By Kirsty Richards DipHomNZ
Cystitis is a UTI (urinary tract infection) that affects the bladder. It is a painful problem that particularly affects women, and seems to be more common in pregnancy and senior women.
Infection often happens as a result of bacteria being transferred from the anus to the urinary tract, especially if wiping back to front, rather than front to back, after toileting.
Common symptoms of UTI’s include:
Pain and burning sensations at the beginning, middle, or at the end of urinating
Concentrated, dark, strong smelling urine which may contain streaks of blood
Fever
Feeling generally unwell
A constant feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the bladder
Some practical self-help tips:
Drink as much water as possible to make urine more dilute and easier to pass
Cranberry juice can help ease the pain of urination, by making urine more alkaline
Always wipe from front to back after passing a stool to avoid cross infection
Homeopathic treatment of UTI's
Cantharis
For classic cystitis with pain at the beginning, middle and end of urination. There may be burning sensations with a constant urge to urinate, even if the bladder is empty. The patient may also feel chilly and shivery with fever. These patients feel worse for movement, drinking coffee, and attempting to urinate with an empty bladder. They feel better for massage, warmth, and are better at night.
Sarsparilla
For cystitis with pain at the end of urination. These patients may have urinary incontinence with dribbling of urine while sitting. Symptoms may be worse before a period. These patients feel worse from damp or cold, exercise, and feel worse at night. They are better for standing.
Staphysagria
For “honeymoon cystitis” - Cystitis that comes on after sex (although not exclusively).
Staphysagria treats cystitis with stinging, burning pains on urination. It may be triggered by being catheterized for surgery or after sex, childbirth etc. The pains continue long after urine has passed, with a lingering sensation of being unable to completely empty the bladder. These patients feel worse for sex, touch or pressure, and are better for warmth and rest.
Arsenicum Album
For cystitis with chilliness and restlessness. These patients experience severe burning sensations when passing urine, and may feel anxious with it. They are worse from cold, becoming chilled, worse at night, alcohol, cold drinks and any physical effort. All symptoms feel better for warmth (such as a warm bath or contact with a hot water bottle) or warm drinks. These patients are better when they have company, have fresh air to the face and head, and from lying propped up in bed.
Remedy dosing and potency I always recommend 30c potency for home prescribing. For Acute situations such as cystitis,
the standard acute dosing rules apply:
One dose of 30c every four hours, for up to four doses. If there is no change after four doses, then change the remedy. If the symptoms improve sooner, then stop the remedy.
When to seek additional medical assistance
If symptoms are not improving
There are deposits of blood in the urine (not just streaks)
If there are symptoms of high fever, shivering, vomiting and/or severe pain in the sides of the body
If you need more homeopathic support for this or any other complaint, please book an
Appointment with me online. I work with people and pets worldwide, online.
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more Homeopathy tips and tricks!
All content copyright and cannot be reproduced in full or part without the written permission of the author.
Comments