Tag Archives: remedies

Bladder Infections- Herbal Remedies from A to Z

Bladder infections do not know or care if you are a man or women, (even though women are more likely to suffer bladder infections), or if you are rich or poor. Millions of people suffer from this ailment every day and in some cases it can lead to serious problems.

The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladders, and urethra. The urinary tracts main function is to excrete urine and control the other parts of the body’s organs. Without this excretion we would be poisoned by the toxins in our body.

Blood enters the kidneys and is then filtered out and sent to the bladder for elimination. On average our bodies loose about five pints a day, three pints through our urine and the other two pints through other means such as breathing, sweat ect.

Around 98% of the water we drink is absorbed by the body along with nutrients we consume. Proteins breakdown is called urea and is passed into the urine, which then leaves the body. Urine collects in the pelvis of the kidneys and passes into the bladder, where it stored until we go to the bathroom.

Those suffering from kidney problems should seek medical help before using any alternative methods. If you are prone to kidney stones, check with your doctor or health care professional.

Too much eliminating at too fast a pace can cause damage to the kidneys. When using herbs as a diuretic, pick an herb that is gentle and include mallow root or marshmallow which helps to protect the kidneys.

What this blog is going to address is bladder infections.

Some foods that may help prevent bladder infections include:

  • Yogurt
  • cucumbers
  • dandelion greens
  • cranberry juice
  • lemon-aid
  • parsley
  • onions
  • carrot tops
  • celery tops
  • pumpkin seeds
  • asparagus
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • purslane

The culture in yogurt may help prevent and cure bladder infections. Another way to include yogurt is to add it to a bath of warm water, yes add to your bath water.

Eating cucumbers and drinking basil tea may reduce the symptoms of bladder infections, and liberally add fresh parsley to your food. Parsley is a diuretic along with onions which may help to cleanse the body.

Dandelion and other diuretic foods increase the body’s urine output and may stimulate the blood flow through the kidneys. Some medicines which contain diuretics may reduce the potassium levels in our bodies. Herbs such as dandelion increase the flow of urine but also contain the necessary vitamins and potassium our kidneys need. Lemon-aid or adding lemon to water has been known to help the kidneys.

Coffee and other caffeine drinks may irritate and cause problems with the kidneys. Cut back on coffee, green tea, black tea, alcohol and soda. Drink cranberry or blueberry juice instead. Drink at least two cups a day. These drinks may even help the bladder infection go away. Include a tea from mallow root or marshmallow, dandelion and plantain to combat current infections.

The mallow root is a demulcent herb which will help soothe the tissue surrounding the bladder and kidneys. By including a soothing herb along with a diuretic may decrease the pain of urination.

Vitamins such as C, and B6 have been known to increase the health of the kidneys.

Other teas or tinctures which has been shown to help include:

  • rose hip tea
  • parsley tea
  • marshmallow tea or tincture
  • saw palmetto tincture

Studies have shown that some over the counter pain killers may cause more problems with the kidneys and too much of the vitaminchromium picolinate (which is used for other ailments) may cause problems with the bladder.

Wear cotton underwear to avoid the bacteria and moisture which can be trapped by synthetic fabrics. Drink lots of water to dilute any bacterial concentrations in the body and the water helps to eliminate bacteria.

Food allergies may cause irritation which increases the risk of bladder infections. The body wants to quickly eliminate any thing harmful to the body.

Apple cider vinegar can help to flush the kidneys and provide natural acid if needed. Some problems may be cause by too much acid in the urine, if this is the case avoid the vinegar and include food high in alkaline. Baking soda is high in alkaline but if you have any heart issues do not use baking soda.

Uva Ursi is the herb most people use for bladder infections, it strengthens the urinary tract, but should be taken in small doses and take a break from taking the herb once a week. Do not take for long periods of time.

Some herbs that treat infections may help with urinary tract infections such as garlic, Echinacea, Usnea, and Golden-seal. Note Golden-seal should not be taken for longer than a week or 10 days.

Saw Palmetto is believed to reduce the pressure on the bladder, and has a general tonic effect for both men and women and may help to prevent future outbreaks.

Just a final note, always check with your health care professional especially for serious problems with bladder infections.

 

 

 

A to Z of Herbal Remedies-Why most herbalist use herbs

Today and every Monday, I am starting a new series on herbal remedies for everyday problems. Folk remedies for anti-aging, arthritis, acne, and aches and pains are just a few topics this blog will covered. A to Z.

The remedies mentioned in this blog at any time are for the traditional, historical and folk uses of herbs. Always consult your health care professional before trying any herbal remedy especially for the first time. Some herbs may react with your medication and some people may have allergic reactions.

Today as well as yesterday, families created simple cures at home for a a variety of common ailments. With the advance of medicine, as a culture we have allowed our home remedies to lapse in favor of conventional treatments. But the popularity of herbs is coming back with a vengeance.

As a culture we go to the doctor for the simplest thing and the emergency rooms are filled. Learning to use herbs, we could treat many common ailments at home. And with the new health care laws who knows what going to happen in the future.

We add chemicals to our body and we saturate our liver and other organs and they can become overworked. Herbs are usually safer and don’t require a prescription, at least not yet.

Doctors are needed in our lives to help us to decide the best course of action for our health. Knowing what is wrong can help in this decision making process and what steps to take. Herbal medicine and conventional medicine can go hand in hand.

Break a leg, and you need a health care professional to treat your leg.  But if I get a cold, with knowledge I can treat it my self. With a little research and study you might the solution to common ailments. Learn the properties of herbs before using them, check their cautions and if they have any side effects. What has worked in the past, works today for the most part.

Interest in herbal medicine is soaring and more and more people want to take charge of their health and are checking out the therapeutic value of herbs. Herbs don’t change over the year, just the information and research. More and more research have been and is being conducted all over the world in the use of herbs.

Growing our own herbs in our home gardnes have gain in popularity, in fact gardens of all kinds are popping up everywhere. I think many of us are tied of our vegetables ect. traveling such long distances before reaching our supermarket shelves.

Cooking shows are using herbs in many of their dishes, and it seems almost every recipe contains some herb. Go to your local farmer’s markets and usually will find a vendor selling herbs.

There are dozens of ways of using herbs medicinally and in this series I will try and explain them.

What is an infusion?

An infusion is prepared like a tea and is used for herb leaves and flowers that easily give up there medical properties. When making an infusion it is better to use glass, china, or enamel teapot with a lid. Use pure water such as distilled or bottle mineral water. Most ‘city’ water contains chemicals which may inhibit the medicinal properties of the herb, such as water with a high lime content.

Use about 1/2 c. fresh herb (dried half of the amount) to a pot of tea. (about 2 cups of water)

Pour almost or boiling water that has stopped boiling over the herb, cover and allow to steep about 10 minutes. Stain and drink. Honey can be added for flavor and added health benefits.

Most medicinal teas are taken about 3 times a day. Store the remainder in a cool place.

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