Rice water helps in treating UTI.

FACT:

There is no scientific evidence that rice water can treat or prevent UTIs. While it may offer mild hydration or a soothing effect, it does not kill bacteria like E. coli or cure infections. Experts suggest proper medical treatment, including antibiotics and adequate fluid intake, remains necessary.

In India, we are often told to consume rice water, either plain or with a pinch of salt, for better gut health, digestion or even skin benefits. It is a familiar home remedy. But have you ever thought about whether this simple starchy drink could help with something like a urinary tract infection?

This idea recently went viral after a reel posted by Dietician Sapna Patel on Instagram. In the video, rice water in a cooker appears on screen with the caption, “Try this if you constantly face urinary tract infection.”

The reel’s caption further claims that rice water is an easy solution for people who face UTIs frequently. It lists several benefits. It says that rice water contains starch and natural cooling properties that can soothe inflammation in the urinary tract and support healing. It also claims that the high water content helps “flush out toxins and bacteria from the urinary system,” which the dietician suggests may reduce the risk of infection. The post further describes rice water as mild and easily digestible, providing nutrients “without irritating the urinary tract.”

The creator advises that it is best consumed on an empty stomach or between meals in order to “maximise absorption and hydration.” The preparation is described as simple. Viewers are told to boil rice in water, strain the liquid, add a pinch of pepper powder and drink it warm. The caption adds that morning is the ideal time to have rice water, since the body is “more responsive to hydration and nutrient absorption.” It ends by calling rice water “one of the simplest natural remedies” that requires only rice, water and pepper powder.

The reel has become extremely popular, prompting many to wonder whether rice water can really help with UTIs or if this is another misleading home remedy trend.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection happens when harmful bacteria enter and multiply in any part of the urinary system—the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Most infections occur in the lower urinary tract, affecting the bladder and urethra. Because of anatomical differences, women experience UTIs far more frequently than men.

While early symptoms such as burning urine, urgency, or pelvic discomfort may seem mild, untreated infections can travel up to the kidneys and become serious. Bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli), cause the vast majority of UTIs. In rare cases, viruses or fungi may also play a role.

Is rice water a scientifically proven treatment for UTIs?

Wellness blogs and Ayurvedic sources sometimes claim that “Tandulodaka” (Ayurvedic name for rice-washed water) has calming or mild diuretic properties. But these claims are not supported by controlled human studies, clinical trials, or modern medical guidelines.

There is no proof yet that rice water–whether that left after rinsing rice or cooking it–can fight the bacteria, such as E. coli, that usually cause UTIs. Scientific research has not shown that it can kill bacteria or cure an ongoing infection. Medical bodies like the NHS do not list rice water as a treatment for UTI.

If you rely on unproven home remedies instead of proper medical treatment, the infection may get worse and can even travel up to the kidneys, leading to serious complications.

Can rice water help flush out bacteria?

Not in any meaningful way. The idea sounds logical; if you drink more fluids, you urinate more, which might help flush bacteria. But plain water is already the best and most researched option for this.

A study showed that women who increased their water intake by about 1.5 litres per day had nearly 50 per cent fewer recurrent UTIs. This effect comes purely from hydration, not from any special ingredient in the drink.

Rice water does nothing unique. It may provide mild hydration and electrolytes, but it cannot prevent infection.

What experts say 

Dr Mansi Sharma, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Pune, explained that from an allopathic and scientific perspective, there are no studies proving that rice water can treat or cure a UTI. She acknowledged that it might have a mild diuretic effect, which could increase urinary flow and “may help flush out some bacteria,” but emphasised that it is not a treatment for UTIs.

From a gynaecologist’s point of view, Dr Sharma said, “I would never recommend rice water as the sole treatment for a UTI. Mainstream medical advice always remains an antibiotic for a proven infection.” She added that symptomatic measures such as drinking plenty of water and maintaining good hygiene are also important.

Regarding traditional or complementary remedies, she noted, “If you want to take rice water alongside proper treatment, that is your choice. But relying solely on it and skipping proven medical care may delay recovery, because we do not have any scientific evidence that rice water alone can cure a UTI.”

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