What are urinary system disorders?
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are disorders affecting the various parts of the urinary system. It affects women more frequently than men due to the basic anatomical differences. Almost every woman gets urinary tract infections at some point at time in their life. The reason is women have shorter urethra – 3.5 cm long and the urethra is closer to vagina and anus, where bacteria thrive. The bacteria easily travel up the short urethra and cause infections. Men’s urethra is longer – 20 cm long. Hence urinary infections are less. UTIs are most common in sexually active women. Other factors that may increase your risk include not drinking enough fluids, not taking frequent baths, holding urine in the bladder too long and Kidney stones. It happens when germs infect the system that carries urine out of the body — the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. Bladder infections are common and usually not serious if treated promptly. But if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more serious illness. In Ayurveda, UTI is known as Mutravahi sankraman.
Causes of urinary system disorder
A common disorder that afflicts the Urinary tract is infection by the bacteria – Escherichia coli. Escherichia is a genus of Gram negative, rod like bacteria that have the ability to ferment carbohydrates with production of gas. They reside in the intestines of men. E. coli, under certain circumstances, causes infection of the Uro – genital tract. One such infection is Dysuria – difficult or painful urination. Dysuria is usually associated with frequent urge for passing Urine if the cause is due to “cystitis” or “Uretheritis”, cystitis is the inflammation of the urinary bladder often caused by E. coli. Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra due to gonarrhoea etc.
Causes
- More than 85% of Urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by bacteria. Cystitis is the common cause especially in women with UTI.
- The other cause is Uretheritis – infection of the Urethera by bacteria, fungi or viruses. The sexually transmitted organism like Neisseri Gonnorrhoea can afflict urethra. Chlamydia and the herps simplex Urius can also cause Urethritis
- Candidiasis caused by the candida fungi is also a UTI.
- Parasites – and worms can also infect the urinary tract. 5. Stones in the kidney or bladder
What are the symptoms of UTI?
- Kidney Infection
- Pain on either side of the lower back
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bladder Infection
- Pain or burning during urination
- The urge to urinate
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Urine that is cloudy or foul-smelling
UTI Complications
The infection may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. That will permanently reduce kidney function. The infection may enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs.
Ayurvedic Therapy for Urinary system disorders
There are many herbs as well as other recommendations in Ayurveda to treat various disorders of the urinary system without any side effects. They are easily available and can be used by everyone. These disorders are mainly due to the Pitta dosha that governs these systems.
HERBS FOR URINARY TRACT DISORDERS
- Shatavari: This herb has cooling properties that helps relieve inflammation due to Pitta imbalances. It helps in fighting bacteria that might be causing or aggravating the condition.
- Purnanava and Gokshura: These herbs are known for their ability to stimulate the urinary system, improving its functioning. They soothe the complete system in case of infections.
- Cilantro or coriander, fennel and cumin: You can have fresh juice of coriander or mix the three herbs in a brew and have it. This helps in reducing inflammation and balancing Pitta Dosha.
- Diuretics, some of which can be chosen from this list of useful remedies: Gokshura fruit (Tribulus terrestris), Pashanabheda root (rockfoil / Bergenia ligulata), Pueraria tuber (vidari / Pueraria lobata), Punarnava plant/root (Boerhavia difusa) and Yava seed (barley / Hordeum vulgare)
Lifestyle changes for Urinary System Disorders
One of the main reasons for urinary infections is moisture and dampness in and around the urethra. One should make sure to wear dry cotton undergarments and outer clothes that are not very tight. Dry yourself well after a shower or being in moist conditions. It is advisable not to control urination for very long frequently. Use of sanitary pads is considered safer than tampons. It is also important to have a calm and relaxed mind.
Ayurvedic Medicines for UTI
- Chandanasava
- Draksharishta
- Punarnavasava
- Kumaryasava
- Jeerakadyarishta
- Gokshuradi churnam/ guggulu
- Avipathikara churnam
- Yashti churnam
- Maha / sudarsana churnam
- Hingwastak churnam
- Maha tiktaka ghritham
- Panchatikta guggulu ghrigham
- Chandanathivati
- Gandhaka rasayanam
- Kooshmanda lehyam
- Madhusunhee rasayanam
- Abhraka bhasma
- Yasada bhasma
- Karpura silajath bhasma
- Rajathachandrodaya
- Swarna makshika bhasma
- Chandraprabha vati
- Mritunjaya rasa
- Seethamsu rasa
- Swarna vanga
- Tarakeswara rasa
- Sitz bath alternating with hot and cold water once in a day for at least 2 months
- One useful intervention is a cold fomentation applied topically to pubic region, prepared with 4 parts honey, 2 parts each Amalaki fruit (Indian gooseberry / amla / Phyllanthus emblica) and Madhukam root (licorice / Glycyrrhiza glabra) and one part Devadaru wood (Himalayan cedar / Cedrus deodara), prepared with rice water or cold water.
Home Remedies
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water. This will benefit the kidneys. The water, at least 60% of it has to pass through kidneys, which filters out toxins and germs. Water eases the kidney’s functioning.
- Drink a quarter glass of onion juice sweetened with 1 tsp of sugar. It relieves the urinary irritation. Try this daily till you obtain relief.
- Mix 1/2 tsp of Jeera (powdered) with 1 tsp of sugar and consume, twice a day.
- Drink 25 ml of Radish Juice twice daily 5. Mix 1/2 cup lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey with 1 cup of hot water. Drink this thrice a day for quick relief.
- Cucumber juice (1 cup) can also be added for better effect.
- Fresh tender coconut water is a sure remedy
- Sugar cane juice also is beneficial
- Take 6 gms of Amla and Jaggery every day. This will provide essential vitamin C to resist bacterial infection
- Barley water also helps smooth urination
- Intake of curd daily, curd has lactobacillus acidophilus that may inhibit growth of harmful bacteria
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE: WHAT TO DO?
- Drink plenty of water
- Visit the toilet before and after sex
- Keep your genitals clean. Wipe from front to back
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays
- Take showers instead of baths
- Avoid hot, spicy food, coffee and tea
- Use cotton undergarments
- Urinate before and after coitus
- Urinate as soon as you feel the urge
