In summer, we can lose a lot of water from our body through perspiration and activity.

Often as much as one to two litres of water may be lost by this route.

This dehydrates the body and makes the urine very strong and concentrated, leading to burning.

Urine infection is more common in women due to the short length of the urethra or water passage, particularly when they are run down. Often mental, physical and emotional stress can reduce immunity and the first symptom in women I have observed is urine infection or thrush.

Another reason for recurrent urine infection in women is dryness of the vaginal wall during certain times of the period, either just before or after a period.

In post menopausal women, the lack of the hormone oestrogen causes lack of vitality and dryness which can lead to urinary infection.

The symptoms of burning, frequency, and pain or discomfort in passing urine usually suggest urine infection. While the bladder is the first to be affected, it can spread to the kidneys causing temperature, shivering, and tiredness.

My integrated approach to urine infection is first to treat the infection with an appropriate antibiotic and simultaneously build the defences of the body in a natural way.

Here are some helpful hints which my patients have found useful 1. Drink two litres of water and half a pint of cranberry juice .

2. To relieve burning make the following natural drink: Take two teaspoonfuls of ground fennel powder, a quarter teaspoon of cardamom, one teaspoon of dry coriander powder, two teaspoonfuls of asparagus root powder (you can get this from the clinic) and two tablespoonfuls of molasses (raw unprocessed demerara sugar) and boil this in half a pint of water. Add a cup of cranberry juice. Drink one cup every hour.

3. Build your immunity by taking Echinacea, Ashwagandha, Korean Ginseng, and vitamin C.

4. Drink carrot and coriander juice every day. (One carrot and one teaspoonful of green coriander leaves per half pint of water).

5. Women may find it helpful to use wild yam and aloe vera gel as a vaginal lubricant.

6. Use plain warm water to wash, avoid too much soap and bubble bath.

7. Avoid sharp foods with vinegar and spices. Also, alcohol and coffee.