Re: Bladder Problems

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/27/04 1:03:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time, vanokat@... writes:

problem with what seems to present as bladder infection or UTI.(same daughter who has had numerous ear infections)

Juniper berries are famous for clearing up 99% (some say 100%) of bladder or urinary infections. Try to get them fresh. Otherwise get the dried ones and drink lots of juniper berry tea! Mountain Rose Herbals has organic ones for $9.00/lb. Check out the kidney tincture and kidney/bladder tea in the files.

Gloria

[Guest guest]

Kathy wrote:

>

> Hi,

> My 15 yo daughter is having a re-occurring problem with what seems

> to present as bladder infection or UTI.(same daughter who has had

> numerous ear infections) 2 different times the Dr. prescribed

> anti-biotic even though her test did NOT show UTI - which really

> concerns me.

> I have been giving her cranberry caps and juice which seems to only

> help temporarily. She complains of constant pressure and sometimes is

> unable to pee at all. Anyone have any other suggestions?

> BTW Don, I had her spit in a glass of water - nothing grew.

> Kathy

>

>

>

>

Hi Kathy,

Here is some info for you to wade through that just might take care of

your daughter's problem. Do let us know how it goes.

Urinary tract infection

Also known as cystitis or a bladder infection

<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/bladder_infection.htm>, a urinary

tract infection (UTI) inflames the bladder or urethra (the tube that

transports urine out of the bladder). The problem most frequently

affects females; in fact, one in five women suffers from a UTI at least

once a year. These infections

<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/infection.htm> are best treated

promptly- and antibiotics may be necessary-because recurring UTIs can

lead to potentially serious kidney infections

<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/kidney_infl.htm>.

Essentially, all UTIs result from a bacterial infection. Normally, urine

is sterile (germ free) when it is excreted by the kidneys and stored in

the bladder; it washes out the small amount of bacteria in the urethra

as it passes to the outside. But sometimes, bacteria in the urinary

tract overwhelm the body's immune defenses and multiply, causing an

infection. Ignoring the urge to urinate may increase the likelihood of

UTIs. In addition, improper hygiene may be a factor, as well as

pregnancy (the bladder can be compressed by the fetus and is unable to

empty completely).

Supplements and herbs

Take the recommended supplements at the first hint of burning during

urination. Start with vitamin C

<http://www.herbs2000.com/vitamins/v_c.htm> and cranberry

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_cranberry.htm>. Vitamin C helps

acidify urine, making the bladder a less inviting environment for

harmful bacteria to colonize; it strengthens the body's immune defenses

as well. Cranberry also acidifies the urine, but more important, it

prevents infectious bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary

tract. Less is known about how uva ursi

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_bearberry.htm> works, though for

some people this herb is a very effective alternative to vitamin C and

cranberry (it should not be taken with those acidifying substances or

for longer than a week). Any of these supplements can be used along with

various anti-inflammatory and immune boosting herbal teas made from

goldenseal <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_goldenseal.htm>,

Echinacea <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_echinacea.htm>, and

nettle <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_nettle.htm>; in addition,

the extra fluids help wash bacteria away.

Because some UTls can progress to more serious kidney infections, it is

important that these natural therapies be tried for only 24 to 36 hours

before seeking professional advice. If an infection is confirmed, your

doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics

kill harmful as well as healthy bacteria, which normally help to protect

the digestive and urinary tracts. Acidophilus

<http://www.herbs2000.com/miss/acidophilus.htm> (which may be combined

with another source of " friendly " bacteria, bifidus) is helpful

specifically for those taking antibiotics because it reintroduces

healthy bacteria. The other supplements can also be continued while

taking antibiotics.

More useful herbs

Agrimony <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_agrimony.htm>, Apple

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_apple.htm>, Bilberry

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_bilberry.htm>, Buchu

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_buchu.htm>, Cat's Claw

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_cats_claw.htm>, Couch Grass

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_couch_grass.htm>, Horseradish

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_horseradish.htm>, Marshmallow

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_marshmallow.htm>, Phyllanthus

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_phyllanthus.htm>, Slippery Elm

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_slippery_elm.htm>, Varuna

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_varuna.htm>, White Poplar

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_white_poplar.htm>.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are often helpful during urinary tract infection,

such as bladder infection {cystitis)-relieving discomfort and

encouraging quick recovery. Symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate,

with burning or stinging sensations, and sometimes aching in the bladder

area. Offensive smelling, cloudy, or discolored urine may be passed.

Very uncomfortable or long-lasting urinary tract infections-especially

those accompanied by fever <http://www.herbs2000.com/kids/fever.htm>,

pain <http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/pain.htm> in the kidney region,

or other serious symptoms-should be treated by a doctor.

* *Aconitum <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_aconite.htm>*

This remedy is often useful when a person feels anxious both

before and during urination, with hot, scanty urine, and a burning

or spasmodic feeling in the outlet of the bladder. It can also be

helpful if retention of urine occurs after a person has been very

cold and chilled, or after a shaking experience.

* *Apis <http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/apis.htm>*

This remedy is indicated when the person frequently needs to

urinate, but only small quantities are passed. Stinging and

burning sensations are felt (especially with the last few drops)

and the person may also experience soreness in the abdomen. Heat

and touch make the symptoms worse, and cold applications, cool

bathing, and open air may bring relief. A lack of thirst is

another indication that Apis may be needed.

* *Belladonna <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_belladonna.htm>*

This remedy may be beneficial if urging to urinate is frequent and

intense, and the bladder feels very sensitive. A cramping

<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/cramps.htm> or writhing

sensation may be felt in the bladder area. Small amounts of highly

colored urine pass. (This remedy is sometimes helpful if a person

passes small amounts of blood and no serious cause can be found on

medical examination.)

* *Berberis <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_barberry.htm>*

Cystitis with twinges of cutting pain, or a burning feeling that

extends to the urethra and its opening, may indicate a need for

this remedy. The passage may also burn at times when no attempt at

urination is being made. After emptying the bladder, the person

may feel as if some urine still remains inside. Urging and

discomfort are often worse from walking.

* *Cantharis <http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/cantharis.htm>*

Strong urging to urinate-with cutting pains that are felt before

the urine passes, as well as during and after-may indicate a need

for this remedy. Only several drops pass at a time, with a

scalding sensation. The person may feel as if the bladder has not

been emptied, still feeling a constant urge to urinate.

* *Equisetum <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_horsetail.htm>*

If cystitis is accompanied by dull but distressing pain and a

feeling of fullness in the bladder, even after urinating, this

remedy may be helpful. Urging and discomfort are more intense when

the bladder has recently been emptied, improving over time as the

bladder becomes more full.

* *Lycopodium <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_club_moss.htm>*

This remedy may be helpful if a person has to urinate frequently

during the night and passes large amounts of urine. Or the person

may feel a painful urge, but has to strain to make the urine flow.

Pain may be felt in the back

<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/back_pain.htm> before the

urine passes. (If fever is present, the urine has a reddish color,

or discomfort is felt in the kidney region, the person should see

a doctor.)

* *Nux vomica <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_strychnine.htm>*

Irritable bladder with a constant need to urinate, passing only

small amounts, suggests a need for this remedy. Burning or

cramping pain may be felt in the bladder area, with an itching

<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/itching.htm> sensation in the

urethra while the urine passes. The person may feel very

irritable, impatient, and chilly. Symptoms may be relieved by hot

baths or other forms of warmth.

* *Sarsaparilla <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_sarsaparilla.htm>*

This remedy is often useful in cystitis and often helps when

symptoms are unclear, or if other remedies have not been

effective. Frequent urging is felt, with burning pain at the end

of urination. Urine will pass when the person is standing up, but

only dribbling occurs while sitting. Flakes or sediment are

sometimes seen in the urine. (Sarsaparilla is sometimes helpful

when stones are forming or the kidneys are involved; however,

these conditions need a doctor's care.)

* *Sepia <http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/sepia.htm>*

This remedy may be helpful if a person has to urinate frequently,

with sudden urging, a sense that urine will leak if urination is

delayed, and small amounts of involuntary urine loss. The person

may experience a bearing-down feeling in the bladder region, or

pressure above the pubic bone. A person who needs this remedy

often feels worn-out and irritable, with cold extremities, and a

lax or sagging feeling in the pelvic area.

* *Staphysagria <http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/staphysagria.htm>*

This remedy is often indicated for cystitis that develops in a

woman after sexual intercourse, especially if sexual activity is

new to her, or if cystitis occurs after every occasion of having

sex. Pressure may be felt in the bladder after urinating, as if it

is still not empty. A sensation that a drop of urine is rolling

through the urethra, or a constant burning feeling, are other

indications. Staphysagria is also useful for cystitis that

develops after illnesses with extended bed rest, or after the use

of catheters.

What else you can do

* Drink at least one 8-ounce glass of water every hour. Lots of

water increases urine flow, improving the likelihood that harmful

substances will be flushed from your system. If you have to

urinate, don't " hold it in. "

* Keep genital and anal areas clean and dry. Wash before and after

intercourse. After eliminating, wipe from front to back; wear

cotton (breathable) underwear; change into dry clothing quickly

after exercising or swimming.

How much to take

Vitamin C

500 mg every other hour; as tolerated.

Stop using if bowel movements become loose.

Cranberry

400 mg twice a day.

Or drink 16 ounces of pure, unsweetened juice a day.

Goldenseal

1 cup goldenseal tea several times a day.

Avoid if you're pregnant. Goldenseal can also be blended with

Echinacea or nettle tea.

Acidophilus

1 pill (I -2 billion live organisms) twice a day.

Take if your doctor has also prescribed antibiotics.

Uva ursi

500 mg, or 1/2 tsp tincture, 4 times a day for 1 week.

Buy extract standardized to contain 20% arbutin. Don't take with

vitamin C or cranberry. Avoid if pregnant.

Echinacea

1 cup Echinacea tea several times a day.

You can blend this herb with goldenseal or nettle.

Nettle

1 cup nettle tea several times a day.

You can blend this herb with Echinacea or goldenseal.

For kids

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

<http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/dosages.htm>

* Make an herbal tea from corn

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_corn.htm> silk and parsley

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_parsley.htm>. The stringy,

silky, browning material that peels away from a ripe ear of corn

is a wonderful diuretic and is very soothing to a distressed

urinary tract. It is available either fresh or as a tincture.

Fresh parsley, also a diuretic, is rich in chlorophyll

<http://www.herbs2000.com/miss/chlorophyll.htm>. Give your child

one dose, three times daily, for three days.

* Cranberries contain an ingredient that keeps bacteria from

sticking to the bladder wall. Give your child three glasses of

pure cranberry juice, or three capsules of cranberry extract

(available as a product called Cran-Actin), daily.

* Garlic <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_garlic.htm> is a

natural antibiotic that will help to destroy intestinal bacteria

that cause a UTI. Choose an odorless capsule form and give your

child one to three capsules a day. Or give your child one whole

clove of fresh garlic daily.

* Uva ursi <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_bearberry.htm> has

been used for decades by Native Americans for urinary disorders.

It has antiseptic and astringent properties that can be very

effective for mild UTIs or for preventing recurrences. Give your

child one dose, three to four times a day, for three to four days.

Because uva ursi can be irritating to the urinary tract, it is

best to combine it with a soothing herb, such as corn silk.

Note: Uva ursi should not be given to a child under six years of age.

* Although harder to find, pipsissewa

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_pipsissewa.htm> is less

potentially irritating than uva ursi, and is just as effective.

Give your child one dose, three to four times a day.

* An Echinacea <http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_echinacea.htm>

and goldenseal

<http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_goldenseal.htm> combination

formula is antibacterial and soothes mucous membranes. Give your

child one dose, three times a day, for up to five days.

--

Peace, love and light,

Don Quai

" Spirit sleeps in the mineral, breathes in the vegetable, dreams in the animal

and wakes in man. "

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy, Bladder problems are NASTY. I was discussing UTI's on one of my doggy list, and one of the ladies said she'd had UTI's for years, and the only thing that cleared them up was Parsley. She said she ate a much as she could of it, and also made a (nasty tasting) tea with it, but it worked. Apparently, cranberry helps to prevent UTI's by forming a protective coating on the bladder walls, but once they strike they cranberry is not very effective :-( HTH,, and Sheba

[Guest guest]

Hi there, I've had these and had no antibiotics cure them, so I thought

I'd throw in my 2 cents...I never deal with these anymore, because of a

simple tincture I made as an emergency antibiotic when I couldn't get to

a doctor...it works better than anything I've ever used! All it is is:

1 part Echinacea

1 part Garlic

1/2 part Yarrow

It tastes unbelievably nasty ... but take 1-2 tablespoons 3 times a

day and it'll kill anything, even kidney infections (not that I'm saying

those shouldn't be seen by some sort of doctor! ...but in a situation

where there wasn't one, this formula did work...thank goodness!) Also

drink tons of water, and stay away from sugar -- I don't know why, but

sugar always makes UTIs a ton worse for me. Luck!

Don Quai wrote:

> Kathy wrote:

[Guest guest]

==THIS WEEK IN THE HSI FORUM

" Any natural cures for urinary tract infections? "

That's the title of a thread on the HSI Forum that starts off

with a plea from a member named Delaney who says she's tried

several natural treatments to fight a urinary tract infection

(UTI), and adds, " I soooooo very much hate having to go to the

doc and take an antibiotic. Is there another way? "

As always, a number of HSI members pitch right in to offer their

insights and experiences. A member named PJ backs up Delaney's

reluctance to start filling prescriptions, saying, " Antibiotics

frequently don't address the underlying inflammatory aspects of

cystitis, and in fact, can make the problem worse in the long

run, by altering the normal microflora of the body. "

The pros and cons of cranberry juice - one of the UTI remedies

that Delaney asks about - are discussed by several members.

Cranberries and cranberry juice does the trick for some, but a

member named Vernon shares this experience his wife had:

" When she first felt the symptoms of UTI, she started getting

cranberry juice at a local beverage store. The symptoms

persisted for nearly 2 weeks. Finally she looked at the label -

tons of sugar in every serving! Our chiropractor told her that

the sugar was FEEDING the UTI. We went to Wild Oats and got a

half-gallon of natural cranberry juice - the only ingredients on

the label were cranberry and water, and in two days the symptoms

were gone. "

And a member named DC has this information about cranberry

juice: " Studies have shown that it's the mannose in cranberry

juice that does the job. If the UTI is caused by E. coli then

the germs take in the mannose and discover that they can no

longer adhere to the walls of the urinary tract. If your UTI is

caused by another organism then cranberry juice, mannose cannot

help. "

D-mannose is a natural simple sugar that's also available in

supplement form. A member named Rosie writes, " I finally decided

to try the D-Mannose that Dr. raves about for UTI's. I

took one half teaspoon a day, less than what the directions say

to use. In two days the UTI was gone. "

In the December 2001 issue of his Nutrition & Healing

Newsletter, V. M.D., had this to say about

http://by2fd.bay2.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/getmsg?

msg=MSG1077286689.11 & start=521229 & len=10893 & msgread=1 & imgsafe=n & curmb

ox=F000000001 & a=d14daf7c9ae8a66e19e15085dfc5e0d9

D-Mannose:

" Over 90 percent of bladder infections are caused by E. coli

bacteria, which stick to mannose molecules present on the

surfaces of the cells that line our bladders. If a person has an

E. coli infection and takes D-mannose, the 'loose' molecules of

D-mannose surround and coat each E. coli bacterium, so they

can't stick to the bladder. The next time the patient urinates,

the D-mannose-coated E. coli are rinsed away--headed for their

next happy home in a septic tank or sewage treatment plant. "

When Delaney finally gets rid of her UTI, she might be

interested in some advice from a member named , who

suggests taking 4,000 mgs of vitamin C daily to help prevent

future infections by keeping urine somewhat acidic so the

bacteria can't thrive.

If you occasionally cope with UTIs, there's a good chance you

may find a successful natural treatment with cranberry juice,

D-mannose or one of the other suggestions posted on this

thread.

===========================================

> Apparently, cranberry helps to prevent UTI's by forming a

protective coating on the bladder walls, but once they strike they

cranberry is not very effective :-(

>

> HTH,

> , and Sheba