Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection. The condition is often referred to as a ‘urinary tract infection’ or UTI. NHS Choices says it can be caused by not emptying your bladder properly, for example, because of pregnancy or an enlarged prostate, damage or irritation around the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body), bacteria being transferred from the anus to the urethra, for example, during sex.
The symptoms of cystitis are well known:
- an urgent and frequent need to urinate
- pain or stinging when urinating
- pain in the bladder
CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT
NHS Choices says that the symptoms of mild cystitis “usually clear up without treatment within a few days”. It offers several ‘self-help’ treatments, such as:
- painkillers like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, which “can reduce pain and discomfort” but then tells you to read the information leaflet because of the dangers of doing so!
- drinking plenty of water is often recommended as a treatment for cystitis
- avoiding alcohol.
- refrain from having sex.
- using ‘urine alkanising agents’, such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate, for a short period to relieve pain when urinating.
However, NHS Choices warns that “there is currently a lack of clinical evidence for their effectiveness”.
When the symptoms of Cystitis become more severe, or when it recurs regularly, Antibiotic drugs are then prescribed, with all their inherent dangers.
THE HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF CYSTITIS
Important Note
Homeopathy does not treat illness or diseases. It treats the individual who has been diagnosed with a particular illness or disease. The distinction is important, and if you wish to read more about this, click on the chapter “Illness Diagnosis” above.
In acute cases of bladder infection, the following homeopathic remedies are the most commonly used and effective:
Aconite
Useful at the beginning of a bladder infection, when the symptoms come on very suddenly.
Cantharis
Perhaps the best known remedy for bladder infections. People needing this remedy have burning, scalding pains during urination, with a constant, frequent, often overwhelming urge to urinate, but only able to pass it drop by drop.
Apis Mel
Severe, hot burning pains, especially when passing urine. Urge to pass urine frequently to prevent leakage. Often used when Cantharis is indicated but does not help.
Sarsaparilla
Severe pain during and at the end of urination; can urinate only in dribbles. Often a crusty urinary sediment.
Nux Vomica
Symptoms come on after over-indulgence, drugs or alcohol. There is pain before or during urination.
Lycopodium
Flow is slow to start; may be back pain before urination which goes away afterwards; may need to pass urine during night
Nux Vom
For cutting, burning pains, where little urine is passed and you feel chilly and irritable
Pulsatilla
Passes urine frequently, symptoms worse when lying down. Involuntary passing of urine mainly at night, when coughing, passing wind. Burning sensation during or after urination
Staphysagria
For cystitis after intercourse.
