4 remedies to ease a painful bladder

How to choose the best match homeopathic remedy for your cystitis symptomsCystitis is the name for an inflamed bladder, and it’s usually caused by infection (nhs.uk/conditions/cystitis). These cripplingly painful episodes of bladder and urinary discomfort can be completely disabling yet, to colleagues or family members, there’s no outward signs to legitimise the pain. Add to that the indignity of the GP reminding you of the importance of wiping your bottom correctly and you have a recipe for frustration. I rarely encounter anyone for whom a single dose of antibiotics cures the problem so, after a few courses, there’s often a fungal element too as these drugs decimate the good gut bacteria as well as the E.coli which could be causing the bladder inflammation. All too often it seems the sensitivity and symptoms remain after the bacteria seem to have gone. E.coli live in our lower gut quite harmlessly most of the time, and I’d be surprised if they always stay put there. My view is there must often be bacterial incursions to the bladder: I wonder if these always cause infection? If you’ve read the sister blog, ‘Cystitis unlocked’ you’ll be aware that homeopaths have a very different way of explaining the presence of these painful bladder symptoms.It's important to follow simple self-help guidelines alongside whichever treatment method you’re using, such as drinking large amounts of water to keep yourself hydrated and to flush the germs through. Unsweetened cranberry juice, D-mannose and bicarbonate of soda/potassium citrate all have anecdotal evidence to support their use and are certainly worth a try.Here are short outlines of 4 remedies which have a reputation for supporting people who are experiencing a painful inflamed bladder. These remedies are all in the Helios Basic 18 Remedies Kit ( www.helios.co.uk ) and are easily available in the UK.Cantharis

• Number 1 remedy for the intense pain of burns

• Sudden onset

• constant urging to wee

• violent burning/cutting pains in bladder before, during or after weeing

• straining to wee even when bladder’s empty.

• bladder heavy and sore on movement.

• intensely irritable

• pain gets worse on drinking water.

Apis

• Burning/stinging pains at bottom of bladder

• worse at very end of weeing

• fidgety, whiny and restless, busying yourself doing very little

• no desire to drink

Merc

• bladder sensitive to touch

• intense burning and upward stabbing pain in urethra (tube carrying pee from your bladder)

• blood in wee

• can’t hold in dribbles, especially at night.

• very thirsty

• pee more than you drink

• pee smelly and hot with sediment or bits in.

• anxious with suspicious mistrust of family, possibly with impulsive urges.

Pulsatilla

• bladder sensitive to touch

• sensation of stone rolling in bladder

• sharp pain at top of urethra and burning pain at opening onto skin,

• worse during and after weeing

• spasmy urging during wee.

• leaking, especially at night,

• better outside, gently walking.

• No thirst

• needy and contrary, easily crying.

When you’ve identified which remedy best matches your symptoms, try taking 3 doses in the first half an hour, then reduce it to 3 times a day. If you’re absolutely no better after the 1st 3 doses, try a different remedy, paying careful attention to the feelings you’re experiencing and anything which has happened in the last few days. It’s always worth remembering the Homeopathic Helpline, UK-based and staffed by homeopaths, which is available on 09065 343404 (calls cost £1.55 per minute plus network provider’s access charge) to offer support 9am to midnight every day of the year. If your symptoms are no better after 3 days the NHS advises you to seek medical advice.