A bladder infection is a form of urinary tract infection (UTI) – one of the most common infections worldwide. Bladder infections are much more frequent in women than in men, in fact, if you are a woman then there is a 50 percent chance you will experience one at some point in your life.
Common symptoms of a bladder infection may include:
- blood in the urine;
- cloudy urine;
- offensive-smelling urine;
- discomfort in the lower abdomen;
- frequent and urgent need to urinate;
- burning or pain when urinating.
Factors that can increase the risk of getting a UTI, including:
- having a kidney or bladder infection within the past year;
- having diabetes;
- not urinating immediately after sexual intercourse;
- using a diaphragm for birth control;
- having sexual intercourse with a new partner;
- frequent sexual intercourse.
Here is a list of the top 10 essential oils for a bladder infection (UTI):
#1 Oregano
It is one of the most powerful and potent essential oils and has been used for millennia in traditional medicinal practices. This essential oil has been shown to restrict the growth of clinical strains of dangerous bacteria, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, even when the pathogenic bacteria had developed different patterns of resistance.
Moreover, oregano essential oil has a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, thus, it is the ideal natural remedy to use by those who suffer from yeast infections.
#2 Clove
It is produced from cloves, a type of spice made from the dried flower buds of the plant with the scientific name of Eugenia caryophyllata.
Some studies have concluded that this oil can boost the humoral immune system response, therefore, it strengthens the body’s capacity to ward off future infections. Also, due to its high antioxidant characteristics, it is known as the ultimate “protective” natural medicine.
#3 Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is produced from a tree resin that has been used and valued for centuries for its cosmetic, medicinal, spiritual, and aromatic applications.
Using this essential oil may reduce any type of inflammation on the skin due to the fact that it has strong anti-inflammatory qualities which will cool down eczema, inflammation, psoriasis, sunburns, and any other types of skin inflammatory disorders.
Due to its calming effects, Frankincense essential oil is also very effective during an asthma attack as the patient may start to breathe faster and feel panicky. More importantly, it is useful in preventing and treating urinary tract infections.
#4 Myrrh
It supports the healing of mouth ulcers, wounds, bacterial infections, dermatitis, diarrhea, bronchitis, candida, UTIs, and fungal infections. Also, a phytochemical from myrrh essential oil, known as beta-bisabolene, has cytotoxic (this means toxic to cancer cells) activity against human breast cancer cells, according to Welsh researchers who have conducted a 2016 study issued in the Phytotherapy Research.
Note – women who are pregnant should avoid using myrrh essential oil by mouth as it may be a cause of miscarriage.
#5 Juniper Berry
It comes from the dried fresh needles and berries of the J. scopulorus and Juniperus osteosperma plant species. Because of its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, this essential oil is a popular natural remedy for skin irritations and any type of infection.
In addition, its detoxifying characteristics can even prevent infections from growing worse if used at the first signs or symptoms of infection. Moreover, juniper berry essential oil increases the activity of important antioxidants in the human body, like – catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase.
#6 Geranium
This essential oil was used by the ancient Egyptians for promoting radiant and beautiful skin, and, in the present day, it is used to reduce inflammation, treat acne, balance hormones, and alleviate anxiety.
Furthermore, it acts to reduce neuropathic pain, mainly when applied to the skin as well as it is useful for treating urinary tract infections.
Note – it is recommended to dilute this essential oil with a carrier oil, like – coconut, sweet almond, olive, or sunflower.
#7 Lemongrass
This essential oil is extracted from lemongrass, a perennial plant that is similar in appearance to grass and has sharp leaves. The high limonene content in lemongrass essential oil can stifle the growth of fungi and bacteria. This will help you avoid getting nasty infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, urinary tract, or other types of fungus.
Moreover, lemongrass essential oil is known to detox the digestive tract, bladder, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. According to some studies, the main component of this essential oil – citral – could be successfully used to develop new medicines for oral and vaginal yeast infections because it can inhibit the ability of Candida yeast cells to invade mucosal tissues.
#8 Sandalwood
Sandalwood essential oil is produced through steam distillation of pieces of wood from matured sandalwood trees. Indian Sandalwood (scientific name – Santalum album) is considered the best quality.
Also, it can help soothe symptoms associated with urinary tract infections. However, it will not get rid of the bacterial or yeast infection completely, but it does help with the signs and symptoms as the body fights the infection. In addition, this essential oil is a remarkable anti-viral agent since it has been found in some studies to prevent replication of common viruses, like – herpes simplex.
#9 Bergamot
Light yellow-green in color, this essential oil contains active chemical components including – myrcene, a-pinene, a-bergaptene, limonene, linalool, b-bisabolene, nerol, linalyl acetate, geraniol, neryl acetate, a-terpineol, and geraniol acetate.
This oil is an excellent urinary antiseptic that has potent anti-infectious characteristics, making it a good natural remedy for the prevention and treatment of bladder infections.
Moreover, Bergamot essential oil is used to stimulate digestive and hormonal juices as well as to reduce pain from muscle and headaches tension.
#10 Tea Tree
Tea tree essential oil is effective in relieving any type of skin inflammation, including being used for reducing psoriasis – a long-lasting autoimmune disease. This is most likely due to its content of a variety of plant compounds, such as – terpinen-4-ol, which have been shown to kill certain viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
For instance, it is effective against Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph), Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, according to a 2016 study published in the Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology medical journal.
Also, terpinen-4-ol increases the activity of the white blood cells (also referred as leukocytes), which help fight germs and other foreign invaders.
More importantly, tea tree oil has anti-viral and fungicidal attributes that make it beneficial for all types of infections, including urinary tract infections.
Images credit – Shutterstock
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