Normally, urine that flows into the bladder from the kidneys is sterile and therefore free from bacteria and other infectious agents. When we urinate, urine passes out of the bladder through the urethra. Sometimes, bacteria that are found outside the bladder cling to the outer end of the urethra. They can begin to multiply and eventually may move up the urethra and into the bladder. The result is a bladder infection, or cystitis. Symptoms can include burning or pain on urination and a frequent need to urinate even when the bladder is not full. Although both sexes can develop a bladder infection, they are more common in women than in men, perhaps because the female urethra is shorter and therefore an easier path for bacteria to reach the bladder.
Step 1
For three days, drink at least 16 oz. of cranberry juice daily. According to the National Institutes of Health, cranberry juice makes the bladder lining slippery so bacteria are unable to stick to it.
Step 2
Drink tea made from dried goldenseal root (1 tsp. per cup ofhot water) three times daily, or take one 1000mg goldenseal root capsule three times daily. Goldenseal root has a well-documented history as a potent antimicrobial herb.
Step 3
Make a tea from dried uva ursi (2 tsp. per cup of hot water) or drink warm water containing 1 tsp. of uva ursi tincture. Take uva ursi at least once a day for three days, at different times than the cranberry juice and the goldenseal root. Uva ursi is a strong antiseptic that is also very soothing.
Step 4
Drink large amounts of water for these three days, aiming for two to three liters each day. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, this will help flush bacteria from your system.
Things You'll Need
- 2 large bottles of unsweetened cranberry juice, 1/2 gallon each
- Goldenseal root, either loose dried herb or as 1000mg capsules
- Uva ursi, either as loose dried herb or as a tincture
- An unlimited supply of water
