Home Remedies and Herbs for Bladder Infection (Cystitis)

A bladder infection is also known as a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Cystitis. It is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the bladders of both men and women. The infection mostly affects the bladder but it can spread to the kidneys and eventually enter the bloodstream if not treated.^1,2 Women are more likely to develop bladder infections than men are, with a 50% likelihood of women developing cystitis over the course of a lifetime.³ Bladder infections are highly curable and many people can get rid of the bacterial bladder infection on their own as their bodies can fight it off. However, sometimes the infection can become severe.²

What Causes Bladder Infection?

Bladder infection causes are typically the result of bacteria entering through the urethra and affecting and inflaming the bladder. ¹ The bacteria type is usually E.coli and when it enters the urethra it begins to multiply and spreads to the bladder and kidneys.² Other less common bladder infection causes including a reaction to certain antibiotic, radiation therapy or certain feminine hygiene products. Long-term use of a catheter may also be another bladder infection cause.² There are certain risk factors that make certain people more susceptible to developing bladder infections. Here are some of those bladder infection risk factors:^1,2,3,4

• Females are more prone to developing bladder infections because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus
• Being sexually active increases the risk of developing a bladder infection in females
• Being pregnant causes hormonal changes which also increase the risk
• Interference in urine flow can lead to developing a bladder infection in men and women
• Immune system changes such as developing diabetes or an infection like HIV

Bladder Infection Symptoms

The following are bladder infection symptoms in women and men:^1,2,4

• Strong and continued urge to urinate
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Cloudy and strong-smelling urine
• Red or pink colored urine
• Urinating small amounts
• Pelvic pain
• Lower abdominal pressure
• Low-grade fever

Additional bladder infection symptoms in women include vaginal pain and discomfort. When the condition becomes severe, there may also be the following symptoms for women and men:¹

• Chills, sweating and shaking
• High fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Fatigue and feeling ill
• Pain in back, side and groin
• Nausea and vomiting

These are typically signs that the bladder infection is now affecting the kidneys which is a serious medical condition.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Bladder Infection

The following are some of the top bladder infection natural remedies:

• Cranberry Juice - Cranberry juice is a natural cure for bladder infections because it contains natural health benefits that protect from bladder infections.
• Baking Soda and Warm Water - The combination of baking soda and warm water is a natural remedy for bladder infections as it helps to neutralize urine and relieve pain.
• Gravel Root - Gravel root is a natural diuretic that can help treat kidney problems and can be used as a natural remedy for bladder infections.
• White Oak Bark - White oak bark can also help to treat bladder infections and relieve pain.
• Artichoke Leaf Extract - Artichoke leaf extract can be used as natural treatment for bladder infections and kidney conditions.
• Jatoba - Jatoba can be taken to help with chronic inflammation and bladder infections It can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain felt from cystitis.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/urinary-tract-infection-adults
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/basics/definition/con-20024076
3. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/20/a-simple-natural-treatment-for-urinary-tract-health.aspx
4. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/adult-urology/urinary-tract-infection