NATURAL HEALING FROM CYSTITIS
by STEPHEN C. BYRNES, Ph.D., N.D., C.N.C.

As noted above, cystitis primarily affects women, though the condition is not unknown in men. The reasons are anatomical: women have a very short urethra, making it easy for various bacteria and fungi to infiltrate the bladder. Men, on the other hand, have much longer urethra's, making infection extremely difficult. If a man does develop cystitis, its usually a complication of prostatitis or kidney stones. It is estimated that approximately 1/4 of all women will get cystitis at least once a year, and approximately 40% will develop the condition at least once in 10 years. Recurrent infections are common due to the tenacity of urinary tract infections again emphasizing the need for appropriate action.
.....Cystitis has many different causes which will determine the course of treatment. Approaching the localized bladder infection, however, is always the same and is what we'll focus on in this article.

1. Poor hygiene: This is the number one cause as it fosters the growth of various bacteria. E. Coli is the most common bacterial cause and the source is the large intestine. When feces is passed, there are usually high amounts of this bacteria present in the fecal matter. If the woman does not clean herself properly after defecating, e. coli. Can easily infiltrate the bladder. It is therefore recommended that women wipe away from the genital area after a bowel motion. E. Coli is not the only bacteria implicated, though as staphylococcus, klebsiella, and proteus spp. have also been found in women with cystitis. These bacteria can only infiltrate the bladder if a favorable environment for them is present, so good genital hygiene is a must.
If the woman (or man) is sexually active and has had recent, unprotected encounters the cause may be either chlamydia or gonorrhea. Appropriate testing, therefore, is recommended if one's circumstances match those just described.

2. Poor immunity: It is a basic tenet of natural medicine that sickness cannot occur in a healthy body and that health is the result of healthful living. When the immune system is weakened by poor nutrition, lack of sleep, unresolved stress, drugs, depression, exposure to harmful chemicals, etc., this opens the door for disease to take hold. If one is faced with a bladder infection (or any other illness), it would be a good idea to examine how you've been living lately to determine what is amiss.

3. Pregnancy: Pregnant women are twice as likely to develop cystitis due to the hormonal and pH changes in the body that pregnancy brings. Pregnancy also places considerable physical pressure on the bladder itself which can also increase the likelihood of an infection. Once again, however, cystitis while pregnant is not likely to happen if the immune system is strong.

4. Candida: This tenacious fungal organism is also implicated in urinary tract infections if an overgrowth of candida has occurred in the body. Candida is a normally benign yeast that lives within our intestines and mucous membranes. Its growth is checked by the immune system and the "friendly" bacteria (acidophilus/bifido) we all possess. In the presence of factors which deplete the bacteria and the immune system, the yeast will begin multiplying rapidly, colonizing the gut and mucous membranes. These factors are excessive or repeated antibiotic use, the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as the Pill and corticosteroids, and high sugar The toxins the yeast releases, produce a range of seemingly unrelated symptoms in the body. Symptoms include headaches, extreme fatigue (especially after eating), sugar cravings, extreme mood swings and depression, digestive difficulties, and short-term memory loss, among many others. If candidiasis is suspected, the help of a holistic health professional is recommended due to the complex nature of the illness.

5. Other factors: A small percentage of cases are caused by kidney stones, structural abnormalities of a person's urethra, reflux of urine back into the bladder, and unnecessary retention of urine (emphasizing the need to eliminate promptly and totally!)

Natural therapies have much to offer a person with cystitis. Indeed, since allopathic treatment usually entails antibiotics which can harm the body, natural medicine is preferred since it works with the body to create healing. While herbal therapy is the most powerful, other techniques will be discussed here.

1. Fluids: With any urinary tract problem, increased fluid intake is a must to help flush out the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Specifically with cystitis, pure water and unsweetened cranberry juice are highly recommended. Cranberry juice is an old folk remedy for bladder infections and with good reason: clinical studies have shown that cranberry juice, in sufficient amounts, acidifies the urine, making inhospitable to bacteria, and prevents bacteria from invading the mucous membranes of the urethra, making it difficult for them to gain a foothold in the bladder. The cranberry juice must be unsweetened and this kind can only be found at health food stores. Commercial cranberry juice is always mixed with sugar water to make it more palatable. Strive for a pint a day of juice, and a quart of water. Other diuretic juices/foods to consider would be asparagus, cucumber, and watermelon. If candidiasis is suspected avoid all fruit juices.

2. Herbs: There are several herbs which have proven themselves effective for cystitis and other urinary tract infections. You can take the following herbs as teas, extracts, or tinctures; appropriate dosages for adults are given where appropriate. Pipsissewa: I always prefer using this herb over the more popular uva ursi as it is safe to use for long periods of time. Uva ursi has extremely high amounts of tannic acid in it and cannot be used continuously for more than 7 days at a time for the acid can irritate the liver. Pipsissewa is a very gentle, but powerful diuretic and antiseptic herb, specific for the renal system. Pipsissewa can also be used to help dissolve kidney stones. Steep 1 tsp. of the leaves in a cup of very hot water for 20 minutes. Remove the leaves and drink freely. Strive for 3-4 cups a day. Marshmallow: Marshmallow is a demulcent herb meaning it soothes and lubricates irritated mucous membranes. Along with slippery elm and comfrey, marshmallow is the most popular and powerful demulcent available, excellent for easing the burning sensation of cystitis, prostatitis, and other renal problems. I painlessly passed four kidney stones one summer drinking lots of marshmallow tea! For my clients with cystitis, I usually prepare a tincture using pipsissewa, marshmallow, and our next herb. Golden Seal: The active constituent of this herb, berberine, is a potent antibacterial and antifungal compound. Berberine also stimulates the immune system, helping it to fight off all infections. Golden seal is an excellent urinary antiseptic and mildly diuretic. If golden seal is unavailable, one can use barberry as a substitute. Since these two herbs are incredibly bitter tasting, tinctures or extracts are recommended; follow the label for the dosage. Avoid these two herbs if you are pregnant. Cleavers: This common weed has been used for centuries by herbalists for skin cancer, wounds and sores, and renal troubles. Cleavers is powerfully cleansing to the lymphatic system and a soothing, effective diuretic. In my practice, I always combine cleavers with either marshmallow or slippery elm to check its diuretic action. Preparation and dosage is the same as for pipsissewa. Garlic: While garlic is not a diuretic and has no specific action on the urinary tract, it has proven itself effective against a wide variety of bacterial and fungal organisms, including those associated with cystitis and other renal infections. Garlic is best taken in capsule form along with parsley (another effective diuretic herb); simply follow the label for the correct dosage. I usually tell my clients, however, to double the recommended dosage on the label as garlic is non-toxic.