UTI

These dreaded infections are so common in females, due to the interesting anatomy. The infection could be caused by viruses or fungus, but is most commonly caused by bacteria, and the most predominant culprit is Escherichia coli, or E-coli. E-coli is abundant in faecal matter and causes no trouble when it stays where it belongs, but unfortunately, due to the previously mentioned interesting anatomy, the opening to the bladder (urethra) is in close proximity to the rectal area. Women are susceptible to e-coli migrating to where it is not wanted and causing discomfort.

The act of urinating helps wash the bacteria out of the system and prevents the bacteria from migrating up to the kidneys. This would account for the medical advice to drink plenty of water when one is experiencing the dreaded “UTI” (Neighbors, 2010).

There are times when the female is more prone to developing a UTI;

  • Incorrect wiping.
  • Incorrect underwear, odourised wipes or sprays.
  • Sexual intercourse. (The friction can cause inflammation of the urethra)
  • Pregnancy. (The hormones, that relax the tone of the uterus and kidneys, result in the urethra not being as tightly closed as before, and so the bacteria can enter the bladder more easily)
  • Stress

During these times it is helpful to find something that will not only act as an antimicrobial, but will sooth the burn at the same time, while remembering to keep the fluids up, so that we can prevent the spread, and flush out the bacteria. A tea containing marshmallow leaves and ginger would prove helpful in soothing the burn, and reducing the cramping associated with the inflammation.

(Hoffman, 2003)

Reference List

Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.

Neighbors, M., Tannehill-Jones, R. (2010). Human diseases (B. Marah Ed. 3rd ed.): Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning.

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