Top Ten Essential Oils for UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Are there essential oils for UTI? Yes!

Urinary tract infections are common but terribly uncomfortable, irritating and even painful. On top of the aforementioned fact, UTIs can be hard to treat and get rid off, especially if it’s complicated UTI.

In other words, this type of infection tends to reoccur; a factor that can affect an individual’s life negatively.

Notably, regardless of how common this type of infection is, it is more prevalent in women. Due to the nature of UTI, antibiotics are not only an effective form of treatment but also recommended and accepted in the medical world. However, there are a few downsides to using antibiotics to treat such an infection.

They include:

• Yeast infection
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• May cause nerve damage
• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea

Together with the above-mentioned side effects, using antibiotics to treat UTIs over and over again can cause the bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant. This means that the antibiotic will be ineffective in getting rid of the bacteria. Hence, the reason the medical world and individual’s that suffer from reoccurring UTI, are looking for alternatives.

Enter, essential oils. You’ve probably heard about using essential oils to treat UTI. The simplicity in the entire concept makes it hard to believe, making most people hesitant towards using it as a form of treatment. This begs the question, what does research say about using essential oils?

There have been studies supporting the use of essential oils to combat UTI. These studies have uncovered that some essential oils have the capability of combating, eliminating and weakening the bacteria.

Therefore, you can use essential oils to treat UTI but always dilute it first. Never ingest it, or use directly on the skin without having diluted it. You want to avoid introducing the oil into the urinary tract as this may cause further problems. Instead, stick to using a diffuser.

That said, below are the top 10 essential oils that are effective in treating UTI.

1. Oregano Oil

The body is home to both good and bad bacteria. The fewer the good bacteria in the body, the more the bad bacteria thrive. E.coli, one of the UTI causing bacteria is a bad bacteria that thrive in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Due to the oil’s properties, it has the ability to prevent the growth of E.coli and therefore; prevent the development of UTI.

Also, oregano oil contains carvacrol, which tends to inhibit the growth of a number of bacteria strains, as well as prevent inflammation.

2. Clove Oil

Clove oil is packed with numerous benefits, thanks to the beneficial properties that it contains. As mentioned above, bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics and even forms of treatment. Clove oil, however; can combat drug-resistant bacteria effectively. Hence, by using this oil, you no longer have to worry about experiencing reoccurring UTI.

Additionally, it is high in anti-bacterial properties. These properties lend to its ability in strengthening the immune system. A stronger immune system gives your body the ability to fight infections and diseases.

Notably, clove oil should be used carefully due to its pungent nature. Always use a carrier oil to dilute it before using it.

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil can combat and prevent the growth of two types of bacteria: E. Coli and staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). However, what is most shocking about the oil is that it’s not limited in terms of what types of pathogens it can fight. Lavender oil can treat and fight any type of infection, regardless of whether it’s caused by a virus, fungi or bacteria. So stock up ladies!

4. Juniper Berry Oil

Juniper berry oil contains strong antibacterial properties that are effective in treating UTI infections. More specifically, it’s most effective in treating infections that occur in the gastrointestinal and urinary tract.

5. Cumin Oil

According to certain studies, cumin oil has been found to be more powerful in treating bacterial infections compared to cinnamon oil. More specifically, this type of oil kills more bacteria than cinnamon oil, thus making it extremely popular. To increase its effectiveness, some even use both cumin oil and antibiotics at the same time.

However, before doing so, it is always recommended to seek medical advice first.

6. Frankincense Oil

One of the top ways to get rid of toxins is to flush the system. This is exactly what Frankincense oil does. It increases urination, which in turn helps flush out the bacteria and keep the urinary tract clean.

7. Lemongrass Oil

There have been studies that have found Lemongrass oil to be effective in treating drug-resistant bacteria. Hence, it’s an oil that is highly recommended for use when antibiotics are no longer effective. This specific oil fights and prevents infection, whilst treating the existing one.

However, this oil is most popular for its relaxing properties and abilities. Individual’s that use the oil to treat UTI report low levels of pain and an enhanced sleeping pattern.

8. Eucalyptus Oil

UTI can be caused by a variety of bacteria. From Listeria innocua and E.coli to S. aureus, different pathogens dictate the type of UTI you’ll suffer from. Eucalyptus oil contains antibacterial properties that have the ability to combat any type of bacteria. It’s versatility and ability is uncanny and considered favorable in treating UTI.

9. Coriander Oil

So far, we’ve only mentioned E. coli as one of the bacteria that cause UTI. Another culprit S. aureus, which is often easy to treat simply by the use of antibiotics. However, in the case that the bacteria turn resistant, coriander oil is an effective method of treatment.

10. Cinnamon Oil

UTI is commonly caused by bacteria, E.coli (Escherichia coli) ranking among the most common UTI- causing bacteria. Cinnamon oil contains a chemical that prevents growth.