A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men are. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.

Urinary tract infections don’t always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone

A UTI develops when microbes enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs.

To prevent a UTI without antibiotics, people can try the following home remedies:

• Stay hydrated.
• Urinate when the need arises.
• Drink Gokshura Tisanes.
• Use probiotics.
• Get enough vitamin C.
• Wipe from front to back.
• Practice good sexual hygiene.

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria that cause the infections. Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species of bacteria most likely to be responsible for UTIs include:

1. Escherichia coli (E. coli) the cause of up to 90% of all bladder infections
2. Staph bacteria
3. Klebsiella pneumonia

As we already know, our urinary system works as a filter, removing toxins and wastes from your body through urine. It uses a series of tubes and ducts to pass this waste. These tubes are connected to our blood vessels and digestive system. Our urinary system helps the rest of your body work properly. Hence it is of prime importance to ensure smooth functioning of the urinary system.

With the fast paced lifestyle that people lead nowadays, the food that is consumed is also mostly fast-food. Our body is a wonderful chemical factory that works in perfect harmony to ensure that we live well. When a variety of food that is not really helping in the proper functioning of the body is introduced to the body, it takes a toll on the excretory system.

60% of our body is composed of water. Hence, keeping this water free from toxins automatically ensures both physical and mental well being.

Kidney stones: Kidney stones or renal calculi are hard masses formed in the kidneys, typically consisting of insoluble calcium compounds. Drinking too little water, exercise (too much or too little), obesity, eating food with too much salt or sugar are some of the causes of kidney stones. Dark cola beverages, artificial fruit punch and sweet tea are the top drinks that contribute to kidney stones. By consuming Gokshura Tisanes (as per one’s requirement based on one’s kidney condition) and by monitoring one’s food habits and lifestyle, one can avoid kidney stones. It is good to avoid, however, in case of kidney stone issues Gokshura Tisanes – 3 times in a day for 7 -14 days will reduce the size and push the stone out of your body.

For Diabetics: A test-tube study showed that gokshura blocked the activity of enzymes, such as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, that play a role in breaking down carbohydrates and making them easier to absorb. When the body absorbs carbohydrates easily from the digestive system into the blood, blood sugar levels may spike. Thus, it is possible that blocking enzymes involved in this process may lower blood sugar levels and reduce these spikes.

For Diabetics: A test-tube study showed that gokshura blocked the activity of enzymes, such as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, that play a role in breaking down carbohydrates and making them easier to absorb. When the body absorbs carbohydrates easily from the digestive system into the blood, blood sugar levels may spike. Thus, it is possible that blocking enzymes involved in this process may lower blood sugar levels and reduce these spikes.

Lowering Blood pressure: Test-tube and animal studies suggest Gokshura may help lower blood pressure levels by inhibiting various enzymes that play roles in constricting one’s blood vessels.

Inflammation or edema: When our body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling. Hence it is important to keep one’s body hydrated regularly. Daily exercise also helps in avoiding edematous conditions.

Boost libido: Research suggests that Gokshura may help boost libido in both men and women.