, people with overactive bladder (OAB) who were treated with cinnamon powder patches experienced significant symptom relief, with no major side effects.

Studies have shown that cinnamon:

Reduces urinary frequency and improves urine volume
Alleviates bladder swelling and damage
Inhibits inflammation and fibrotic processes in the bladder

Cinnamon Tea

Ingredients:

1 cinnamon stick
250–300 ml water

Preparation:

Pour water into a small pot and add the cinnamon stick.
Simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes.
Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy.

Summary:

Current research offers a lot of hope for women suffering from urinary tract infections, which can occur at any stage of life. Natural supportive approaches, such as cranberry, cinnamon, and probiotics, have shown real benefits in reducing recurrences and alleviating symptoms.

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