It announces itself by a painful burning sensation when urinating and quickly develops into a serious impairment of the general condition: cystitis. Treatment with home remedies is promising, especially in the early stages: those who react in time not infrequently manage without taking antibiotics.
What helps against cystitis?
Especially in the cold season, cranberry juice can prevent cystitis. Cystitis is caused by the colonization of the mucous membrane of the bladder with pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Due to their shorter urethra, women are affected much more frequently than men. The disease is favored by hypothermia, mechanical irritation, too little drinking and an excess of caffeine or alcohol. As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is therefore important to consistently increase fluid intake and to avoid irritants of all kinds. Warm herbal teas with diuretic and disinfecting agents are particularly recommended. Three times a day, a pinch of baking soda should be added to the drinks to create an alkaline environment. As a supportive measure, it is worthwhile to focus on an alkaline diet with plenty of rice and vegetables and to reduce the consumption of meat and sausage. If the acidity of the urine can be reduced in this way, most pathogens have little chance of survival. In addition, it is essential to keep the bladder and kidney region and the feet warm: Sitz baths, hot water bottles and woolen socks ensure good blood circulation to the bladder mucosa, which keeps the body’s immune defenses working at full speed. In any case, treatment should be continued for a few days after the acute symptoms have subsided to ensure complete healing. Since cystitis can quickly become chronic, even after the symptoms have subsided, sufferers should make absolutely sure to avoid hypothermia and ensure adequate fluid intake.
Quick help
Treatment for cystitis should begin at the onset of the first symptoms. If the inflammation has already ascended into the renal pelvis, if there is blood in the urine or if a fever occurs, it is usually too late for a cure with home remedies:
In these cases, a doctor should definitely be consulted. Anyone who wants to avoid taking antibiotics must therefore act quickly at the first burning sensation. In this case, a few hours may be decisive. Fast help promises above all kidney blister tea mixtures, whose respective composition is co-ordinated exactly with the complaints. Corresponding preparations are available in pharmacies, drugstores or supermarkets and should not be missing in any household. For quick success it depends above all on the quantity: At least three liters per day should be sufficient to ensure adequate flushing of the urinary tract. In addition to this most important immediate measure, the reduction of everyday stress also helps the immune system to fight the disease: a few hours of bed rest and a hot water bottle support the healing effect of the herbs and slow down the further spread of the pathogens.
Alternative remedies
The choice of alternative remedies for cystitis is wide. Of particular note are herbs with antispasmodic, disinfectant and diuretic effects. These include field horsetail, birch leaves, nettle, goldenrod and many others, which are also contained in varying compositions in common kidney bladder teas. Bearberry leaves occupy a special position in the treatment of bladder infections: Their disinfecting effect makes them a natural antibiotic, which is why they are also available in the form of coated tablets. Colloidal silver, which is taken in the form of silver water, has a similar antibacterial effect and is one of the best alternative remedies available. Unlike antibiotics, it does not lead to the development of resistance, so it is particularly suitable for the repeated treatment of chronic cystitis. Pumpkin seeds also have a general strengthening effect on the bladder and are recommended as a nutritious snack not only for bladder patients. Drinking cranberry juice, which is available in pharmacies, also has a positive effect. Taken daily as a preventive measure, it helps to prevent the development of bladder infections during the cold season.Homeopathy also knows remedies for bladder complaints: Cantharis, Arnica montana or Nux vomica in particular bring long-term improvement to the often persistent ailment.
