Herbal remedies have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and Nigerian herbs have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including urinary tract infections.
will explore the potential benefits of some of the most popular Nigerian herbs used to treat urinary tract infections, as well as how they can be used safely and effectively.
What is a urinary tract infection?
According to studies, urinary tract infections often abbreviated as UTIs are common bacterial infections that can occur anywhere in the urinary tract including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. It says that UTIs are more common in women than in men.
UTIs are highly common and can lead to the cause of pain, and discomfort in affected persons. However, UTIs are generally not life-threatening but it is possible for them to cause kidney damage and other serious complications when left untreated.
Causes of UTI
Most often than none, UTIs are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli. This bacteria is commonly found in the gut but some strains can cause UTIs when they colonize the urethra and bladder.
Other bacteria also cause UTIs. These microorganisms can infect the urinary tract and as well cause pain, discomfort, and sometimes fever. Enterococcus, staphylococcus aureus, Proteus, and Klebsiella are some of the bacteria that rarely cause UTIs.
Poor hygiene especially bad sexual health hygiene is also a notable cause of UTIs because it aids the spread of bacteria to the urinary tract. In women, wiping from back to front after using the restroom can spread bacteria from the rectum to the urethra hence, increasing the chances of a UTI.
Bad sexual health hygiene includes the wife not washing genitals and the husband not washing genitals before sex and as well as the wife not washing genitals and the wife not voiding after sex.
In men, an enlarged prostate gland can cause blockage of urine flow, increasing the risk of a UTI. Additionally, kidney stones, cysts, or tumors can also cause UTIs if they cause a blockage.
The types of UTIs can vary based on their location in the urinary tract. A lower UTI occurs in the bladder or urethra, while an upper UTI occurs in the ureters, kidneys, or prostate gland.
Why Nigerian herbs?
Nigerians have a rich history and culture of using traditional herbal medicine for various purposes, including medicinal, cosmetic, and perfumery.
Additionally, studies have shown that the use of herbal medicines is common among people in Nigeria, and there is a need for more research to investigate the safety and efficacy of these herbal products.
Also, researching Nigerian herbs for urinary tract infections is relatable since it’s possible for you to go to the nearest herbs shop to get them.
Here are 4 Nigerian herbs for urinary tract infection
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Buchu
- Uva Ursi
How to use garlic for urinary tract infection
Garlic has been found to be effective in treating urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties and antifungal properties.
Several studies have clearly suggested that garlic may be effective in preventing and treating UTIs. The study showed that allicin was effective at killing several strains of bacteria that are commonly associated with UTIs.
In another study, 56% of 166 bacteria strains isolated from the urine of people with UTI showed a high level of antibiotic resistance. But 82% of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria were susceptible to the aqueous extract of garlic.
In another study, parsley and garlic, L-arginine, probiotics, and cranberry tablets were used to treat two cases of recurrent UTI and the regimen showed a significant improvement without the reoccurrence of UTI for more than 1 year.
There are several ways to prepare garlic for treatment. The simplest method is to eat it raw or you can add chopped garlic to your food or take garlic supplements.
Another way to use garlic for UTIs is to make a garlic paste. Crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with honey or olive oil to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area for several minutes, then rinse off with water.
How to use ginger for urinary tract infection
Ginger is a popular leguminous plant in Nigeria used for cooking and in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to boost the immune system.
Ginger has been shown to have antibacterial properties which make it useful for treating UTIs.
Home remedy for urinary tract infection in Nigeria
In conjunction with garlic and ginger which can as well be regarded as a home remedy for urinary tract infections, these remedies may also be helpful.
- Drinking plenty of water: Water aids in flushing out the bacteria that cause the infection and keeping the urinary tract hydrated.
- Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice may help prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract’s walls, lowering the risk of infection. However, it is critical to select pure cranberry juice with no added sugars.
- Probiotics: Probiotics may aid in the restoration of the natural balance of bacteria in the gut and urinary tract, lowering the risk of UTIs.
What next?
Although some persons consider Nigerian herbs to be safe, it is still important that you speak to your healthcare provider before using garlic for UTI or any other medical condition.
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