Drinking parsley tea is an excellent home remedy to aid in the treatment of a urinary tract infection, or UTI. It contains natural diuretic properties that can help cleanse out infectious organisms in the bladder to help speed-up recovery.
In addition, parsley can also help to treat menstrual cramps, as it is an iron-rich aromatic herb. It can be added to orange juice to increase the absorption of iron from parsley into the digestive tract.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that a UTI can occur for many reasons, like hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, poor water intake, and poor genital hygiene (e.g. wiping back to front). If you suspect you have a UTI, you should see your doctor for assessment and treatment as indicated, to prevent reinfection of the bacteria.
1. Parsley tea
Ingredients
- 20 g of fresh chopped parsley leaves;
- 2,5 liters (about half a gallon) of water.
Preparation method
Place the parsley and water in a pot and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Then turn off the heat, cover the pan and let it cool down. Strain and set aside. This parsley tea should be used as a water substitute for one day and taken at least every 3 hours.
This tea has a pleasant taste and does not require the addition of sugar. It is important to consume this home remedy on the same day of its preparation so that it does not lose its medicinal properties.
2. Parsley tea with corn silk
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of corn silk
- 1 liter (33 oz) of water
Preparation method
Place all ingredients in a pot and boil for a few minutes. Strain while still warm and drink throughout the day, unsweetened.
3. Parsley tea with Chanca piedra
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley leaves;
- 1 tablespoon of chanca piedra;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation method
Place all ingredients in a pot and boil for a few minutes. Strain while still warm and drink throughout the day, unsweetened.
How to use parsley in recipes
In addition to taking parsley tea to supplement your prescribed UTI treatment (which usually consists of the use of antibiotics), you can also increase your overall parsley intake. Parsley is an easy-to-add aromatic herb, and some ways to use it are:
- In salads, being accompanied by lettuce, basil and tomato;
- In braised meat, being added last, when the meat is practically ready;
- In sauces prepared with sour cream;
- In citrus fruit juices beaten in a blender. Good options are pineapple juice with parsley and orange juice with parsley.
When treating a UTI, the key is to increase your water intake throughout the day, as this can help to relieve the symptoms associated with a UTI. However there are several natural remedies you can try to help treat your UTI.