Home remedies for cystitis

Cystitis is one of the most frequent and painful infections women get.

Although we are normally advised to take antibiotics to soothe the sharp pain and unpleasant sensation — and destroy our gut microbiome in the process — there is a better, much better, course of action.

Here, you’ll find the ayurvedic approach to cystitis and the most effective home remedies to relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms of cystitis

Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation (itis) of the bladder (cyst)

Typically, a bacterial infection can cause this condition.

However, tight clothing, certain medicines, and harsh hygiene products can also lead to cystitis, which tends to affect mostly women.

Furthermore, diabetes, spinal injuries, radiation therapy, dehydration, and an unhealthy lifestyle are also risk factors.

Symptoms:

• Sharp pain when urinating.
• Frequent urge to pee, even after you’ve emptied your bladder.
• Cloudy urine.
• Urine with a strong smell.
• Blood in the urine.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Sensation of pressure or bladder fullness.
• Cramping in your abdomen or lower back.

Women are at a higher risk of getting this disorder if they are:

• Sexually active.
• Pregnant.
• Using irritating intimate hygiene products.
• Having excessive exposure to sunlight.
• Overexercising.

** The below home remedies for cystitis can lessen the pain and reduce the inflammation. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a few days, you should see a doctor or health practitioner.

Ayurvedic approach to cystitis

When we experience cystitis, it can feel like our urethra is literally on fire.

In general, cystitis is a condition that typically involves Pitta (inflammation and infection) and Vata (obstruction of the flow of urine).

These are some Ayurvedic recommendations to reduce the intensity of the symptoms:

1. Follow an anti-pitta diet.
2. Eat more diuretic foods like celery, watermelons, cucumbers, and zuchini.
3. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and nightshades.
4. Stay away from garlic, onion, and spicy foods.
5. Coriander, turmeric, fennel, cardamom, and small quantities of salt should be used for cooking.
6. Consider changing your personal hygiene products if they are irritating. Choose instead an organic, holistic brand.
7. Follow an anti-pitta lifestyle, which includes moon bathing, gardening, and deep breathing techniques.

It is possible to reduce the internal fire, provoked by a high Pitta, through lifestyle and the appropriate anti-Pitta dietary changes. Nevertheless, if the infection is due to mucus in the kidneys, Kapha dosha might need to be pacified first.

Home remedies for cystitis

These are some quick and easy home remedies for cystitis.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water, preferably warm, throughout the day to help your bladder flush harmful bacteria, reduce the burning sensation, and calm the Pitta dosha.

You could add cucumbers or lime to your water.

Or help your body stay hydrated by eating water-based foods, such as watermelon.

Drink unsweetened cranberry juice

According to Ayurveda, cranberries pacify Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Organic and fresh cranberry juice is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic home remedy, perfect for this condition.

It is very effective in treating general infections, accelerating recovery times, and preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.

Other juices that can also help are coconut and pomegranate juices.

Cystitis tea recipe

Drink this sweet tea throughout the day.

Besides implementing the above home remedies for cystitis, make sure to:

• Wipe from front to back to prevent infections.
• Have a good sexual hygiene.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid moisture from accumulating in the pelvic region.