There are many types of infections that can attack the body (shareera), but out of all these, urinary tract infection is very common. Any infection in the urinary organs like the bladder, kidney, or ureters is called Mutrakrichha in Ayurveda. Mutra means urine and Krichha means dark. So in easy language, a darkened and changed color of the urine and haziness means a person is having Mutrakrichha or urinary tract infection. This article will explain how Ayurvedic treatment for UTI or Mutrakrichha is the best way to treat it.
So what causes urinary tract infections (UTI) or Mutrakrichha?
As per Ayurvedic texts, there are three main doshas in the body – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. A disproportion or imbalance of pitta dosha is mainly responsible for Mutrakrichha. This is the reason it is sometimes also known as Pittaj Mutrakrichha. Whenever pitta levels in the body rise, there is an increase of heat in the body. It can cause dehydration (decrease in water levels or jal tattva of the body) which is a symptom of Mutrakrichha.
When some bacteria enter the body through mutra dwara or urethra, it is the beginning of infection. The immunity or defense system of the body can kill this bacteria and the infection can be avoided. However, if the bacteria survives and reaches the bladder it then multiplies and causes Mutrakrichha. Ayurveda for urinary tract infections has been used for ages and has a long history of healing people.
Some other factors that result in Mutrakrichha or urinary tract infection causes are:
- Weak immune system
- Less intake of water
- Suppressing the natural call or urge to urinate. (Vega Dharana)
- Consumption of too hot, sour, or spicy foods.
- Tobacco and Alcohol usage
- Constipation
- Overexposure to sunlight
- Aging
- Some other diseases like diabetes
- Stress
UTI in Females
Mainly a pitta increasing diet and lifestyle is responsible for Pittaj Mutrakrichha. This problem is very common in women (mahila) as compared to men (purusha). It is because the mutra dwara or urethra of a woman is smaller as compared to men, so the germs can enter easily. Hormonal imbalances can also be a contributing factor in UTI in females. Menstrual cycles or pregnancy times can make women even more prone to Pittaj Mutrakrichha. In older ages, the urethra in women shrinks and the chances of having urinary tract infection get even higher. Learn what different discharge colors mean for your health with our detailed guide on discharge color meaning.
UTI in Males
Men, on the other hand, can also have Pittaj Mutrakrichha, but it is not very common. UTI in males symptoms may vary from among women. Young men (purusha) may get Pittaj Mutrakrichha due to some unhygienic practices. Older men with swelling in their prostate may fall prey to this problem of urinary tract infection. Prostate gland swelling will make it difficult to pee and the bladder will not empty completely. If the bladder is not getting empty then it is a big risk for the problem of Pittaj Mutrakrichha.
In kids, this problem can occur due to urine reflux. If the child is suppressing the natural call for too long then urine can go back to the bladder and cause an infection.
Some of the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are:
- A burning feeling that follows urination
- A strong, ongoing need to pee but producing little urine.
- Urine that is red, dark, hazy, or smells strange
- Feeling worn out or feeble
- Fever (jwar)
- Pain in the side (flank), abdomen, or pelvis
- Soreness in the pelvic region
This problem can occur over and over again in the lifetime of a person, so how to treat it? Well, Ayurvedic treatment is the key that can help in treating the problem of Pittaj Mutrakrichha from its root or strota. Treating a disease from its root cause is the basic foundation of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatment involves some simple steps like taking herbal medicines, making some changes in diet, doing yoga, and following a healthy lifestyle.
Here are some of the changes that you can adopt:
DIET
- Stop eating pitta aggravating foods (hot and spicy foods)
- Avoid caffeine – stop taking tea or coffee.
- Drink more and more water and take a diet with rich water content.
- Drink fresh juices of fruits and vegetables like pineapple juice, orange juice, wheatgrass juice, fresh lime juice, sugarcane juice, or coconut water.
- Eat seasonal fruits
- Add cinnamon to your diet like boil it water to make an herbal tea, or add it to vegetables or curries.
- Eat curd or yogurt because they have good gut bacteria and they can fight the infection-causing bacteria.
- Especially add cardamon (Elaichi) to your routine. Chew cardamom pods(Elaichi), or boil them in water to make an herbal tea. You can also add cardamon powder to your bowl of fruits.
- Eat more fibrous foods.
- An herbal tea of fennel seeds (saunf) and coriander seeds (sookha dhaniya) is very good for detoxing the body and clearing infections. It is a very famous Ayurvedic drink that is very effective and has been used for ages.
- Consume more soups in the diet like lemon and coriander soup or mixed vegetable soup.
LIFESTYLE
- To relieve pain one can take a bath with warm water, or apply a heating pad in the abdomen region.
- One must be careful with personal hygiene, vaginal cleaning should be done properly, as proper cleaning reduces the chances of bacterial growth.
- During menstrual periods, women should practice good personal hygiene practices.
- Wearing cotton and loose-fitting clothes and cotton innerwear should be preferred.
- Use dry clothes after the bath.
- Wipe from front to back after defecation.
- Urinate before and after sexual activity and properly maintain hygiene in your genital area.
- Do not go in extreme heat and sun or near furnaces and boilers.
- Do not hold the urge to urinate as it retains toxins in your system.
- Avoid dampness and moisture in or around genitals that can cause urinary infections or pittaj Mutrakrichha.
- After urination, wipe from front to back to keep bacteria away from the urethra.
HERBS
Herbal medicines are the best way and they also work much faster than any other medicine. Ayurvedic medicines (oushadhis) are very good at killing bacteria and balancing the PH levels in the body. The best part is that these medicines have no side effects. Some of the famous herbs that are used in making medicine for Pittaj Mutrakrichha are:
- Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris): It is a very good herb for the treatment of Pittaj Mutrakrichha. As they are beneficiary in reducing inflammation. It is a diuretic in nature which means it increases urine production in the body.
- Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): This herb is an immunity booster. Moreover, it also reduces fever and other symptoms related to this infection.
- Bangshil: This herb aids in curing genito- urinary tract infections. By acting as an antiseptic and antibacterial it helps in the treatment of various infections and mutrakrichha.
- Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): This herb works in rejuvenating the whole body. Since it is diuretic and anti-inflammatory it reduces the urea and creatinine levels in the blood.
- Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): This herb is a blood purifier and maintains homeostasis in the body. As it has diuretic properties it increases the production of urine in the body. It is additionally more beneficial for males because it reduces swelling of the prostate gland (a part of the genitals).
- Kasni: It is a very effective herb in controlling pitta levels in the body because it is cooling in nature. It will help in removing bacteria and hence treating Pittaj Mutrakrichha.
YOGA
Some yoga asanas and mild stretches are very good for treating pittaj mutrakrichha. The flow of blood in the body will improve and bacteria will flush out.
Some of the beneficial asanas are:
- Pranayama
- Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
- Squat Pose (Malasana)
Ayurvedic medications are made from natural herbs that come directly from the heart of nature (Prakriti) and have an abundance of healing properties. Ayurveda medicine for Pittaj Mutrakrichha can be beneficial and is risk-free to use with no issues. Herbs have been used for thousands of years and have a history of treating Pittaj Mutrakrichha and other infections. Dr. Sharda Ayurveda is one of the leading hospitals in the field of Ayurveda with more than 15 years of experience and provides Ayurvedic online consultation.
