Herbs for An Over-Active Bladder

Horsetail "Equesetim"-- a herb often used as a natural remedy of Over-Active Bladder

You may have experienced an "over-active bladder" (OAB) during a time when you had a urinary infection and felt the urgency to urinate, along with that unique searing pain that generally signals cystitis, or inflammation of the urinary bladder.

The International Continence Society, started in the UK and with global branches, defines "over-active bladder" as a symptom of an affliction that can include:

• urgency, or a strong, sometimes painful, need to pee

• frequency-- urgency to pee more often than normal

• nocturia, or having your nighttime sleep interrupted by the need to get up to pee an excessive number of times

Over-active bladder, particularly when we use that phrase to describe what many of us think of as "urinary incontinence" (or usually just "incontinence"), is usually just a description of how the bladder and other urinary tract organs function and not a reference to a urinary tract infection, which is the reason that many are treated with antibiotics and tests of various sorts.  An abnormality in the structure of the urinary tract and/or organs or pelvic floor is generally associated with incontinence OAB.  

A urinary infection can certainly occur as a result of the stress of dealing with incontinence.

Incontinence is often isolating and frustrating.  Feelings of shame, having to wear protective pads or diapers, re-arranging your life to accommodate frequent bathroom visits, and the financial costs incurred are all down-sides of urinary incontinence.  While we mostly think in terms of OAB affecting the elderly (and indeed, most urgent requests for nursing home care come from the care-givers of older women with incontinence),  incontinence can affect all ages from small children and upward.

Here are the herbs ( many available through Amazon) that were reviewed in the NCBI article:

Gosha-jinki-gan (Chinese Medicine herbs-- Please discuss with your health provider)

Hachi-mi-jio-gan (Chinese Medicine herbs-- Please discuss with your health provider)

Buchu (Barosma betulina) (South African Herb -- Please discuss with your health provider)

Cornsilk (Zea mays) (yup, North Amercian corn-- the silk from the female plant) It has been used for years for relief from cystitis, but no clinical studies have been done.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) (North American Herb)-- not to be eaten raw, so often made as tea.  I call it the "velcro weed" because it tends to stick to you in the flower bed.

Horsetail (Equisetum) (European, North American)  Horsetail grows freely in the ditches around where I live.  My mother-in-law used to gather it for tea.  It is high in antioxidants, but there are no clinical studies regarding Over-active Bladder).

Ganoderma lucidum (Grown in Japan, China and other Asian countries) It is a large dark mushroom (fungus) revered as promoting longevity.  Please discuss with your health provider.

HOPING FOR A CURE-- HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

The current range of anticholinergic pharmaceuticals  available to treat OAB generally have side-effects like dry mouth and constipation, but can have more worrisome effects such as raised blood pressure, heart 'fluttering' and/or changes in heart rhythm.  

The United Nations World Health Organization estimates that about 80% of people, world-wide, use herbs and other alternatives to primary care traditional medical treatments.  Women are the largest users of herbal supplements.  

A medical doctor authored review of the most-used herbs for overcoming Over-Active Bladder-- OAB or incontinence-- was published here at the National Center for Biotechnology Information.  They state in their review's conclusion that many of the herb supplements they review show great promise but can't be endorsed because they lack the necessary research studies.  

I believe that most herbs and other 'natural' products will not be tested by the Pharmaceutical companies because they are not open to patent, and are therefore not economically attractive to this industry-- i.e., they can not be branded by the companies.

 I suspect that many of these herbs-- in supplement form-- are being used by women and men (and children?) attempting to deal with Over-active Bladder syndrome.  There are many "anecdotal" reports of their efficacy but until there are conclusive studies, most people will not feel confident in pursuing this route.  If you know of a Chinese medicine doctor, or a naturopath who you respect, you may want to discuss these herbs with them as possible in helping overcome OAB. 

I would also like to suggest that you listen to Dr. Michael Greger's informative audio called To Pee Or Not To Pee.  He will give you some great information about working to get your bladder back into health and deal with the situation from a place of optimal health... and he won't prescribe a bunch of high-cost supplements, either, promise!  Go here-->To Pee Or Not To Pee

Disclosure: References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Recurring Urinary Infections and Cancer

So, you have been getting UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) quite a bit over the past while?  You know the common symptoms, right? 

• that awful burning feeling when you pee, with the added feeling of "peeing through a straw"
• lower abdominal pain just above your public bone, in your bladder
• an urgent feeling of having to pee frequently
• ache-y lower back 
• your pee is cloudy and/or unusually stinky and/or has tinges of blood in it
• you might feel feverish or just wiped out and generally unwell, nauseated or have chills (these are very serious and could indicate something like a kidney infection-- don't delay, call your health professional)

You have gone to your doctor and been prescribed antibiotics numerous times.  It seems like you just get over an infection and BAM! you start getting those crappy feelings all over again...

Your doctor has checked your urine, and now might do some other tests to see what is causing your bacterial infection, or what is blocking your urethra or other parts of your urinary tract.  If you are a man, particularly, you might have a sort of loop-y thing going on where your urine backs up because of the blockage.  In these cases you will likely be sent for one or more of the following:

• Blood Tests
• Various "scans" such as XRay, MRI, CT or ultrasound (all ways to see inside your urinary tract)  Medical digital thermography might be used in some places, such as Britain, as a less invasive way to check the urinary tract for infection.
• You might be booked for a day surgery procedure known as "cystoscopy" where a long very thin scope is inserted into your urethra to get a picture of what your urinary tract is like.

PREGNANCY CAUTION: Always consult a health professional if you have symptoms (above) of a urinary infection. 

Urinary Tract Infections that recur over time can indicate the possibility of  Bladder Cancer.  Bladder Cancer symptoms might include something as painless as blood in the urine to chronic recurrence of painful UTI symptoms (above).  Bladder Cancer is curable.  Get checked out.  Listen to the options for treatment. Traditional treatment might include chemo, radiation and/or surgery.  Here are some very important questions you can ask your onocologist:

CLICK

Essential Oils, DMSO and Bladder Pain

Women quite often suffer from bladder infections more than men because women have a shorter urethra, making easier access for bacteria to the bladder.  

Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (including the bladder) often show up with sharp, burning pains that make peeing a torment.  These symptoms are described in the one word: cystitis, meaning inflamed, or burning, bladder.

**Therapeutic-grade pure EssentialOils--

  the "blood of the plant" that has been distilled at a low temperature in optimum conditions for preserving its nutrients-- have a history of healing that extends back to ancient times.  

You can read, for example, of over one hundred references to essential oils in the Bible. The Magi brought the oils of Frankinsence and Myrrh to the Christ Child because these precious substances were esteemed worthy of a king because of their valuable healing properties.
You might try any one of the following oils for bladder problems. 

The Essential Oils to try: Oregano. Mountain Savory. Tea Tree. Thyme. Cistus. Juniper. Rosemary or Clove.  

What to do:

**Try a "test" patch with a drop of oil to your wrist or arm first. 

**Always use a carrier oil and do not apply

internally to any body openings

Lie down, put a few drops (less=more)  of the oil over the bladder, diluted with a simple pure carrier oil (like coconut oil or almond oil, for example) and cover with a hot water bottle or warm moist towel. Do this several times a day.  **Do not apply internally.

That other Pain in the Bladder

Bladder pain-- diagnosed as 'interstitial cystitis'--has the following symptoms:
*Tenderness; chronic pain in the region of the bladder (pelvic area)
*Frequent urge to urinate
*The intensity of pain varies according to whether the bladder is filling or voiding
*Symptoms are generally worse during a woman's period

Although interstitial cystitis pain is related to dysfunction and physiology, and not generally to "infection," long-standing pain can certainly lower immunity.  Persons with I.C. are just as prone to infections as any other person.

If you have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis you will want to discuss DMSO -- dimethyl sulfoxide--with your physician. 

 DMSO might be somewhat less well-known, but is actually a naturally-occurring compound that has been the subject of medical studies and is approved by the FDA for use in dealing with interstitial cystitis.  

DMSO is a by-product in the wood processing industry.  If you use it, you will inevitably be reminded of the smell of any pulp mills you have driven past, but, blessedly, the scent is forgotten when the quick-acting pain relief kicks in.  Or for most people, the 'fragrance' (similar to raw garlic) will be overlooked.  Those who are sensitive to the garlic smell will likely opt to use slower-acting and less reliable essential oils, or resort to pharmaceutical pain killers (many with worse side effects than a slight garlicky odour). 

Effective, Inexpensive DMSO:

***Consult with your health care provider before administering any essential oils or other aids to wellness. I am not a certified health care provider.  The information provided is the result of personal research and experience in using essential oil and DMSO with pain relief.

The Chlorinated Swimming Pool and Urinary Infections

Consider this: The average American water park contains 3-4 pounds of fecal matter (that is, poop) in the water. And this poopy contaminant is mostly from adult swimmers who neglect to wipe properly and shower before getting into the pool. (WebND)

Now, chlorine is a fairly powerful chemical that can kill off most germs in seconds, but there are some nastier microorganisms that take much longer to die: e coli, giardia, and shingella are three such frequent fecal contaminants that can end up in the water as a result of swimmers with diarrhea. Cryposporidium is the nastiest little parasite to be water-borne and can live up to seven days in chlorinated pools. (WebND)

The intestinal bacteria, E coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infection. (kidshealth.org)

The pool operations-- the cooling and water uptake-- can weaken the resistance of the mucous membranes of swimmers causing them to become more susceptible to pathogens in the pools. (lenntech.com)

Adenovirus, a group of viruses, can infect the body membranes (tissue linings)including the membranes in the urinary tract. This virus can show up as the same sort of symptoms as a "regular" bacterial-caused urinary tract infection. (kidshealth.org)

The chlorine chemicals, apart from offering some protection from disease-causing bacteria, can themselves create health issues. The June 2003 issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine talks about a layer of chlorine gas hovering just above the surface of the water that has the potential to damage lung tissue and cause asthma. Indoor pools with low ceilings pose the greatest risk.


Overall, it would appear that the chlorinated swimming pool is a rather hostile environment for swimmers, particularly those with compromised immune systems. If you have recurring urinary tract infections, the Women's Health site of the New York Times suggests that you avoid chlorinated pools altogether.

If you do intend to swim, check into the following recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control:

Swim earlier in the day and not when the water is cloudy in later afternoon and evening. You should be able to see to the bottom of the pool, and see the edges of the pool with water lapping over them as it is filtered.

The sides of the pool should not be tacky or sticky to the touch, but smooth.

There should not be a strong chlorine smell-- a strong smell means that other noxious chemicals are being produced

Keep your mouth closed.

Don't swim with diarrhea or any other infection, for that matter

Take a shower at home before swimming and bathe your children with particular attention to their bottoms. Change babies in bathroom change rooms and not beside the pool. Wear 'toddler swim diapers' on them. Make regular trips to the potty, whether they say they have to go or not.

The best cure is always prevention. If you have a strong immune system-- eat well, follow good hygiene routine, take care of yourself-- you can probably swim in your average chlorinated pool and have little more than red eyes to show for it.

Dressing to Prevent Urinary Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI)is a bacterial infection that may involve the kidney, bladder and/or urethra.  UTIs are most often caused by bacteria, which grows most profusely in warm, damp locations.

A search of hundreds of sites indicates that the clothing recommended for avoiding UTIs would allow for freedom of air movement. Conditions that favour bacterial growth include the warmth and moisture that results from wearing tight clothing and synthetic materials.

 Think COOL and DRY... Wear cotton underwear or gussets-- nylon and other synthetics will not allow heat and moisture to escape as well as cotton. I personally believe that ORGANIC cotton is superior since cotton, if it's not organically-grown, is one of the most heavily pesticide-sprayed of all crops.

Recent information suggests that cotton clothing (not underwear necessarily) bought at consignment stores and thrift stores is likely going to have been washed quite a bit and have most of the pesticide residuals removed-- this is particularly important for kids' clothing.  I would also suggest that using a pure biodegradable laundry soap will eliminate other related problems with UTIs (*created by detergents and chemicals in laundry cleaners).

Some recommendations are:

Dress in clean, loose-fitting clothing, particularly your undies. Boxers (yes, they make them for women) are looser than most other panties. Skirts and dresses are good choices for better air circulation.

Natural fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, silk and linen allow for better air circulation than synthetics like nylon, polyester and spandex or lycra.

Avoid tight-fitting jeans, bodysuits, pantyhouse and the like... or only wear for a brief time.

Sitting around for long periods of time (now known as "sitting disease") further increases bacterial growth.  Get up and walk.  Drink water.  Urinate regularly, don't 'sit on it'.  

Healthy weight loss and continuation of a good weight maintenance lifestyle, such as a whole food plant-based diet, means that there will be more opportunities to find attractive, comfortable loose-fitting clothing to wear.

Cataracts and the Issue with the UTI Drug

'Older men using a popular drug to treat urinary problems are more than twice as likely as those who do not to suffer serious complications after cataract surgery, also a common treatment among older adults, a study has found.

The medication, tamsulosin hydrochloride, sold under the brand name Flomax, is believed to relieve urinary problems in men with enlarged prostates by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder. But the drug seems to have a similar effect on smooth muscle in the iris of the eye, complicating cataract surgery by causing a syndrome called floppy iris syndrome.




The study, published in a 2009 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, is the first large analysis of serious adverse events after cataract surgery in patients taking the drug. It was accompanied by an editorial suggesting that federal authorities consider a “black box” warning label for the drug.

Dr. Chaim M. Bell, an internist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and his colleagues analyzed the post-surgical complications experienced by 96,128 men ages 66 and older who had cataract surgery in Ontario from 2002 to 2007.

Some 7.5 percent of patients who were prescribed tamsulosin hydrochloride in the 14 days before surgery suffered a serious complication after the operation, compared with 2.7 percent of surgery patients who had not used the drug, the analysis found. The complications included retinal detachment, a lost lens or inflammation around the eye.

“The take-home message to the physician is, ‘Before you put people on this medication, you might want to ask if they are having cataract surgery soon and might want to consider a different medication,’ ” Dr. Bell said.

But he did not advise abruptly stopping the use of the drug before cataract surgery. “We can’t say that that’s a good thing to do,” he said.

A statement released by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., maker of Flomax, said the drug patient information insert already tells patients considering cataract surgery that they should advise their eye surgeons if they are taking the drug or have done so, and that surgeons “should be prepared for possible modifications to the surgical technique.”

Although some women take the drug to treat kidney stones, female patients were not included in the analysis. Surgical complications were not seen among men who used other drugs in the same class of alpha blockers, the paper noted.

Nearly three of four men are affected by an enlarged prostate by age 70, and close to two million cataract surgeries are performed annually in the United States.

Originally puglished in the New York Times
By RONI CARYN RABIN
Published: May 19, 2009

References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Can Baking Soda Help Relieve a Urinary Tract Infection?

As you will have read before on this site, unsweetened cranberry juice can be a good help for a urinary tract infection-- however, if you are buying and drinking the kind of cranberry juice in the supermarket, you are getting a lot of sugar which will only worsen your infection.

However, don't be discouraged, because here is a cheap and effective remedy-- just be sure to start doing this at the first hint of an impending urinary tract infection. If you want to know more about how Baking Soda works, read Dr. Young's popular book The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health (see it on the sidebar). If you have high blood pressure or other serious health issues, consult your physician before taking in any baking soda.

Put 1/4 teaspoon of common, ordinary Baking Soda into an 8-ounce glass of water.  Stir it up.  Drink it while it fizzes once a day beginning when you feel a urinary tract infection coming on.  Drink for no longer than 2 weeks.


References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Hippocrates Soup for Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

These fresh, organically-grown veggies are vibrant and colorful! Don't peel the spuds for Hippocrates Soup!

If you have had a urinary tract infection or a disease--that you have over-come-- you will know how much more pleasant it is NOT to have to deal with the pain and inconvenience of infection/disease.  This is the time to take a careful examination of what you eat, and your lifestyle in general, and to make some healthy choices that have a higher chance of preventing disease and maintaining health for you than the risky behaviours (including what you eat). 

 A wonderful warming and comforting "immunity soup" is provided as a recipe by the Gerson Institute, a long-standing alternative health and treatment provider for persons with cancer.  Here is what you can do to help 'look after yourself' so that you don't come down with so many UTIs.

Gerson Institute Hippocrates Soup Recipe (an "immunity" soup helpful for preventing Urinary Tract Infections)

1.  Find yourself a good quality stainless steel soup pot that is at least 4 Qts. large.  Don't use aluminum pots or those with stick-free surfaces since we do not really know what the results of releasing those chemicals are for the body.  Look carefully at your pot to make sure it is not soldered (around the place where the handle is attached, etc.) with lead-containing solder. 
   
     
2. Clean off the following veggies without peeling them: 1 Pound of Potatoes, 4 Medium Size  Onions, Garlic as desired, 1 1/2 Pounds of Tomatoes (or more, as desired), 4-6 ribs of Celery, chopped, and Fresh Celery or Cilantro to season.
3. Cover with filtered water and slowly simmer for two hours.
4. You will now have a wonderful 'stock' should you want to put any of the broth into glass jars in your fridge for future soups you plan to make (store for a couple of days only for best benefit)
5. Grind up the vegetables or chop them in their broth in the food processor or blender.  Serve for one or more meals.  Using the stock to make new soup increases the available minerals and vitamins.
6. Note that there is no table salt or other condiments served with this soup.  Eat with a nice fresh salad.

  *References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

How I Got Rid of Prostatitis Without Drugs or Surgery

by Joe Smith**

I first got prostatitis in 1992 when I was 42 years old. I experienced frequent urinary urgency and when I went to relieve myself I had a burning feeling and it seemed like I was not able to quite finish the process of emptying my bladder. I was at a church camp meeting at the time. I thought I had some kind of bug. I didn't know anything much about prostatitis.


 I endured the pain and discomfort as I drove home from the camp and I immediately went to my doctor who examined me and pronounced the prostate enlargement and infection.  He prescribed Sulfa Drugs.  Far from healing up the symptoms, I ended up hallucinating and tossing and turning in lieu of sleeping.  I went to a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed some little pills that did relieve me of the pain, eventually (I think it took about a week for the cystitis to abate).  

Then in 2011 I came down with another prostate infection. This time as I drove to a funeral I had to stop several times en route to attempt to relieve the cystitis. The pain was intense. I ended up in a hospital emergency ward. The doctor on call there prescribed antibiotics. Just as I had had to the Sulfa drugs almost twenty years earlier, I had an uncomfortable reaction. I called the doctor and described my reaction and he told me to discontinue the antibiotics. I wasn't willing (trusting enough) to return to him for more different drugs. My wife felt pity and went out to a compounding pharmacy to see what the chemist could recommend. She came back with some little pills. I took them but didn't experience more than minimal relief.

Click to purchase at the best cost through Amazon!

About a week later I was in a health food store and ran into a man I knew very slightly from a seminar we had attended together. Now, guys don't generally talk about their urogenital system the way women might talk about their 'plumbing', but for some reason this guy directed me over to a prostate herbal tea and said, "If you have any problems with your prostate this is the stuff to drink-- I had prostate problems once and I don't any more, thanks to this tea." I was stunned. How did he know, I wondered. (I'm now pretty sure that this is common enough among men-- especially men over 60-- that it is safe to assume that we will all experience at least a mild infection sometime in our life).

I used the directions on the box and drank a couple of cups of tea every day. By the second day I felt much better. Within the week I was back to feeling 100% better. I have never had another prostate infection since I drank that tea. Because I never want to experience that pain and discomfort again, I have a cup of that tea occasionally (about a couple of times a month at most). It is a pleasant tasting concoction. I also have gotten back into more physical activity (example: men who walk daily have fewer bouts with prostatitis than men who are sedentary and inactive), and I eat a plant-based diet. I'm not a doctor or any kind of medical practitioner, so please consult your own expert(s). I just wanted to let you know that this regimen worked for me and I'm back on a healthy, productive life track. I wish the same for you!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider. **Joe Smith is not the real name of the person guest-blogging here.

Foot Soak for Urinary Tract Infection

Unbelievably soothing if you have cystitis with your urinary tract infection, the following 'foot soak' is as effective, in most cases, as if you did a sitz bath or took a regular bath. 

The essential oils are very small molecules and are able to send their healing properties right through the bottom of the foot and into through the blood stream and even cross the blood-brain barrier.

You can use different essential oils (example: lemon, basil, eucalyptus, fennel) but I have chosen Clary Sage for this particular 'recipe' since it is a uterine tonic said to strengthen the kidney.  You might want to add a few drops (2-5) of Lemon Essential Oil (or a lemon itself, cut in half, skin and all) to assist in the cleansing and soothing.

Find a large-enough, comfortable basin to accommodate both feet.  I use a large turkey roasting pan (I am vegetarian and will never use it again to roast a turkey).

Add the following to the basin:

*1 T. Honey
*1 T. green, eco-friendly Dishwash Liquid (your choice of brand)
*1/4 C. Sea Salt or Epsom Salts
*2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or other accessible cooking oil)
*5-15 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil (less is often better)
*Whole fresh Lemon, cut in two*(optional)


Add very warm water (do not scald your feet though) to the basin.  Soak for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse your feet off with clear water to get rid of any toxins that are brought to the surface of the skin.  

This soak is a detox and has a relaxing, moisturizing, disinfecting effect. 

 Substitute other essential oils for different conditions.

Image free courtesy of dreamtime.com


References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Just What the Doctor Ordered To Build Your Urinary Tract Health!

Image courtesy of Karen Barefoot

Dr. Joe Mercola has the largest health site on the internet.  He has information on a variety of topics, some fairly conservative and 'traditional' in appearance, some a little more radical, and some that is off the the radar screen altogether.  His advice for building a health urinary system is pretty-much acceptable by anyone, scientific-minded or more into alternative, herbal medicine.  As always, some of his suggestions are a little surprising (as in, "why didn't I think of that?").  Here they are, with more in the video that follows:

1. Drinking lots of pure water everyday helps you to flush your system and dilute any possible concentration of irritants.
2. Don't resist the signal to urinate.  Go when your body is telling you you need to.
3. Women (and girls of course) need to wipe from front to back, and use only unscented, unbleached toilet tissue.  Many women have issues with chemicals in toilet paper and cosmetics.
4. Showers are more conducive to good urinary health than are baths.
5. Cleanse the genital area before and after sexual activity-- the best idea is to use a bidet (and NOW you can inexpensively install a bidet right in your own home bathroom)
6. Don't bother using douches, powders and 'feminine' deodorants, etc.  These products are cosmetic only and can often irritate your urethra and genitals, creating urinary tract infections or discomfort.  I'm adding here that Dr. Ben Kim gives good evidence in this article about not using soap on one's privates (or washing one's small children's privates with soap).
7. Use Cotton-Only sanitary products (pads and tampons).  In general, only a teeny fraction of the popular sanitary products are made of cotton and can be extremely irritating.
References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Quickly Relieve and Eliminate Painful Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are aggravating and often painful bacterial infections of any part of the urinary tract which affect mostly women, especially younger sexually active women. Usually, UTIs are caused by the E. Coli bacteria. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies, which can help quickly relieve and eliminate UTIs.

Although urine contains a variety of waste products, it does not usually have bacteria in it and when bacteria get into the bladder or kidneys and multiply in the urine, they may cause infections. Many risk factors have been associated with urinary tract infections, such infections are most common in young sexually active women, where it is estimated that anywhere from 75—90 % of bladder infections are due to sexual activity.

The most common symptoms of a bladder infection are burning with urination (dysuria), frequency of urination, an urge to urinate, without vaginal discharge or significant pain. Other signs of urinary tract infections can include foul smelling urine, urine that appears cloudy and blood in the urine.

Here are some proven remedies for helping eliminate urinary tract infections and their symptoms:

• At the first sign of a bladder infection, drink large amounts of purified water to flush bacteria out of the bladder.
• A teaspoon of baking soda in a full glass of water at the outset can help ease the burning sensation. However, baking soda can cancel out other remedies, especially cranberry juice, and should be used sparingly at any rate.
• Drink cranberry or blueberry juice when you feel a UTI coming on. Both contain compounds that prevent troublesome bacteria from adhering to the walls of your urinary tract. Drink two eight-ounce glasses of 100 percent unsweetened cranberry or blueberry juice daily until the infection disappears. Alternatively, one can also take cranberry extract capsules.
• Drink 2-4 ounces of colloidal silver three times a day to quickly knock out most UTIs. Be sure to follow up with a good probiotic to maintain a good mix of beneficial intestinal flora.
• Make a tea from parsley leaves as follows: Boil water and pour it in a cup. Use a small pinch of parsley and place it in the cup. Let steep for a few minutes and you can either filter the parsley out or drink it as is. Normally this remedy will ease pain within about 20 minutes. Note: Do not use parsley if you are pregnant, this can/will induce labor.
• Drink pau d'arco tea three times a day in conjunction with other remedies for best results. Pau d'arco works for a number of illnesses and has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
• To fight acute cases of take half a teaspoon of a tincture made from echinacea and Oregon grape root or goldenseal every hour.
• Squeeze about half a cup of lemon juice and drink in the morning when you wake up and repeat daily until the bladder infection is gone.
• Take about 5 or 6 asparagus stalks and boil them in a small pot until very tender. Eat them and drink the juice from the pot. Repeat two or three times daily to help clear the infection quickly.
• Other items which may help are: apple cider vinegar, raw honey, crandophillius capsules, the homeopathic remedy “cantharsis”, cashews, almonds, and rhubarb.
• If you are a sexually active female you can help prevent UTIs by washing the vaginal area before and after sex with goldenseal tea.

Note: If your symptoms persist after two to three days, or if your symptoms worsen, it is probably a good idea to see a qualified medical professional, preferably one who is trained as a naturopathic doctor.

If you want to learn about Acupressure as an holistic and effective way to
deal with Urinary and Other Issues click on the hands in the image below:

About the author

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year.

Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near San Antonio and Austin to give lectures in health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and he serves as a consultant to the "Utopia Silver Supplement Company".

References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

For the purposes of today's post, when I refer to Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) I'm talking about unfiltered and unpasteurized vinegar made from cider or apples, and with the mother of vinegar present, as a natural product.  You must usually buy it in a health food store.  It is said that Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, had only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar.  Organic, unfiltered ACV contains a host of vitamins, as well as beta carotene, pectin, and important minerals such as potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and iron.  


ACV has malic acid which is helpful in fighting fungal and bacterial infections.  It's a boon for eliminating and keeping away urinary tract infections, particularly if teamed up with Cranberry Juice.  Simply add 2 teaspoons of ACV to 8 ounces of cranberry juice, and drink.  (To sweeten, add a pinch of Stevia-- sugar will only exacerbate the problem).  Do this about 3 or more times a day if you feel a urinary infection coming on, or if you are in the throes of one.


**image of apple cider press in Brittany, France 2001 by photographer Garry Stemp.


References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

A Case For Cranberry Juice for Urinary Infection

Cranberry juice has long been the preferred home-cure for urinary tract infections (although I did hear a clerk in Safeway one day telling a customer about the benefits of pineapple juice).  When I was a kid, my parents started pouring cranberry cocktail into wine glasses at our Christmas dinners.  It tasted somewhat bitter to us kids, so we fantasized that it was wine.

When I got my first (of many) painful bout of cystitis as part of recurring urinary tract infections, I was told that drinking cranberry juice would "do the trick". It turns out that the sugar content in the cranberry juice was a kind of shot-in-the-foot since the sugar (today listed as cane or beet-sourced) was almost as high as what you would find in the same quantity of soda pop, or maybe higher, if you take into account that the juice was also sweetened with concentrated juices, that may, in fact, have been sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.  Well, in any case, I slugged it back, but it did no good.  I still had pain.  I still got an infection on a fairly regular basis.  Of course I resorted to taking antibiotics, that would "knock it out" of there, until they were no longer resistant to the bacteria because of being over-prescribed, and then the UTIs would come back.

That was then.

Now studies have shown that pure, unsweetened cranberry juice-- buy it here or at your health store, or try making your own- is just as effective as antibiotics in overcoming bacterial infections in the urinary tract.  The proanthocyandins in cranberries appear to strip the bacteria from the sides of the urinary tract walls, disabling it from creating inflammation and infection.  When you take antibiotics, you need to keep coming back for antibiotics... when you take cranberry juice, over time the cranberry juice (along with 4 other simple add-ins to the play, as listed below) usually allow you to get through the odd UTI in a short period of time, or even prevent you from getting further urinary tract infections.  (IT IS TRUE)

CRANBERRY JUICE IS A TEAM PLAYER

Along with cranberry juice, it is very important for everybody-- particularly people who get recurrent urinary bacterial infections-- and their intimate partners-- to follow a sort of regimen.  (Well, it beats the irritating pain of cystitis, right?)

(1) Keep hydrated with pure, filtered water.  A study of women who were properly hydrated and those who were not, found that twice as many (2X) women who didn't drink enough water each day (at least 8-10 ounces for every pound of body weight, and taking exertion into account) got recurring UTIs while the fully hydrated women were unlikely to have a recurrence.  Most doctors will advise their patients drink more water-- about 8-10 glasses a day.  Being fully hydrated means that your system is flushing out the bacteria on a more regular basis.

(2) Also be sure to drink water after having sex, and urinate after.

(3) Practice good pelvic hygiene.  Shower, but do not use soap or douche products that can further irritate the vaginal and urethral area.  Warm water should be sufficient to cleanse.  Wear clean undies daily, particularly after intimacy.

(4)Eat good food to nourish your body and cut back or cut out the foods that are hard on your microbiome.  Chicken is particularly suspect in bacterial infections of the urinary tract.  See what Doctor Michael Greger has to report about chicken.  Even kosher and Organic Chicken??

 Add a little Raw Honey to Your Cranberry Juice 

That pure, unsweetened, Just Cranberry Juice is sssssssourrrrrr.  Yes, it is!  If you are like me, you sorta like it.  But there are many people who just can't stomach it.  Dr. Pamela Popper in her video about urinary tract infections, suggests that you take a little raw honey with the cranberry juice.  Raw honey has antibacterial properties and it is a pretty healthy way to overcome bacterial infections on its own (see my article on Raw Honey in this blog HERE).  Don't give up on Cranberry Juice quite yet!! 

Go here and read what the Medical Medium, Anthony William, has to say about cranberries and get this luscious recipe for Cranberry-Orange Sauce.


Studies about the Efficacy of Cranberries with UTIs

--------------------------------

References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Castor Oil for Urinary Tract and Bladder Infections

In ancient times, the castor bean plant was referred to as the "Palma Christe" because the shape of the leaves was thought to resemble the pierced palms of Christ.  The oil from the bean has long been held with great esteem as an effective healing agent for a multitude of illnesses and disabilities.

My personal experiences with castor oil were unpleasantly memorable and not something that I ever hoped to smell or taste again.  I was therefore a little shocked when a very good friend of mine (blogging here) started to tell me about all the magical qualities of castor oil for healing, soothing and getting rid of wrinkles.

And wouldn't you know it-- castor oil is also useful in healing cystitis, urinary tract infections and/or bladder infections!  Simply rub generously into the skin on the lower abdomen, lie down, cover abdomen with a 'flannel', and put your heating pad (best) or hot water bottle (okay) on top of the flannel for 30-60 minutes.  The castor oil I bought at Safeway was near the laxatives (of course- since that is the usual reason people in North America use it) and cost less than $3 for a small bottle.  I would rather have bought the "cold press" variety they suggest in different places online, but I couldn't find it in the stores I went to.  When I am done with this bottle, I will go back to Walmart and ask the pharmacist (who was gone last night by the time I got there).  Please let me know if this works for you, or if you have tried it for other things.  If you watch the video below (by my favourite Aussie naturopath) you will learn more about poultices in general.

All the best!

References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.http://www.electroherbalism.com/Naturopathy/Therapies/Diet/FatsandOils/CastorOil.htm

Urinary Health: Herbal Home Remedies

 Robert McDowell, herbalist, makes the following suggestions for using herbs and herb tisanes for remedying urinary tract infections:

I strongly advise any parents to ensure their children grow up with healthy drinking habits and all adults that plain water should form the largest part of your daily fluid intake. Further, that there are a wide range of herbal teas (beyond regular tea and coffee) which contribute to kidney health rather than detract from it as do tea and coffee. The best of these herb teas is Rosehip Tea which on its own will often reverse even severe kidney problems. 

The herbal mix I have made up to deal with urinary tract infections and which is a very safe and simple home remedy to be taken (along with copious amounts of water and/ or Rosehip Tea) at the first signs of any UTI, contains the herbs:- Alfalfa, Buchu, Dandelion, Echinacaea, Garlic, Rosehips, Uva Ursi and Yarrow along with the Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy and Wild Rose.

Most dialysis patients start off as persons ineffectively treated for urinary tract infections which are so simple to treat herbally that it is an absolute crime that Urologists are not trained to utilize traditional knowledge as an initial treatment approach. 

References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

WHO gets a Urinary Tract Infection?

Image of Grandmother and her Granddaughter courtesy of Daniel Zehle

The risks of a urinary tract infection (UTI) are different from one person to another. For example, people with urinary problems caused by a kidney stone or enlarged prostate have higher chances of getting a urinary tract infection.

There are many possibilities to catch an infection, but most exposed are people who use catheters or tubes placed in the urinary system, more exactly in the urethra and bladder. That's why the catheter should be removed as quickly as possible and should be kept clean.

Also exposed to infection are diabetics because of the weakness of their immune systems. Children born with urinary problems are also exposed as are women who use diaphragms. Studies show that urinary tract infections are seen most frequently in women. The reason is not known but specialists share with us a possible explanation: because of the size and position of a woman's urethra it is a lot easier for bacteria to get to the bladder.

A small percentage of pregnant women develop UTIs. Specialists believe that it is highly possible for the bacteria to travel to the kidneys because of the changes of pregnancy shifts the position of  the urinary tract.  Periodic testing is done during the pregnancy because of this potential.

Burning and painful feelings when urinating are symptoms of UTI, along with pain of the urethra and bladder. A small quantity of urine is being eliminated each time, despite the urge to urinate. The look of urine is rather strange, its color being unclear or sometimes reddish if blood is present. Fever, back pain and vomiting are frequently symptoms of kidney infection.

Children present somewhat differently from adults with moodiness, fever and  lack of appetite.  A referral to a specialist is important in the case of a child with a urinary tract infection.

After a laboratory urine test, doctors can can make a diagnosis. The urine is examined for bacteria, which are grown later and tested against many kinds of treatments to finally decide for a proper one that can surely help. If this treatment does not help and the infection continues, extra tests like intravenous pyelogram or cystoscopy are necessary. The first one shows x-ray images with the bladder, kidneys and uterus. The film can spot even the smallest changes of the tract. Cystoscopy is a procedure that helps the doctor to see inside the bladder from the urethra with the help of the cystoscope. The cystoscope is a medical instrument made of a thin tube with several lenses and a light source.

_________________________________________________
References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

More Natural Cures for Urinary Tract Infections

Studies have revealed that urinary tract infection is the second most common infection among women. It occurs due to negligence in maintaining proper hygiene. The culprit behind the infection is a bacterium named Escherichia Coli. It attacks the urinary organs and leads to their inflammation. Hence, patient suffers from severe symptoms such as urgent need to pee, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, blood or pus in urine sample etc.
These factors can be ruled out with certain home remedies. Some popular cures for urinary tract infections are given below:
1.Forskolin: This medication is made up of coleus plant. This plant has an Indian origin. It helps in flushing hidden bacteria from the urinary tract. Sometime back, the duke study was conducted where the medication was given to mice. It cleared all the bacterium from its urinary system. Since then, forskolin is popularly used as healing agent for UTI.
2. Cranberry: Some people say that acidic content in cranberry is responsible for its healing properties. However, cranberry has certain chemicals that avoid adherence of E-coli on the bladder walls. This natural juice doesn’t have any side-effects; hence patients with recurrent cystitis can consume it daily.
3. Echinacea Purpurea: This natural herb has shown appreciable results for urinary tract infection among animals. Its results have not been tested on humans. However, scientists believe that it can cure UTI with its antibiotic properties. It is also popular as an immunity enhancer.
4. Probiotics: They are “good or friendly” bacteria that prevent urinary infections. These enzymes are injected inside the body and act as a barrier for reproduction of e-coli bacterium. It fights against them and provide relief from symptoms of bladder and kidney infections.
Hence, you can adopt these natural remedies and prevent recurrence of urinary tract infection as well as prevent damage of urinary organs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Henry is connoisseur in the field of medication. He has been writing some amazing articles on urinary tract, symptoms and cures of diseases. His knowledgeable articles have brought amazing changes in the lives of several individuals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Natural and Speedy Treatment for Yeast Infections

Natural yeast infection cures are the weapon of choice by most women who suffer from the itching, burning and skin irritation of vaginal yeast infections. More women than men develop yeast infections, but men and children also can get the symptoms of the condition. By using natural remedies as early in the outbreak as possible, you will be feeling relief much earlier and will have longer periods of relief between outbreaks. Natural remedies have fewer side effects than antibiotics and do not cause damage to helpful bacteria that help to control yeast outbreaks.

Treating Infections With Garlic

Garlic as a cure for any number of infections has long been used by those seeking natural remedies. A single garlic clove inserted into the vagina will fight yeast growth without killing off the good bacteria that control yeast. If you prefer, an all natural-yeast tablet placed in the vagina will work just as effectively. Yeast can be taken internally to lower cholesterol and bring high blood pressure under control.

Yogurt Applications

A tampon can be dipped in plain yogurt and inserted into the vagina for temporary relief from the burning and itching. The yogurt must be plain, rather than vanilla. The tampon should be removed after a short time. If it is allowed to remain in place, the itching will return.

Apple-Cider Vinegar in the Bath

A cup of apple-cider vinegar stirred into hot bath water is a soothing and anti-bacterial agent. Do not apply the vinegar full strength, as it is too strong and may sting or burn unbearably rather than cooling the inflamed and itchy area. If you are interested in losing weight, drinking a dose of apple-cider vinegar each day will help to burn calories.

Cleanse and Detoxify with Water

If more women would be faithful about drinking plenty of water each day, there would be fewer outbreaks of yeast infections and many other types of ailments. More water detoxifies the cells of the body. Waste material is excreted through the urine. Overall bodily health helps to fight off all sorts of illnesses and ailments.

Treatment with Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano taken internally is an effective treatment for fungal and yeast infections. It should be taken daily. Choosing a product that is pure and high in carvacrol is the best option. Carvacrol is the effective substance in the herb oil.

Prevent the Outbreak

The best remedy of all for a vaginal yeast infection is to avoid getting it in the first place. General health principles and the remedies mentioned above are all good at preventing and curing the condition. You can also include these actions when you are fighting off a yeast outbreak: Wear cotton undergarments, reduce or eliminate sugar in the diet and avoid feminine deodorants.

You may not be able to get rid of yeast infections completely, but by taking advantage of natural yeast infection cures the outbreaks may come less often and be less severe. If your total health picture is improved, you may be able to fight off the conditions that lead to vaginal yeast infections. Remember to begin treatment for acute attacks as soon as you notice the symptoms.

Yeast infection cures especially cures for yeast infection during pregnancy using either preventative or natural remedies are most likely to provide instant relief with less side effects and extended periods between episodes.

Setting Your Goals Reconnecting to Your Vision ($17)1 hour digital audio file, and digital transcript of the audio Click for Details Add to Cart

References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.