See also Candida, Kidney and Bladder

Both men and women suffer from bladder infection or Cystitis, but it is more common in women. Some people have a tendency to cystitis from time to time, but it is easy to treat. Bladder infections are characterized by an urgent desire to empty the bladder. When a recurring bladder infection goes deeper into the lining of the bladder wall it is called interstitial cystitis. Approximately 85% of bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli, a bacteria that is normally found in the intestine. Sometimes after repeated antibiotic use the tissue culture changes and becomes more fungal in the bladder area.

Recommended Action

One of the most important things to do is to increase urine flow. This can often be accomplished by drinking lots of reverse osmosis or steam-distilled water or herbal teas. Cranberry juice is thought to increase the acidity of the urine and to have an anti-bacterial effect. Recent studies have shown that cranberry juice can stop E. coli from adhering to the bladder wall. One of the biggest problems with cranberry juice is that most commercial juice is only 1/3 cranberry juice, diluted with sugar and water. We recommend using pure cranberry juice diluted with apple juice and water or maybe cranberry concentrated capsules. Other liquids that have been shown to be useful for Cystitis are celery, parsley and watermelon juices. Herbal teas of parsley, uva ursi and/or juniper berries have been found quite functional. You should avoid citrus fruit, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, chocolate, processed foods and sugar.

I have often found that Kava kava, given in tincture, tea or as capsule, relaxes the urinary tract and has a mild analgesic action in the urinary tract, relieving the tingling sensation.

Single Herbs: Parsley, Juniper Berries, Dandelion Root, Kava kava, Uva Ursi, Cat’s Claw; Barberry, Coptis or Goldenseal, Garlic, Buchu.

Combinations: KB-Herb, CL Herbal Extract, Cranberry Concentrate Plus Formula, Flexa-Herb.

Nutritional Supplements: BEVC (2 tablets, twice daily), Beta-carotene (80,000 IU daily for three months, then lowered to 20,000 IU), B-complex, Vitamin B6(50 mg), Vitamin B2 (25 mg), Choline (500-1000 mg), Vitamin C (500 mg, three to six times daily), Vitamin E (200-1000 IU daily), Potassium (one gram daily),Zinc (50 mg daily), Acidophilus (2 capsules, twice daily), Lecithin (1200 mg, twice daily).

Suggested Program

Breakfast: KB-Herb (2 capsules), BEVC (2 tablets), Cranberry Concentration Plus (2 capsules), Goldenseal or Coptis (1 capsule), Kava kava extract 20 – 30 drops.
Lunch: KB-Herb (2 capsules).
Supper: Same as breakfast.