Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that causes pain, burning and pelvic discomfort. Infectious cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection and occurs when bacteria like E. coli attach to the bladder wall. Noninfectious cystitis may occur because of medications, irritants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or illness. Even though doctors can usually prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers for cystitis, the condition can recur. Herbal teas may help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment for cystitis.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi, or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is an evergreen shrub also known as bearberry or upland cranberry. Traditional healers use the leaves as a urinary antiseptic for treating urinary tract infections including cystitis. The active ingredient is arbutin, which is metabolized to hydroquinone in urine. Botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that hydroquinone fights bacteria and fungi and has antiseptic and astringent actions on the urinary tract mucus membranes. Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend uva ursi tea to treat and prevent cystitis. Do not use uva ursi for more than seven days unless you are under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care practitioner. Avoid this herb if you are pregnant, have a kidney disorder or gastrointestinal problems.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod, or Solidago virgaurea, is a tall perennial with clusters of bright yellow flowers. Herbalists use the aerial parts as a diuretic and antiseptic to treat kidney and bladder infections. Goldenrod is rich in flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, volatile oil and polysaccharides, and it has analgesic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend goldenrod tea and state that besides increasing urine output and fighting bacteria, the herb also reduces the inflammation and spasms that accompany cystitis. Avoid goldenrod if you have allergies to members of the aster family.
Couch Grass
Couch grass, or Elymus repens, is a perennial grassy herb found throughout the world. Healers use a tea or tincture from the dried roots and rhizomes to treat inflammatory disorders of the urinary and respiratory tracts. The active ingredients include mucilage, volatile oil and polysaccharides. Van Wyk and Wink note that the mucilage coats and protects inflamed mucus membranes and the volatile oil is antimicrobial. Herbalist David Hoffmann also recommends couch grass for cystitis and states that it has demulcent properties that can soothe irritated and inflamed membranes. There is a possibility of potassium depletion if you take couch grass with other diuretics.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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