Bladder infections are not only painful but can lead to deadly complications if left untreated. Some of the symptoms of bladder infection include an abnormal urgency to urinate, a burning sensation, and pain while urinating.
Infections essentially occur when bacteria (mostly E. Coli and E. spp) find their way to the urethra and subsequently travel to the bladder. Certain bacteria and yeasts like Candida famata and Candida albicans can also be a part of the infection.
When bacteria are introduced to the bladder, they attach to the bladder walls and rapidly multiply. Doctors often recommend antibiotics to clear the bacteria and fungi in the urinary tract. However, antibiotics often come with all sorts of side effects, including nausea and vomiting, headaches, rashes, diarrhea, and nerve or tendon damage.
As a result, several studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness and safety of essential oils in the treatment of bladder infections. And a few have suggested that essential oils can treat bladder infection in some cases. Essential oils are helpful for bladder infection because they:
- Have antibacterial properties
- Strengthen the immune system
- Often get rid of toxins
- Reduce fluid retention and much more
Advocates of essential oils recommend the following oils for management of bladder infections:
Oregano Oil
One study done on the antibacterial properties of Oregano essential oil showed that it can slow down the growth of E.coli and other bacteria or stop it altogether. The study was done against tested and clinical bacterial strains for E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from different patients.
Results showed that the oil was active against all the strains from both bacteria. This outcome goes to show that Oregano oil inhibits the growth of bacteria, ultimately enhancing the healing process.
Tea Tree Oil
Being one of the most versatile essential oil globally, it’s not surprising that it can help you combat bladder infection. The essential oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the most potent natural remedies for infections. The essential oil has been proven to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria including E. coil, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenza, and Streptococcus pneumonia.
In particular, the fact that it inhibits the growth of E.coli is of interest, considering that it is the most common bacteria that are known to cause bladder infection. The essential oil can also be used as a preventive measure for bladder infection by adding a few drops of the oil to a warm bath.
Clove Oil
E.coli has been known to be resistant to antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, norfloxacin, tetracycline, ticarcillin, and tobramycin. The infection can be eliminated with the use of Clove oil. According to a 2016 study, which employed the disk diffusion method of testing the bactericidal properties of clove oil on UTI patients, Clove oil was shown to possess fantastic killing and inhibition properties against E. coli isolates.
Eucalyptus Oil
When the bladder infection is caused by a variety of bacteria, the Eucalyptus oil can help kill or inhibit their growth to a greater extent.
One study that was carried to determine if Eucalyptus globulus possesses antimicrobial properties showed that it can stop the growth of many bacteria including S. aureus, B. subtilis, L. innocua, E.coli and P. aerugenosa.
The essential oil is, therefore, recommended when you are not sure about the bacterium that’s causing the infection.
Lavender Oil
Studies show that lavender oil is effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause bladder infections. For instance, a 2015 study conducted to investigate both lavender oil and oregano oils proved that the oils have killing and inhibition properties against E. coli and S. aureus.
Coriander Oil
Coriander oil is another effective treatment option for bladder infections. One research sought to find evidence of this and proved that Coriander oil can kill both E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The oil can also fight drug-resistant bacteria.
Juniper Berry Oil
Extracted from the deep blueberries of the Juniper plant, this essential oil is famed for its potential to support urinary tract health.
It boasts potent antiseptic, antispasmodic, and diuretic properties. It is also a great tonic that can detoxify and cleanse your entire system, promoting good health and overall wellness.
As we await the findings of more research in the future, one thing is clear; essential oils are important in the fight against bacterial infections and can speed up healing from bladder infection or prevent the infection from coming back.
Like any other remedy out there, consult your doctor before using essential oils for bladder infection. Together, you can figure out the right essential oil and dosage that’s best for you.