According to statistics published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," urinary tract infections are responsible for more than 11 million visits to the doctor each year. Homeopathic remedies may provide relief in many of these circumstances. Remedies are chosen based on physical and emotional factors. Characteristics of each individual patient are matched to the characteristics of the remedy.
Aconite
When very little urine is produced with a burning sensation in the bladder, Aconite is often the remedy recommended. Psychological symptoms may include anxiety before and after urination. When the bladder has retained urine because of physical reasons such as being cold, a urinary tract infection may result that can be relieved with this remedy.
Apis
The person who finds relief with Apis has frequent and intense urges to urinate day and night, but actually excretes a very small amount of urine. Abdominal soreness may be present along with stinging or burning around the genitals when urination is completed. Symptoms may increase with heat and touch around the abdomen.
Berberis
Symptoms that indicate the usage of Berberis include the development of cystitis, or bladder infection. A burning sensation may be present that extends all the way to the opening of the urethra, and might be present throughout the genital region persistently. The bladder may also continue to feel full immediately after urination. Symptoms may increase and be further agitated by walking.
Cantharis
The symptoms that may signify the need for Cantharis include severe pain with burning and frequent urges to urinate. Pain may be improved with warm compresses on the abdominal area near the bladder. Cantharis is the most commonly prescribed remedy for recurrent infections of the bladder.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium is used when the person suffering from the urinary tract infection has a constant desire to urinate and passes large amounts of urine with each excretion. Frequent nighttime urination is also present. Pain may occur in the back before the passage of urine takes place.
Nux Vomica
When the constant desire to urinate accompanies very little excreted urine, Nux Vomica may be needed. During urination, intense itching may be felt in the urethra along with burning or cramping near the bladder. Irritability and impatience are the psychological symptoms that may appear.
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla may be used in cases of urinary tract and bladder infections. It is often used when symptoms are not clearly presenting themselves, or when other remedies have not provided resolution. Burning may be present immediately after urination. Frequent urges are often accompanied by very little production of urine. The urine may contain sediment resulting from kidney stones.
Sepia
Sudden and frequent intense urges to urinate may be present, with little excretion at urination, in cases where Sepia is indicated. The need to urinate comes on with extreme urgency. Pressure in the bladder region is often present. Psychological symptoms may include fatigue and irritability.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection in Women
- "Homeopathy, Herbal Remedies, and Nutritional Supplements"; Ellen Feingold, MD, 2008
- "Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing"; Gary Null, Ph. D, 2005
