Which woman has not had the uncomfortable experience of a bladder infection, also known as cystitis: Pain and burning in the bladder and urethra, frequent and urgent urination with burning pain and even cramping of the bladder, although only a few drops may be passed and perhaps even blood in your urine. Most bladder infections are believed to be caused by E.coli infections of the urinary tract from the bowel, however, the woman’s immune system seems to play an important role in the susceptibility to this common infection.

E.coli may enter the urethra during intercourse, which is why urinating and washing carefully before and after intercourse can help to reduce the tendency to develop a bladder infection. The man should also carefully wash before sexual intercourse.

Now, what do you do if you already have cystitis? Conventional medicine uses antibiotics which may help but may leave you with another nuisance – a vaginal yeast infection. Luckily there are a number of natural methods to prevent and treat cystitis.

1) Of course most of you have heard of cranberry juice – this can be helpful to reduce the ability of bacteria to cling to the lining of your bladder. Unsweetened juice is best, one glass a day to prevent infection, several a day to treat it.

2) Goldenseal root (Hydrastis Canadensis) is an excellent natural antibiotic and urinary tract antiseptic. It can be bought in capsule or tincture form. Most capsules are standardized to about 400 mg of herb per capsule. To be effective you may need to take 3-4 capsules every three hours with one or two large glasses of water each. This may need to be continued for a week. Good quality goldenseal is about as effective as an antibiotic without the side effects.

3) Pro-biotics, also known as friendly bacteria, have been shown to reduce the frequency of bladder infections. Buy a good mixed strain product and take at least 10 billion organisms once a day to reduce your risk of infection.

Homeopathic remedies for bladder infections

Several homeopathic remedies are useful for bladder infections. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on the unique symptoms of the person as well as the possible causes of the infection. The remedies mentioned should be bought in a 30 CH potency and 2 pellets taken 3-4 times a day or as needed.

1) Staphysagria is a commonly used remedy in bladder infections after increased sexual activity, also known as honeymoon cystitis. It is also useful in cystitis after a catheter has been inserted into the urethra, such as during or after labour and delivery or surgery. It is also useful if the cystitis is worse from anger or indignation – the proverbial being “p…d off”.

2) Aconite may be useful if the cystits came on after being exposed to cold, dry wind, as in during skiing or other winter outdoors activities. Urination may be scanty, hot and painful and there may be retention of urine with a lot of pain and restlessness.

3) Cantharis is a very commonly used remedy for cystitis. It is actually made from the defensive secretions of the blister beetle, better known as “Spanish fly”. Cantharidin, the active component of these secretions, causes intense burning and blistering of the skin as well as extreme irritation of the urinary tract, which is why it has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. In homeopathy, a substance which can cause a certain set of symptoms in a healthy individual can help to remove similar symptoms in a sick person.The woman needing cantharis for her bladder infection will experience intense burning and pain before, during and after urination and may have a near constant desire to urinate.

4) Sarsaparilla is another useful homeopathic remedy for cystitis, in this case the burning pain is strongest at the end and after urination rather than during or before.

There are many other remedies which may be indicated. If you have recurrent cystitis it is best to see a naturopathic physician, trained homeopath or related health care professional to strengthen your immune system and deal with the increased susceptibility to these infections.

Disclaimer: This column is intended for information only and is not meant to replace professional care. If symptoms worsen or persist see a health care professional.

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND