Is there a constant urge tug to pee? Is it making you anxious? And when you do pee, maybe stinging or burning pains make it uncomfortable? Not much comes out. You feel tired and irritable and unwell. Read on for useful remedies and home care solutions that may nip Cystitis in the bid – and will certainly ameliorate symptoms that persist, if you go to see the doctor.
Cystitis is caused most often by bacteria (usually E coli) that enter the bladder through the urethra. About half the women in the West experience these symptoms at some point. Sometimes friction in the urethra during sex results in honeymoon cystitis. Whatever the origin, it’s best not to ignore the condition if it persists. Bladder infections can travel to the kidneys.
Urine is often darker in colour than usual and may contain blood. There is a dull, dragging feeling in the lower abdomen, often accompanied by restless anxiety.
Homeopathic Remedies
These remedies complement conventional medical treatment for the same condition and may alleviate the need for antibiotics. (Reduce on improvement.)
Cantharis is the top remedy for Cystitis. Frequent and urgent need to urinate but water is passed only a little at a time. Intense burning pain in the lower abdomen, especially when urinating. Irritable, aggressive disposition. The sex drive can be strong. Often there’s a cold in the bladder making it weak.
Apis addresses an aversion to heat (weather or drinks) and a preoccupied, jealous mind state. Indicated when patient is retaining water. There are burning, stinging pains, occasional leaks on sneezing or coughing and frequent urging to go.
Nat mur In chronic cases where the patient feels offended or bereaved try Nat mur. For sensitive, closed and formal persons. Headache is often present. Occasional leaks occur when coughing, sneezing, jumping or lifting heavy things.
Pulsatilla is for mild-mannered, weepy, clingy people-pleasers. Better for open air, worse for stuffy rooms.
Nux vom subdues a non-stop pain in the bladder. Irritable disposition. Better for warm applications, (hot water bottle) Frequent painful urging: little result.
Staphysgria addresses a burning sensation, relieved after passing urine. Pain on urination, constant urging. Repressed anger can cause symptoms. Cystitis after intercourse.
Causticum A frequent urge, worse from coughing and sneezing, Causticum helps when urine sneaks out, often unnoticed, during the day or night.
Equisetum Full bladder, frequent urging, incontinence.
Alongside the homeopathic remedies above here are things you can do to alleviate and erase symptoms:
Flush out your system and restore a healthy balance in the bladder – aim for 2.5 litres (5 pints) of filtered water daily. Start with 1/2 litre (1 pint) every 20 minutes.
Mix a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in a glass of filtered, room temperature or warm water and drink. This restores an alkaline presence in the bladder and thus, reduces discomfort. Repeat every three or four hours for a day or so. Combine this with hydrating.
Stay away from tea, coffee, alcohol and rich heavy or spicy foods.
Ease discomfort with a hot water bottle on the abdomen or between thighs.
Avoid antibiotics until urine is tested.
Wash waterworks area with only plain water.
Boost kidney function and restore the protective lining of bladder by drinking non-sugared cranberry juice. (health food stores.)
Consider these two tissue salts:
Ferrum phos supports bladder muscle, decreases swelling, irritation and redness
Kali phos, a nerve nutrient cell salt, reduces minor pains and nervous debility and boosts energy.
Waterfall D-Mannose is a supplemental form of sugar that can prevent urinary tract infections and reduce burning sensations if a UTI begins. It calms the bladder and diminishes the need to urinate often. It stops recurrent acute cystitis and is said perform better than antibiotics. (Sweet Cures is a reliable UK brand.)
Uva Ursi herbal tea, from the evergreen ‘bearberry’ shrub, is said to treat urinary incontinence symptoms and lessen the likelihood and intensity of urinary tract infections.
Keep your middle/kidney warm with a Japanese ‘haramaki.’ (ask for details)
Supplements: Vitamin B complex, calcium, zinc, vitamin E and the omegas: 3, 6 and 9, found in Evening Primrose Oil or Hemp Seed oil.
Take daily exercise and engage in deep breathing and yoga practice.
Consider checking your hormone levels. Some of my 50+ patients benefit from taking homeopathic DHEA and Testosterone. Have hormone levels tested for depletion or excess; depleted DHEA and Testosterone are two possible causes for incontinence.
Get in touch with your unique symptoms. I can recommend remedy and potency and dose.