Cystitis
Urinary Bladder System
Cystitis is caused by a urinary infection that leads to inflammation of the bladder, resulting in frequent burning urination, sometimes with blood in the urine, pain and fever. Cystitis is a common problem in women, but it is comparatively rare in men. In most cases, cystitis is due to bacterial infection. The most common causative agent is E. Coli, a bacterium that normally inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. Women are particularly susceptible to cystitis because of the short length of the female urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This promotes the transmission of bacteria from the skin and genitals to the internal area.
The risk of cystitis is increased in those who have a narrowed urethra due to past infections, or an obstruction in the ureter (the tube from the kidney to the bladder).
Essential Oils
Essential Oils:
Top Note: basil, cajuput, coriander, eucalyptus, niaouli, thyme
Middle Note: chamomile, fennel, hyssop, juniper, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage
Base Note: clove, oregano, sandalwood
A massage oil can be formulated with any of the oils listed above, either singly or in a blend, with the exception of basil, which should not be used singly, nor exceed one-third of the component parts of the formula. Massage daily, rubbing the blend over your lower abdomen, hips and lower back. Do this until relief is obtained – this could vary from two days to two weeks.
*Massage Oil Formulas for Cystitis
Blend 1
- 10 drops basil
- 10 drops lavender
- 10 drops pine
- Diluted in 30 ml vegetable oil
Blend 2
- 5 drops sage
- 5 drops oregano
- 20 drops niaouli
- Diluted in 30 ml vegetable oil
*Sitz Bath Formulas for Cystitis
An essential oil sitz bath is very effective for treating cystitis. You can use any of the oils listed above with the exception of basil. Run a bath to the level of your hips and sit. You can also use a bidet or a bowl.
Formula 1 | 5 drops eucalyptus | 2 drops cinnamon | 5 drops niaouli |
Formula 2 | 5 drops rosemary | 5 drops hyssop | 5 drops savory |
Formula 3 | 5 drops cumin | 5 drops pine | 5 drops cajeput |
Formula 4 | 5 drops lavender | 5 drops marjoram | 5 drops coriander |
* Source: Worwood Valerie Ann, The Fragrant Pharmacy. Bantam Books, 1991
Self Help
Self Help:
- Drink plenty of filtered water with lemon – warm or at room temperature
- Drink cranberry juice – this makes the urine and bladder less hospitable to bacteria
- Women should wipe themselves from front to back to avoid contaminating the urethral entrance with waste from the bowels
- Women who have frequent cystitis should drink a glass of water before intercourse and urinate completely right after intercourse. This helps flush out any bacteria that may have accidentally been pushed into the urethra.
- Avoid vaginal deodorants, bubble baths, and other irritating substances.
- Avoid sitting in a wet bathing suit for any length of time
Herbs
Herbs:
- Tea of marshmallow, couch grass and yarrow soothe inflammation
- Add chamomile to relax
- Add corn silk if the burning is strong
- Horsetail – increases the excretion of urine and strengthens the elastic tissue of the bladder walls
Gemstone
Gemstone for Healing:
Carry or wear
Reflexology
Reflexology areas to emphasize:
- Bladder – main reflex point
- Adrenal glands – helps for inflammation
- Lower spine – often a site of referred pain
Symptoms
Symptoms:
- A burning sensation during urination
- More frequent urination
- An urge to urinate when the bladder seems to be empty
- Pain in the pubic area
- Occasional discharge of pus in the urine or from the urethra
If cystitis does not resolve quickly, it can lead to more generalized illness, including:
- Chills and fever
- Blood in the urine
- Backache suggesting kidney involvement
