Essential Oils for UTIs: Can They Help Treat a UTI?

Written by

Jessica Guht

Jessica is a medical writer with an unquenched thirst to discover something new. She believes that medical content should be accessible to everyone and strives to write content that every single person can understand. When Jessica isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a book with a dog cuddled in her lap. Jessica has a Masters of Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Medically reviewed by

Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC

Amy is a Board Certified Family Health Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over 15 years of experience working in Hospital Medicine, Urgent Care and Primary Care practices. Amy graduated Thomas Jefferson University with high distinction earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008, a Master of Science in Nursing in 2010 and a Post Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care (AGAC) in 2014. She was recognized by the Elite American Nurses Association in 2013 for her dedication, achievements and leadership in the field Nursing. She served as a clinical preceptor for a number of Nurse Practitioner students and enjoys teaching the bright minds of future NPs.

With the rise in antibiotic resistance and concern over the side effects of traditional medications, essential oils have gained attention for their potential ability to fight off infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), but can they really help treat a UTI?

While essential oils are renowned for their aromatic and therapeutic properties, their role in treating UTIs is limited and not scientifically proven. Most of the interest in essential oils for UTIs is driven by research focused on the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of various herbs and plants.

UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria and typically require antibiotics for effective treatment to avoid complications. Although some essential oils possess antimicrobial properties, they are not a substitute for medical treatment and should never be used as a primary or alternative treatment for UTIs.

Key takeaways:

• Essential oils may have certain antimicrobial properties, but their effectiveness in treating UTIs is not scientifically proven. 
• They are not a replacement for conventional medical treatments.
• The only way to effectively treat a UTI is by taking antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Using essential oils for UTIs can pose risks, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Misusing these oils can also delay the proper treatment of a UTI, potentially leading to complications.
• While not effective for treating UTIs directly, essential oils may offer some comfort for symptoms, such as discomfort or pain, when used safely and as part of a broader treatment plan.

Continue reading to learn more about the potential benefits, the risks associated with their use, and how to treat UTIs effectively.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Urinary Tract Infections
• What Are Essential Oils?
• Can Essential Oils Be Used to Treat UTIs?
• Using Essential Oils for Symptomatic Relief
• Risks and Warnings
• Essential Oils That May Help Fight Bacteria That Cause UTIs
• Proper UTI Treatment
• UTI Prevention
• In Conclusion

Overview of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common infection affecting millions of people each year, especially women. These infections happen when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract.

UTIs can occur in different parts of the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), and urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder out of the body).

The most common symptoms of a UTI are a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, foul-smelling urine,  and passing small amounts of urine frequently. In some cases, UTIs can also cause lower abdominal pain or blood in the urine.

Risk factors for UTIs include sexual activity, certain types of birth control, menopause, a suppressed immune system, urinary tract abnormalities, and urinary tract blockages.

UTIs are typically diagnosed through urine tests to identify bacteria and white blood cells and require antibiotics as a treatment to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more severe complications.

Essential Oils for UTIs

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural oils extracted from plants. They capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” Historically, these oils have been used in various cultures for thousands of years for medicinal and health purposes. Essential oils were utilized in practices like aromatherapy, and their use ranged from skin treatments to remedies for health conditions.

There’s a wide range of essential oils, each with a unique aroma and properties. Popular essential oils include lavender oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil. These oils are typically extracted from the leaves, stems, or flowers of plants through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing.

While essential oils have been used throughout history for various treatments, many of the health claims associated with them are not fully backed by scientific evidence.

Can Essential Oils Be Used to Treat UTIs?

When exploring the potential of essential oils in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs), it’s important to differentiate between actual treatment of UTIs and symptomatic relief.

UTIs are bacterial infections that almost always require a course of antibiotics for effective treatment. Without proper treatment, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and cause severe complications such as kidney damage or sepsis.

While there have been studies on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils, there is no real concrete scientific evidence to support the use of essential oils as a primary or alternative treatment for UTIs.

However, there have been some interesting findings in test tube studies done in laboratory settings. For instance, a 2018 study on non-antibiotic herbal therapy versus antibiotic therapy for the treatment of acute lower uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women and a study from 2020 exploring the anti-bacterial effects of essential oils against uropathogenic bacteria both indicated that certain oils may have inhibitory effects on various bacteria that cause UTIs.

It’s important to note that these studies do not establish essential oils as a viable treatment for UTIs. The antibacterial properties observed in laboratory settings do not translate directly to clinical efficacy in treating UTIs in humans. The lack of robust clinical evidence and standardized formulations limits the therapeutic use of essential oils for this purpose.

Using essential oils to treat UTIs can be dangerous and potentially harmful. Delaying proper treatment with antibiotics can lead to more severe complications.

Using Essential Oils for Symptomatic Relief

Some essential oils may offer relief from the discomfort and pain associated with UTI symptoms when used safely and as part of a broader treatment plan.  Some oils, such as chamomile oil or lavender oil, have soothing properties that may help ease the burning sensation when urinating.

Also, some essential oils can help you relieve stress, which can help improve some bladder symptoms according to some studies.

It’s essential to consult with a qualified medical professional before using essential oils for symptomatic relief. Some oils may interact with medications, and some may cause allergic reactions. It’s also important to understand the proper use and dosage of essential oils, as they are highly concentrated and can be harmful when used incorrectly.

Risks and Warnings

While essential oils may offer relief from UTI symptoms when used correctly, they also carry some potential risks. Potential side effects of using essential oils include allergic reactions, skin irritation, and interactions with medications.

Make sure to use high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources and properly dilute them before use. Undiluted or adulterated essential oils can cause harm and worsen symptoms.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to keep in mind that using essential oils should not be a replacement for proper medical treatment for UTIs. Delaying or avoiding antibiotics can lead to more severe complications and put your health at risk.

Essential Oils That May Help Fight Bacteria That Cause UTIs

While essential oils should not be used as a primary treatment for UTIs they may be used as a complementary therapy option. If you’re considering using them as such it’s important to know which ones may have antibacterial properties.

Some essential oils that have antibacterial properties and research suggests may have inhibitory effects on bacteria that cause UTIs include:

• Coriander Oil: Extracted from coriander seeds, this oil has shown potential in fighting certain strains of bacteria. Its use in traditional medicine spans various applications, including digestive and skin health.
• Oregano Oil: Known for its potent antibacterial properties, oregano oil has been found to slow or stop the growth of E. coli and other bacteria. It’s also noted for its effectiveness against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it an interesting subject for further research.
• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is widely used for its antimicrobial properties, particularly in skin care. While it doesn’t treat UTIs, it’s often considered for its potential soothing effects on the skin.
• Clove Oil: This oil exhibits strong antibacterial effects and may help to kill E. coli, a common bacterium responsible for UTIs. Its use in oral health is well-known, which underscores its antibacterial potency.
• Lemon or Lemongrass Oil: Known for their refreshing scent, these oils have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory attributes.
• Cinnamon Oil: Cinnamon oil may inhibit the growth of E. coli. Its potential to help prevent UTIs is linked to these antibacterial properties, making it a subject of interest in natural remedy circles.
• Lavender Oil: Lavender is renowned not just for its soothing aroma but also for its ability to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its antioxidant properties add to its appeal as a complementary therapy.
• Eucalyptus Oil: This oil is celebrated for its antibacterial properties. Eucalyptus is often used in a variety of products for its scent and its perceived health benefits.
• Cumin Oil: Cumin oil, derived from cumin seeds, is known for its antimicrobial properties. While more commonly associated with digestive health, its potential antibacterial effects could be relevant in a UTI context.
• Cajeput Oil: Cajeput has antimicrobial and analgesic properties, and it’s also recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects. These properties could make it useful in relieving some symptoms associated with UTIs.
• Thyme Oil: Thyme oil is recognized for its strong antibacterial properties, making it another essential oil that could potentially inhibit the growth of bacteria like E. coli.

While these essential oils may offer some antibacterial effects, it’s important to note that more research is needed to establish their effectiveness in treating UTIs and they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment in the case of UTIs.

Their use should always be as a complementary approach, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, proper dilution and application methods are essential to avoid skin irritation or other adverse reactions.

Proper UTI Treatment

The only way to fully treat a UTI is by using antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. While essential oils may offer symptom relief, they cannot cure the infection itself. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a UTI, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and start appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Antibiotics are necessary to kill the bacteria responsible for causing UTIs. Delaying or avoiding treatment can lead to more severe complications, such as kidney infection or sepsis.

In addition to antibiotics, you can use various methods to help alleviate UTI symptoms, such as:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoid irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Using a heating pad
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and UTI medication.

UTI Prevention

While UTIs are common, there are steps you can take to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Some ways to reduce your risk of developing a UTI include:

• Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.
• Wiping front to back after using the bathroom.
• Urinating before and after sexual activity.
• Not holding in urine for extended periods.
• Changing birth control methods, if necessary.
• Avoiding irritants like douches and feminine hygiene sprays.
• Taking probiotics.
• Maintaining good hygiene practices.
• Practicing safe sex.

In Conclusion

Essential oils are not a proven effective treatment for UTIs and they should never be used as a substitute for medical treatment. However, they may offer some relief from symptoms and could potentially have antibacterial properties.

Even though essential oils are natural, it’s important to always use them properly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

It’s important to remember that antibiotics are the only way to fully treat a UTI and seeking medical attention is crucial if you suspect an infection.

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