Urinary tract infections (UTIs) also known as cystitis and bladder or kidney infections are a common health issue, particularly among women, and can cause pain, discomfort and inconvenience. Chronic UTIs can be hugely distressing and impactful. By managing an acute attack with homeopathic remedies and self-help, you can reduce your risk of UTIs and avoid the need for antibiotics as they are not usually required.
Antibiotics – Antibiotics (and painkillers) are prescribed to treat UTIs, yet, overuse of this medication can lead to antibiotic resistance and disrupt the body’s natural microbiome which can lead to more UTIs and other side effects, commonly diarrhoea, nausea, and rashes. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/side-effects/
Fortunately, there are several homeopathic remedies, self-care and natural approaches to managing UTIs that can help you avoid the need for antibiotics which we’ll explore here.
Causes of UTIs
UTIs are usually caused by E.coli bacteria from the anus entering the urinary tract following sexual activity, and occasionally by STI infection from chlamydia, trichomoniasis and having candida. Symptoms may also occur with no apparent infection.
Predisposing factors
- Sexual activity – especially with a new partner
- Waiting too long without urinating or going too long without drinking liquids
- Low immunity
- Stress
- Trauma/bruising of the urethra from childbirth/catheterisation/surgery
- Antibiotics
- Changing oestrogen levels at menopause
- Changing hormone levels with pregnancy or periods
Is it a UTI?
- pain or a burning sensation before, during or after urination
- needing to urinate little but more often than usual and more at night
- needing to urinate suddenly or more urgently than usual
- urine that looks cloudy, dark, blood-streaked, with an unusual or strong smell
- Feeling tired or unwell
- lower tummy or back pain
- if pain in your back, just under the ribs feeling hot and shivery, nausea and vomiting – if progressing to a kidney infection, seek urgent medical attention
How to help yourself
- Hydration – increase water intake up to 8+ glasses of water per day
- Reduce tea and coffee, alcohol
- Hot bath
- Hot water bottle and resting
- D-Mannose or cranberry (though check for high sugar content)
- Probiotics
- Urinate as soon as possible after sex
Homeopathy can help reduce an acute attack and recurrency
Choose your remedy and take a 30c every 30 minutes until you see improvement. You may have to alternate remedies.
Common homeopathic remedies to relieve pain of acute cystitis
- Cantharis: My No.1 remedy for cystitis. Indicated for sudden UTIs with intense burning and cutting pains during urination. Violent, intolerable pain. A persistent urgency and frequency to urinate but passing only small amounts of urine at a time.
- Staphisagria: ‘Honeymoon cystitis’ occurs following sex, after childbirth or catheterisation for an operation. Feels like a drop of urine is rolling continuously along the urethra. Symptoms come on after suppressed anger, embarrassment or insult.
- Apis mellifica: Useful for UTIs with stinging, prickling, burning pains and swollen urethra and abdomen. The urine may be scanty, foul, hot and high coloured. Must press to pass urine. Is busy and irritable, feeling better for a cold air or cold bath/shower, and worse for heat of any kind.
- Pulsatilla: Indicated for UTIs with changeable, mild, burning pains that are relieved by cold applications. The urine may be scanty with burning aching in bladder, symptoms worse before periods. May be tearful and desire company.
- Sarsaparilla: Helpful for UTIs with severe cutting pains at the end of urination. The urine may be scanty, milky, sandy. It is easier to urinate when standing.
Homeobotanical Herbs for UTIs – Bearberry, Buchu, Corn Silk, Couch Grass, Crataeva, Dandelion, Parsley, Shepherd’s Purse, Stone Root.
Homeopathy can reduce recurrent UTIs
Acute homeopathic treatment will address the immediate infection.
Constitutional homeopathy stimulates the immune system to eliminate the infection and tendency of the risk of recurrent attacks and chronic UTIs. I will take a detailed personal and medical history to ensure that a suitable deeper acting remedy is found to cover your symptoms. In a whole person homeopathic approach we often find that emotional trauma or suppression leads to cystitis, hence the term feeling ‘pissed off’, remedies will support you on this level.
For professional homeopathic care and Homeobotanicals for acute or chronic conditions you can book a free call with me here: https://calendly.com/janebence-homeopathy/book-your-20-min-introductory-call-and-i-will-ring-you
You can find me at The Practice Rooms, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3ED, face to face or online, Monday – Wednesday. https://thepracticerooms.co.uk/room-rental/centres/bristol-westbury-on-trym
Resources: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis
