3 Herbal Teas to Help Relieve a UTI

A urinary tract infection is a dreadful thing-anybody who has ever suffered from one can testify to how debilitating they can be. They occur when bacteria gets into the urethra and multiplies, or an obstruction occurs. The next time you find yourself unable to “go” properly, try whipping up one of these tea blends to naturally provide relief from the discomfort.

1. Horsetail and Dandelion Tea

Horsetail works wonders when it comes to soothing UTIs, mainly because of its ability to “tighten” the inflamed epithelial tissues with tannins (an astringent found in bitter plant matter.) It also removes toxins and bacteria in the urinary tract by thoroughly filtering through the kidneys and increasing the production of urine. The flavonoids (metabolites in plant matter) help calm spasms that accompany a UTI. Dandelion also works as a diuretic, and stimulates the kidneys and bladder.

You will need…
-1 tablespoon of dried horsetail
-1 teaspoon dried dandelion
-1 cup of water
-Honey to taste (optional)

Directions
Place 1-2 tablespoons of dried horsetail and 1 teaspoon of dried dandelion in a mug, loose or in a teaball or something similar. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and pour over the herbs. Let it steep for 10 minutes, covered, before straining and drinking. Drink this twice daily, adding honey to taste is you’d like.

2. Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow root inhibits bacterial growth, and cleanses the bladder as well. It will sooth the urinary system, and is also effective at preventing bleeding in urine as well as being a diuretic (increasing the flow of urine.)

You will need…
-1-2 tablespoons fresh or dried marshmallow root
-Cheesecloth (if you are doing fresh)
– 1 cup of water
-Honey to taste (optional)

Directions
Chop 1-2 tablespoons of fresh marshmallow root, and tie it up in a small square of cheesecloth. Bring about 8-10 ounces of water to a boil. Put the herb bundle in a mug and cover with water, allowing it to steep for 10 minutes. Add honey to taste if you’d like, and drink 2-3 times a day.

3. Peppermint-ginger-juniper berry tea

Peppermint and ginger may help to alkalize urine (make it less acidic) which would help with the burning sensation that accompanies a UTI. Juniper berries act as a diuretic, stimulating the kidney and bladder and making it easier to pee, ginger lessens inflammation.

You will need…
-1-2 teaspoons of dried juniper berries
-1/3 cup fresh mint leaves
-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger
-4 cups of water
-honey and lemon slices (optional)

Directions
Combine the water, berries, mint, and ginger in a pot. Simmer for about 7-8 minutes, and then discard the solids. Stir in about a tablespoon of honey, if you wish to sweeten it, and serve with a slice of lemon if desired. Drink 2-3 times a day.

At the first signs of infection, try these teas. There’s (almost) nothing worse than struggling to pee in pain and, usually, in vain. Down with UTI’s!

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