A condition commonly found in women, which causes inflammation of the inner lining of the bladder, usually due to a bacterial infection. Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, stress, diet and bruising during intercourse can also cause inflammation of the bladder. Symptoms of cystitis include a frequent or constant urge to pass urine with little success. When urine is passed it is accompanied by burning or stinging pain. Sometimes the urine has blood in it. There may also be fever, chilliness and stomach pain.

Treatment - To Relieve Discomfort

Drink lots of water (at least 8 glasses daily), to flush the infection out of the bladder. Drink sugar-free cranberry juice twice daily, or eat the fresh cooked fruit. Cranberries acidify the urine, and prevent the growth of bacteria. Also cider vinegar 1tbs 3 x Daily will do the same as cranberry juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol. Take 1 g of vitamin C daily until symptoms are relieved.

Herbal

Yarrow infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of the dried herb, leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Drink warm at least three times daily.

Homeopathy

To be taken every 30 minutes for up to 5 doses and repeated if necessary:

Urine feels like scalding water; violently painful: Cantharis 6c. Burning pain at the end of urination and afterwards: Sarsaparilla 6c. Stinging pains better from cold bathing: Apis 6c. Violently painful with blood in the urine: Mercurius corrosivus 6c. Cystitis after sex, pain eased by urinating: Staphysagria 6c. Where cystitis is recurrent, professional treatment will reduce the frequently and the severity of the episodes.

Hydrotherapy/Aromatherapy

Take a warm bath, add a few drops of essential oil of lavender, juniper or sandalwood to the water for further relief. Massage the tummy and lower back with 5 drops of one of the above oils diluted in 20-25 ml carrier oil or lotion. Rest with a warm water bottle over the abdomen.

Preventing Recurrent Attacks

Do not delay the urge to urinate. After passing water or bowel movements always wipe from front to back, not the other way round. Shower before intercourse (both partners). Ensure sufficient lubrication before intercourse: use KY jelly if necessary. Empty the bladder soon after intercourse. Avoid douches, vaginal deodorants and powders.

Orthodox

Antibiotics are generally given to alleviate the infection. They provide quick relief, but often promote an attack of thrush because as they kill off healthy bacteria as well as the harmful ones. If you take antibiotics, ensure you eat plenty of unsweetened ‘live’ yogurt to restore healthy bacteria to the digestive system.