Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. It is normally referred as UTI. This infection may not be life threatening in the initial stages but can be extremely painful. It is also difficult sometimes to get rid of all bacteria with conventional medicine and a relapse can be painful and also extremely disconcerting. Women are particularly susceptible to this problem, although men have their share of this problem.
Some causes for this problem are particularly common and can be fixed easily if a person is well advised. Long intervals between urination weakens the bladder muscles and some urine gets left in the bladder. This is a potential source of infection. Low water intake reduces urination, allowing bacteria present time to multiply and grow. Kidney stones which may obstruct the flow of urine can cause this problem. Another potential source of UTI is unclean toilets and bad hygiene. Catheters and tubes placed in the bladder during and after surgery can also cause this infection. Sexual intercourse can cause transmission of UTI causing bacteria.
Some common symptoms may be as follows:
Frequent Urination.
Frequent urge to urinate
Pain / burning sensation in the urethra when urine is released.
Soreness in the lower abdomen and back.
When the infection is well developed and had spread top the kidney and uterus, the patient may experience symptoms such as back pains, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.

This problem is diagnosed through a urine test. At times repeated testing may be required to identify the infection.
Traditional treatment of UTI is with the use of anti bacterial antibiotics. Particular care has to be taken to avoid a relapse.

Prevention of UTI requires basic sense of hygiene and needs to be combined with some common natural remedies which help prevent and fix a urinary tract infection at the first stage. Good personal hygiene and access to clean toilets is the most important factor preventing a UTI. It is important to drink a lot of water and not hold back urination when the urge is present.
Some natural remedies that help prevent and cure a urinary tract infection are as follows:
Cranberry juice is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants which has been shown to clear minor infections in the urinary tract. A patient must drink, 3-4 glasses of undiluted cranberry juice for a few days for it to be effective.
Orange juice is rich in vitamin C. This juice mixed with tender coconut water is a very valuable natural diuretic in all conditions of scanty urination, urinary tract infections and other painful conditions related to the urinary tract. Take this combination twice a day, as a natural cure.
Lime Juice ( Lemonade) prepare with water, sugar and a little salt is also recommended. This is rich in vitamin C is helpful in acute conditions.
Raw Grapes are rich in oxalic, recemic, malic and tartaric acid and ozolized matters. Eating white grapes regularly help prevent formation of kidney stones in the bladders, prevent acidity in the urine and help in cases of scanty urination. An ounce ( 30 gms apx.) of grape leaf juice taken with an equal amount of carrot juice daily also helps preventing kidney stones.
A banana a day eaten regularly is useful in scanty urination, cystitis, nephritis etc. However bananas are not recommended in cases of kidney failure because of its high potassium content.
Water melon seeds are being used from ancient times in India as a base in many Unani and Ayurvedic preparations. These seeds contain a glucoside called Cucurbotrine. The milk juice of the seeds obtained by grinding and staining them through a muslin cloth is very useful. A spoonful of this juice taken twice a day is very useful in cases of scanty urination, burning micturation and urinary problems.
Homeopathic remedies such as Sulphur, Belladonna, Arsenicum Album and Oxalicum Acidum are effective against UTI. It is important to consult a trained homeopath to find relief.
The above information should put a patient on the right path of finding alternative cures for long term relief. Although UTI can be treated with antibiotics but relapses are common. Therefore a few of the above traditional herbal cures can be quite effective.