Did you know that, according to scientific studies, more than half of women will experience at least one bout of cystitis in their lifetime? Intense burning during urination, an overwhelming urge to go to the toilet but no relief? While dreaded by women, and extremely rare in men, urinary discomfort is mostly caused by bacteria. Interested in treating this problem naturally with buds?
How to recognize cystitis?
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, commonly known as a urinary tract infection.
Symptoms vary, but most often, patients complain of frequent and urgent urination , and bladder pain. Lower back pain, symmetrical on both sides, may also be present. All these signs result from bladder inflammation. The infection itself can cause a burning sensation during urination.
Why does this affect women more?
For anatomical reasons, urinary tract infections are more common in women. In women, the urethra is shorter, meaning the urethral opening is closer to the anus, where bacteria are always present. These bacteria can travel up the urethra to the bladder and multiply in the urine.
The causes of cystitis can be varied:
- Insufficient hydration
- Infectious or fungal cause
- Health status: Pregnancy - Menopause
- Injury (catheter insertion)
- Sex
- Allergic
- Drugged
- …
It is important to be vigilant, because if cystitis is not treated properly, it can spread to the kidneys and cause nephritis or pyelonephritis. In case of high fever, nausea, chills, or if pregnant, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Buds and young shoots, what for?
Buds and young shoots, thanks to their draining actions for some, diuretic actions for others, or even pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory actions , can, when combined in the right proportions, restore urinary comfort but also modify the terrain of those who suffer from repeated discomfort.
The specific buds of the urinary system
Pol Henry, founder of gemmotherapy, said that if only one bud could be remembered, it would undoubtedly have been the bilberry.
In gemmotherapy, it is considered the plant of choice for women entering menopause. However, it is also very beneficial for the urinary system. Its anti-aging action on tissues applies to the kidneys and bladder, which bilberry revitalizes! Not as a temporary diuretic, but as a long-term regenerator. This is helpful when tissues have been damaged, for example, following prolonged or repeated bladder infections.
Heather
Heather is a plant to favor when suffering from a urinary tract infection such as cystitis, including recurrent infections. Its feminine properties provide soothing relief and naturally treat the infection. It is therefore the recommended herb for girls, young women, and premenopausal women.
In gemmotherapy, it has numerous benefits for different parts of the body. Unlike bilberry , heather bud is not estrogen-like . It is used for its anti-infective, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties . In this article, we are particularly interested in its effectiveness on the urogenital system, helping to treat and relieve various urinary tract infections and inflammations, such as cystitis. Indeed, it soothes inflammation throughout the urinary tract, thus its action also affects the bladder.
Why is heather anti-inflammatory?
Because heather contains a naturally anti-inflammatory substance, ursolic acid . Furthermore, it also contains arbutoside . "This molecule is transformed by intestinal bacteria into hydroquinone, which is a good antiseptic for the urinary tract," explains Dr. Jean-Michel Morel. In addition, its flavonoids, through a pressure effect exerted on cell membranes, boost urine elimination.
Juniper shoots
Although not the primary bud to recommend for a urinary tract infection, juniper supports the activity of the body's elimination organs, namely the liver and kidneys. It is a powerful diuretic and drainage agent , known for its cleansing action on the liver and all its functions. It is a great liver cleanser, very versatile, as it eliminates toxins and waste of all kinds. Without the kidneys, hepatic elimination would only be partial. It therefore complements its action on the liver with a powerful stimulation of the kidneys (without exhausting them), allowing for longer-term use. In cases of cystitis, this kidney activity helps eliminate toxins and facilitates tissue repair and local inflammation reduction.
Juniper complements the two previous buds, namely Bilberry and Heather. It effectively enhances their anti-inflammatory and antacid properties, and is also highly beneficial for the urinary system, whether in acidic or decompensated conditions.
Anti-inflammatory, vascular, and anti-infective buds
Warty birch
The bud of the silver birch is a colonizer, allowing other species in nature to revive and grow. It is not primarily indicated for treating cystitis, but it is recommended for creating a favorable environment and eliminating what is not needed. It is also a powerful diuretic and anti-inflammatory , which helps people with kidney failure or prone to kidney stones. It can also be useful in cases of renal colic, urethral inflammation, or chronic cystitis as a urinary antiseptic.
Black alder
Alder bud macerate is a key remedy in gemmotherapy with many uses: used as a complementary treatment, it is a curative macerate with natural antibiotic and antacid properties to treat infections and inflammations. In the case of cystitis, it can be used alternately with the URIGEM complex.
Poplar
Poplar is a macerated oil described as "propolis-like," recommended for its anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and diuretic properties. It is particularly beneficial for chronic cystitis that has triggered persistent inflammation of the bladder wall. While no germs are present, the bladder is unable to heal itself. Poplar promotes this healing process.
In case of urinary problems, what we look for is:
- In-depth work on the bladder (drainage)
- A disinfectant action to restore balance
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- A diuretic and antacid action to rebalance the pH
To meet these needs, ready-to-use solutions are available, including a synergy that combines the benefits of the 4 buds mentioned above.
Instructions for use:
- From the age of 12 if the menstrual cycle is already well established in the girl, otherwise recommended from the age of 13.
- If you regularly suffer from urinary tract infections and want to avoid getting another one: take 5 to 15 drops once a day in the morning for 3 weeks. Then take a 1-week break and repeat the treatment for several months (if you see improvement and if needed).
- If you have a urinary tract infection: 5 drops 3 times a day for 10 days.
Bibliography:
- https://www.santemagazine.fr/medecines-alternatives/approches-naturelles/phytotherapie/la-bruyere-pour-soigner-naturellement-une-cystite-279293#Pourquoi-la-bruy%C3%A8re-est-elle-anti-inflammatoire-?
- "The Big Book of Gemmotherapy: The Fabulous Power of Buds to Heal You" by Laurine Pineau, Naturopath
- A Concise Guide to Gemmotherapy – Scientific Foundations: Amyris Editions
