Cystitis occurs when the bladder is infected or inflamed. It is also commonly known as urinary tract infection. The attacks linked to cystitis usually begin with a stinging or burning sensation when urinating. Also the need to urinate becomes more frequent while the urine can look smoky or cloudy.
1. Barley. Old healers discovered barley to be useful when treating problems in the urinary tract. It is used as a healing drink by the Arab Berbers by adding lemon juice and honey to water drained from barley that is properly boiled and then compressed. Here’s how the French use this healing drink. Wash 3 ounces of pearl barley using cold water before rinsing with hot water. Strain the mixture. The barley should be simmered in 2 quarts of water. Reduce it to half or to 1 quart. Strain first then reserve the water for drinking. You should take a cupful an hour before you eat and a cup before you go to bed.
2. Acidophilus. Researchers who are studying longevity often look for clues on the kind of lifestyle that the Asian Russian nomads and Caucasian mountain people have. Based on their investigation it showed that yogurt is one of the key factors in their longevity because of the culture Lactobacillus acidophilus. The acidophilus is responsible for keeping the digestive flora in the body active as well as provide resistance against various bacteria. Both the mountain people and the nomads have two ways to prevent bladder infection in women. Women who are susceptible to bladder infection should add a small amount of yogurt in their vagina including after having sexual contact. This helps to relieve itching as well as the need to urinate. Yogurt can also be combined with douche water. You should check if the yogurt that you have contains acidophilus culture. You can always purchase acidophilus in capsule form in local health stores.
3. Increase Vitamin C. This vitamin can help make your urine extra acidic to combat bacteria. If you have UTI, taking vitamin C supplements can help.
4. Using Herbal Remedies. The herb urva ursi has anti-inflammatory properties that can help provide you relief from UTI. Also the Oregon grape root as well as goldenseal can combat E.coli which is a common source of UTI. Make sure that you discuss your herb use with your doctor since the side effects may be dangerous.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium, enzymes, and other minerals that can help fight back bacteria that can cause UTI. Those who are diagnosed with UTI can use ACV to treat this infection. All you need to do is add 2 tablespoons of ACV to a glass of water. You can even add honey or lemon to add some sweetness to it. Mix the liquid well and drink it two times in a day for a couple of days.
6. Pineapple. Pineapple is known to contain Bromelain enzyme which is found to contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help minimize the symptoms of UTI. You should also take any antibiotics along with pineapple to treat UTI quickly. Consuming a cup of pineapple every day can help keep UTI at bay. You can also extract juice from pineapple and drink it. Go for fresh pineapple instead of the canned version since they may contain preservatives.
7. Cranberry. Recent Israeli and American research showed how effective the ancient UTI treatment of drinking cranberry is. According to their research, cranberries can help increase the acidity of urine and it has properties that can combat E.coli from attaching itself to the walls of your urinary tract or bladder. You should buy an undiluted and unsweetened cranberry and drink at least a pint per day or you can purchase tablets or capsules of concentrated cranberry. Four capsules or tablets amount to 16 ounces of cranberry juice. Holistic practitioners suggest taking 2 tablets or capsules.
8. Massage. Thousands of years ago, Chinese medicine discovered that they can reach various organs indirectly through acupuncture points in the entire body. To provide relief for your bladder and kidney, just massage the outside edge of your foot along your little toe. Other acupuncture points include the big toes and the middle of your tongue. Press the middle portion of your tongue with a tablespoon or with your teeth then massage your big toe.
9. Lots of Fluid and other Healthy Matters. A 90 year old Finnish, who spent most of her life treating her patients using Swedish massage often talks about Russian, Swedish, and Finnish treatments that she used on her clients. She has plenty to share when it comes to cystitis. She recommends sipping water throughout the day but not less than 3 quarts. You can add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, or cranberry juice to water. Stubborn cases can be treated by adding 8 to 10 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to the water being taken. Her other tips include wearing underclothes made from cotton, take showers instead of baths, wipe front to back when you go to the bathroom, avoid eating 3 hours prior to bed time, and change tampons and napkins as often as possible. Make sure that your bladder before and after intercourse.
10. Use Baking Soda. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with water and drink it if you experience a burning sensation when you urinate.
11. Add Heat. Heating pad can be used if anti-inflammatory medications don’t work. Put the pad on a towel and place it over your bladder. Another tip is to use a moist, warm compress. Dull ache, which is a common UTI symptom, can be eased by placing low heat along your abdominal area.
12. Blueberries. Blueberries have certain properties that can help inhibit bacteria growth making them useful in treating UTI. It contains antioxidants that fight bacteria that can cause UTI as well as boost your immune system. Add some blueberries to your cereal or make a juice out of blueberries and drink it during the morning and at night. Don’t add any sweeteners to it. Incorporating fresh blueberries or juice in your daily diet can help prevent UTI in the long run.
