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Title: Bladder Infection/cystitis
Categories: Info
Yield: 1 Formula
| TEA FOR CYSTITIS | ||
| 1 | pt | Nettle |
| 1 | pt | Dandelion greens |
| 1 | pt | Pipsissewa |
| 2 | pt | Corn silk (the golden tassel |
| ...from garden corn) | ||
| 2 | pt | Uva ursi |
Many women experience cystitis at least once during pregnancy. The blood volume increases up to 50 percent during pregnancy, causing the kidneys to work double time. In addition, pressure placed on the kidneys by an ever- expanding womb causes further stress. The result is often a raging bladder infection.
Bladder infections are easy to detect. A frequent need to urinate, painful and/or incomplete urination, and a burning sensation during urination are the obvious signs. Antibiotics, the usual medication for cystitis, are not recommended during pregnancy. Most bladder infections are easily correctable with natural remedies if treatment is begun early.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CYSTITIS ù The most widely known and accepted treatment is cranberry juice. It is best to use unsweetened cranberry juice, which is easily obtained at natural food stores. If unsweetened cranberry juice is not available, you can make your own juice by blending fresh cranberries with fresh water. Though unsweetened cranberry juice is the remedy of choice, I have found that even commercial brands will work. In order to be effective, several glasses of cranberry juice must be consumed daily. ù Avoid sugar. Sugar will feed the bacteria in the bladder that causes the infection and contributes to the continuing growth of the infection. ù The following herbal formula is a very effective treatment for cystitis.
T E A F O R C Y S T I T I S Prepare an infusion (using four to six tablespoons of herb to one quart of water, pour boiling water over the herbs, cover, and steep ten to twenty minutes). Drink one fourth cup every half hour throughout the day.
ù Some women find it helpful to take a double dose of acidophilus (double the amount recommended on the container) to help cure cystitis. Also, large doses of vitamin C--up to 2000 milligrams twice daily--help eliminate infection by restoring the proper acidity of the bladder.
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