A Natural Remedy to Get Rid of Urinary Tract Infections

20. August 2009 · 3 comments · Categories: Health, Remedies · Tags: , , ,

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If there’s one thing sure to turn things upside down for awhile, it’s a urinary tract infection, or UTI.  A UTI is a bacterial infection in the bladder or kidneys.  If it’s in your bladder, you’ll probably feel like you have to pee a lot, and oftentimes when you don’t really have to.  You might be getting up a lot in the night, and you’re probably feeling some pain and discomfort, possibly a burning sensation, in the area above your pubic bone.  A bad infection may come with blood in the urine and a fever, so if this happens, get thee to a doctor.  That’s also the case if you’re thinking it’s a kidney infection which includes back pain, oftentimes vomiting, and those high spikey fevers.  Natural remedies are great, but when you’re getting things like blood, fevers and vomiting, it’s best to avoid self-treatment.  But if you’re pretty sure you’re at the beginning stages, there are natural remedies to help you get rid of things like urinary tract infections. And this one is simple for any age:  asparagus.

Asparagus spears, fresh or frozen, are a great way to douse the flames of UTI’s for adults and children alike.  Yes, if you have an infection your pee probably already smells a little off, I know.  And asparagus is sure to add a new – uh – layer to this. But it’s fantastic for the urinary tract.  And you don’t have to scarf it down plain, either.  You can boil, steam, bake it – however you prefer.  A soup is nice because you’re not dumping out the vitamin-rich water it cooks in.  I like steaming too; a great way to preserve all the benefits.  

If your kids aren’t hip to asparagus, you could try my husband’s Arborio Rice Salad with Asparagus, which is a cold and lemony salad.  Or perhaps a stir fry with the asparagus snuck in, in small pieces.  I often like to sneak less-than-desirable veggies into a green smoothie, but I don’t think asparagus would take to the blender very well – I imagine a stringy, thick and unpleasant result.  But if you’re desperate and try it anyway, let me know!  (Yes, I’m letting you go first on this one.)

Always remember: Natural remedies such as asparagus for urinary tract infections are great to know, especially as part of a parent’s health care arsenal.  But watch things closely with something like bladder and kidney infections.  Yes, you may be able to avoid a trip to the doctor and a round of antibiotics, but if things turn more serious with fevers, vomiting, blood in the urine, or pain that just doesn’t seem right, see your doctor right away.

Arborio Rice Salad with Fava Beans and Asparagus

17. April 2009 · 1 comment · Categories: Recipes · Tags: , , , ,

Fortunately for our dinner table, my husband has been spending some time watching some cooking shows.  Recently he learned how to make this amazing salad, but he doesn’t know what channel, who the chef was, etc….  Following is his version of what he saw.  The original was made with cubed ham, but he made it vegetarian style.  It also called for Pecorino cheese.  We didn’t find any, so he substituted a Swiss Emmentaler cheese which was a great substitution.  

Arborio Rice Salad with Fava Beans and Asparagus

1 cup arborio rice

1 cup fresh fava beans

1 cup green peas (fresh or canned)

1 lb. fresh asaparagus

1/4 lb. Swiss Emmentaler Cheese (or Peccorino)

1/4 – 1/2 lb. cubed ham (optional)

2 medium lemons

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (really good oil makes all the difference!)

salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Parsley

Fresh Basil

1.)  Use a stock pot with about 1 gallon of water to start.  Add arborio rice to boiling water, a little salt, and stir.  Cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally.

2.) Julienne the asparagus, discarding about the bottom 1/4 of the stalk.  Blanch the peas (if fresh), and the fava beans and asparagus in boiling water for 4 – 5 minutes.  Strain.  Peel the fava beans.  Set beans, peas, and asparagus aside.

3.)  Prepare Vinaigrette:  Zest both lemons and squeeze the juice into a bowl.  Add olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.  

4.) Chop some parsley and basil.  Set aside.

5.) Cut the cheese in small cubes (and ham if using); set aside.

6.) Drain the rice; mix together rice, peas, beans, asparagus, cheese, ham (if using), lemon rind, parsley, basil, and vinaigrette into a glass bowl.  Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

My husband’s final instruction?  ENJOY!!!

A little labor intensive, but definitely worth the effort.  This made enough for us to both eat as a large side dish for about 2 – 3 meals.  If you’re looking for a great potluck dish to wow the diners, this is the one!

Note:  I’ll have a photo as soon as I can locate my camera!  The plate is ready and garnished, the sun is out and prepared for a photo shoot, but alas – the camera has grown legs and left the premises.  Bummer.