Cystitis, also known as bladder infection, is a common health problem, especially among women. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," reports that recurrent bladder infections pose a significant health problem, since more than 50 percent eventually involve your kidneys. Some herbal remedies may help resolve your cystitis and prevent future infections. However, talk with your doctor about the effectiveness and safety of herbs before using them.
Cystitis Information
According to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, cystitis is often caused by bacteria that enter your body through your urethra -- the tube that carries urine out of your bladder -- and travel to your baldder. Bacterial invasion of your bladder causes inflammation and infection in your lower urinary tract. Risk factors for cystitis, notes Pizzorno, include pregnancy, sexual intercourse, mechanical trauma or irritation and structural abnormalities of your urinary tract that impair the proper flow of urine.
Herbal Approach
Various herbs may be beneficial in treating your cystitis. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," lists the following herbs as possible treatments for bladder infection or support for the health of your urinary tract: cranberry, birch leaves, dandelion tea, hydrangea, fresh blueberries, buchu, goldenseal, marshmallow root, bearberry, burdock root, juniper berries, kava kava, echinacea flower root, stinging nettle, cleavers, barley water and rose hips.
An Effective Herbal Treatment
One of the most effective herbal treatments for cystitis, notes Balch, is cranberry -- specifically, the juice made from cranberries. A high-quality source of cranberry juice -- juice that is unsweetened, contains no additives and is found in health-food stores -- helps acidify your urine and impairs the growth of bacteria. Other elements in cranberry juice keep bacteria from sticking to your bladder's lining. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, evidence indicates cranberry is a helpful agent in preventing urinary tract infections, including bladder infections. Drink a quart of cranberry juice each day, along with a large glass of water, until your symptoms abate.
Considerations
If you have a bladder infection, consider consuming sufficient amounts of liquid. Balch recommends drinking at least one 8-oz. glass of water every hour. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, coffee, chocolate, refined or processed foods and simple sugars for the duration of your illness. Always communicate with your physician about herbal remedies before using them to treat your ailments. Some herbs may not be appropriate for your particular condition, or may interfere with the action of certain prescription drugs.
References
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
- Penn State Hershey: Urinary Tract Infection - Adults
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cranberry
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