Urinary tract infections

Urinary  tract  infection  (UTI)  involves infection  in  the  kidneys,  ureters,  bladder  or  urethra. These are the organs that urine passes through when eliminated from the body. Ayurveda consider basti (bladder) as a trimarma that means a vital spot.

Causes of UTI

.        Adhyasana (overeating) of dry foods

·        Consumption of irritating medicines

·        Excessive dry liquor consumption

·        Excessive exercises

·        Intestinal disorders

·        Bacterial infections

Common symptoms include:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can have various symptoms, which can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection within the urinary tract.

·        Painful or burning sensation: This is often felt during urination and is known as dysuria  (dukhena mutra pravritti).

·       Frequent urination: Urge to urinate more frequently than usual, even when the bladder isn't full.

·       Urgency: Feeling a strong need to urinate immediately.

·       Cloudy or bloody urine: Urine may appear cloudy, dark, or have a strong odor. In some cases, there may be blood in the urine  (hematuria).

·       Pelvic pain or pressure: Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic region.

·       Fatigue or malaise: Feeling generally unwell, tired, or achy.

·       Fever: In some cases, especially if the infection has spread to the kidneys, a fever may be present.

Management of UTI

In Ayurveda, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are believed to stem from imbalances in the three doshas. Treatment is tailored according to the severity of these imbalances. Ayurvedic approaches to managing UTIs focus on dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, the use of herbal and mineral medicines, practicing yoga and meditation, and detoxifying the body.

In Vataja Mutrakrichra (vata humor associated painful micturition), symptoms include lower abdominal pain and increased urination frequency with reduced volume. Treatment involves techniques like abhyanga (oil massage with Vata-reducing oils), swedana (fomentation), Dasamoola Dhara (medicated water is steadily poured on the affected body part of the patient at a prescribed rate) and Vasti (medicated enema).

In Pittaja Mutrakrichra (Pitta associated painful micturition):symptoms include pain with intense burning sensation, frequent urgency, and increased urination. Treatment includes whole-body massage with cooling oils, cooling herbal baths herbs like Amla, Gokshura, Manjishta and specific therapies like Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and Uttara Basti (therapeutic enema). Medications containing herbs like Trinapanchamoola and Nyagrodhadi gana are recommended.

In Kaphaja Mutrakrichra (Kapha humor associated painful micturition), symptoms include slimy urine, heaviness, swelling in the lower abdomen, difficulty in urination, and chills. Treatment focuses on reducing Kapha dosha. Herbal preparations like Surasadi gana and Varanadi gana are used, and cardamom is noted for its efficacy in this condition.

Using single herbs such as Garlic, Crataeva nurvala, Coleus aromaticus, Tribulus terrestris, Solanum xanthocarpum, Moringa, and Coriander has shown effectiveness in treating different types of urinary infections. However, indiscriminate use of Ayurvedic medicine without proper understanding and diagnosis may not yield favorable results in any medical condition. Therefore, targeted and precise interventions tailored to each specific disease condition are crucial for successful treatment.