A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in the urinary system—which includes the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureter.1 While females tend to be more susceptible to urinary tract infections, males can get them as well. Urinary tract infections happen fairly frequently and account for almost 25% of all infections.2
Urinary tract infections can be downright uncomfortable. No two individuals are the same, so not everyone experiences the same symptoms. However, even though symptoms can vary with each individual, some of the most common symptoms of a UTI include:
- A burning sensation during urination
- The urge to urinate frequently
- Blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Cloudy urine3
What causes urinary tract infections?
There are many ways in which you can get a urinary tract infection. Lifestyle and overall health are contributing factors for sure, but even the type of personal products you use or clothing you wear can make you more susceptible. Here are some of the most common factors that can contribute to urinary tract infections:
- Sexual activity
- Poor hygiene
- Antibiotic use
- Diabetes
- Not completely emptying the bladder
- Using tampons or spermicides
- Constipation
- Wearing tight-fitting or wet clothing for extended periods of time4
What to do if you have a urinary tract infection
If you suspect you have a UTI, you should see your physician to confirm whether or not an infection is present. If test results confirm that you have a UTI, your doctor will most likely prescribe you an antibiotic.
There are also many purported home remedies for urinary tract infections on the Internet that may or may not be beneficial. However, regardless of the treatment methods you choose, there are some simple things you can do to help your support your body while it heals from the infection. Some of these include:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Taking a quality probiotic
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Practicing good hygiene
- Not wearing tight-fitting or wet clothes for long periods of time
- Avoiding the use of tampons and spermicides
- Urinating after intercourse5
What are the best essential Oils for UTI?
There are a number of essential oils that can be beneficial when dealing with a urinary tract infection. The most common types of UTIs affect women and are frequently caused by the E. coli bacteria. Because of this, it’s important to choose essential oils that are antibacterial, especially against E. coli, as well as other types of bacteria. It’s also a good idea to choose essential oils that may be beneficial when dealing with pain or overall feelings of illness.
Below, I’ve chosen 6 of the best essential oils for urinary tract infection, based on each oil’s specific therapeutic properties.
1. Oregano
Oregano essential oil is by far one of the best essential oils for UTI. Oregano has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It’s a great essential oil to have on hand if you’re dealing with infection or illness in general, but would be especially beneficial when dealing with a urinary tract infection caused by E. coli. A study conducted in 2012 found that oregano essential oil was active against and inhibited the growth of the E. coli bacteria.6
Besides being an effective antibacterial, oregano also contains analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.7 However, due to its potency, oregano should not be used around young children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Additionally, it’s a known skin sensitizer and when used topically, it should be appropriately diluted to avoid skin irritation.
2. Clove
Clove is another essential oil that has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It’s often used for fighting off illness and in fact, it’s a key ingredient in many of the germ-fighting blends from well-known essential oil companies. A study conducted in 2016 found that clove essential oil showed strong inhibiting and killing properties against antibiotic-resistant E. coli isolates.8
Clove also contains pain-relieving properties and is frequently used in formulations for muscle or joint pain. Due to its potency, clove should not be used around young children. And like oregano, clove is a skin sensitizer and should be appropriately diluted before topical use.
3. Cinnamon leaf
Like both oregano and clove, cinnamon essential oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. It also often finds itself as a main ingredient in the aforementioned germ-fighting blends, so it should come as no surprise that it’s also one of the best essential oils for urinary tract infection. Research suggests that the main constituent found in cinnamon may have a negative effect on the E. coli bacteria.9
Cinnamon also contains pain-relieving properties and is useful when dealing with a wide variety of illnesses and infections. Cinnamon leaf is another potent essential oil and should not be used around young children. Furthermore, due to the potential for skin sensitization, cinnamon should always be appropriately diluted before topical use to avoid skin irritation.
4. Lavender
Lavender is a beneficial essential oil to have on hand if you’re dealing with a urinary tract infection for many reasons. Not only does lavender contain calming properties, but it also has antibacterial and synergistic properties as well. This makes it well-suited for blends formulated for UTIs.
Not only does lavender add to the antibacterial actions of the other oils, it can also help promote a calm and restful environment. This can be especially beneficial if you are experiencing discomfort or are having trouble sleeping due to the infection.
Additionally, a 2015 study found that lavender has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a great choice for dealing with illnesses or infections that cause pain and inflammation.10 Furthermore, lavender is a gentle oil that is safe to use around just about everybody.
5. Lemon
Lemon is a great essential oil to have on hand when dealing with any illness. It contains potent antibacterial and antiseptic properties that make it great for fighting off illness and infection. It is another key ingredient in anti-germ blends, as well as in natural cleaning formulations.
Additionally, the fresh, citrusy aroma can help you feel refreshed and energized, which is especially helpful if you’ve been sick and are not feeling quite like yourself. Just remember that lemon is a phototoxic essential oil and if applied topically, sun exposure should be avoided and low dilutions should be used.
6. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is frequently used in formulations for combating illness and also happens to be one of the best essential oils for UTI. Its menthol-like aroma is beneficial for fighting off respiratory illnesses and boosting the immune system.
Lavender also contains pain-relieving and potent antibacterial properties as well. In fact, a study conducted in 2016 found that eucalyptus essential oil had an inhibitory effect against all the bacteria that was tested, which included E. coli.11 This makes it a great option to use when dealing with urinary tract infections, even if the infection isn’t caused by E. coli.
Eucalyptus is often found in germ-fighting and illness-fighting blends. However, due to the high 1, 8-Cineole content, it should not be used around young children.
Diffuser blends for urinary tract infection
Diffusing essential oils is a great way to utilize their therapeutic properties in a safe way. You still get to experience their extraordinary effects without having to worry about dilution amounts and skin sensitization. With either of these blends, feel free to substitute essential oils to suit your preferences.
UTI diffuser blend #1
- 1 drop oregano essential oil
- 2 drops clove or cinnamon essential oil
- 4 drops lemon essential oil
Combine the above essential oils and adjust total amount based on your diffuser’s instructions.
UTI diffuser blend #2
- 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
Combine the above essential oils and adjust total amount based on your diffuser’s instructions.
Use essential oils to help fight UTI
While urinary tract infections are a fairly common occurrence, it doesn’t mean you have to simply endure when you have one. Essential oils can not only help in fighting the infection itself, but they can also help with feelings of discomfort, as well as overall feelings of illness.
Essential oils make a great addition to holistic and conventional treatments for UTIs and when diffused, are incredibly easy and safe to use. So, if you ever find yourself dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of a urinary tract infection, you should consider giving essential oils a try.
And to maintain your overall wellness over time, don’t forget regular ZYTO scanning for personalized essential oil recommendations.
About Nicole Stine
Nicole Stine is a certified herbalist who has numerous aromatherapy and natural health certifications. She is passionate about using herbs and essential oils safely and thoroughly enjoys researching and writing about natural health, as well as creating her own formulations.
Sources:
1. “Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).” Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Mayoclinic.org.
2. Al-Badr, A., & G. Al-Shaikh. “Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Management in Women.”Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal 13, no. 3 (2013): 359–67.
3. Lights, Verneda, and Elizabeth Boskey. “Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infection.” Healthline Media. Healthline.com.
4. McIntosh, James. “What to know about urinary tract infections.” Healthline Media UK Ltd. Medicalnewstoday.com.
5. Link, Rachel. “6 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections.” Healthline.com.
6. Sienkiewicz, M., M. Wasiela, & A. Glowacka. “The antibacterial activity of oregano essential oil (Origanum heracleoticum L.) against clinical strains of Escherichia coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa.”Medycyna Doswiadczalna i Mikrobiologia 64, no. 4 (2012): 297–307.
7. Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2016).
8. Dąbrowski, M., M. Sienkiewicz, et al. “Antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli urinary isolates and their susceptibility to clove essential oil.”Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Sklodowska, Sectio C – Biologia 71, no. 2 (2018): 41.
9. Nazzaro, F., F. Fratianni, et al. “Effect of Essential Oils on Pathogenic Bacteria.”Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 6, no. 12 (December 6, 2013): 1451–74.
10. da Silva, G. L., C. Luft, et al. “Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender Essential Oil.” Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciências 87, no. 2 (April 2015): 1397–1408.
11. Said, Z.B.S., H. Haddadi-Guemghar, et al. “Essential oils composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of hydrodistillated extract of eucalyptus globulus gruits.” Industrial Crops and Products 89 (2016): 167–75.