What is Cystitis? What are its causes and how to treat it with home remedies and herbs?

Often people do not feel comfortable talking about urinary tract infections. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about as these infections can happen to anyone irrespective of age, and gender.
In this blog, we will talk about Cystitis- a urinary tract infection that causes extreme pain and discomfort. You will also come to know about the factors that are responsible for its development and how to get rid of it with Cystitis Ayurvedic treatment

What is Cystitis?

It is a urinary tract infection that makes the bladder inflamed and itchy. A patient has to suffer intolerable pain especially while urinating. It can also result in abdominal pain, cloudy or smelly urine, or difficulty urinating. Cystitis is more common in women as compared to men. The underlying reason is women have a shorter urethra that is close to the anus. This biological structure favors bacteria to enter the body easily. 
Under Ayurveda, this urinary tract infection is known as “Mutrakrichcha”. The imbalance of Vata Dosha and Pitta Dosha is the primary factor leading to this type of complication. Cystitis treatment in Ayurveda is best for getting rid of complications. It includes herbal remedies, certain dietary precautions, yoga, and meditation.

What causes Cystitis?

The prime factors that can contribute to the occurrence of Cystitis are:

causes of cystitis

    • Bacterial Infection

One of the most common reasons for urinary tract infections is bacterial infections. Bacteria can enter the body through the anus or urethra. Once getting inside it travels to the bladder and makes it inflamed and painful. In most cases, cystitis is caused by a bacteria named E-coli.

    • Constipation

When stool remains in the colon for a longer period then it puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in abdominal pain. Additionally, it also supports bacterial growth that ultimately results in cystitis. 

    • Lack of Hygiene

Hygiene is a must for preventing all disorders. Not cleaning the genitals after urinating or using the same undergarments increases the risk of urinary tract infections. 

    • Holding the urge to Urinate

Timely elimination of waste materials is necessary in order to prevent these complications. Holding the urge to pee for extended periods creates an approving condition for bacterial growth. Additionally, it can also increase the chances of renal-related issues. 

    • Medical History

The risk of having cystitis gets doubled, if someone is already suffering from diabetes or kidney stones. The excess consumption of certain medications can make the bladder inflamed or irritated which could turn into cystitis in the long run. 

How long Cystitis could last?

Most of the time, cystitis gets cured on its own within a few days or a week. This type of cystitis is described as acute and does not require any specific medical treatment. 
But sometimes, the symptoms of cystitis won’t go away that easily. The complications of chronic cystitis can last for weeks or even more. Strict medical action becomes necessary at this stage. Cystitis Ayurvedic treatment has been considered the most effective way through which relief can be attained. 

Ayurveda for Cystitis

Ayurveda is considered the world’s oldest medical system. Where “Ayur” means life and “Veda” depicts knowledge. It is a holistic approach to healing that aims at curing the disorder from its roots. 
Cystitis treatment in Ayurveda is best for getting rid of complications. It includes herbal remedies, certain dietary precautions, yoga, and meditation. 

Most effective Home Remedies for Cystitis

There are a number of home remedies for cystitis followed by Ayurvedic treatment that also helps the patient to get rid of the urinary tract infections naturally. Some of these remedies are as follows:

effective home remedies for cystitis

Ayurvedic Herbs

Herbs being nature-derived hold immense power to cure several intolerable diseases. The use of herbs results in root-based relief. Additionally, they do not cause any side effects. The best herbs for cystitis are:

Haldi: It is also known as the herb of healing. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the swelling of interstitial cystitis and ensures relief. Being rich in anti-bacterial properties, it also kills the bacteria inside the body. 

Amla: Amla is loaded with vitamin C which makes it an effective remedy for treating cystitis. It aids in frequent urination, abdominal cramps, as well as other discomforting complications caused. 

Gokshura: Gokshura is excellent at clearing bladder dysfunction. If consumed in an ideal quantity, it will tone & strengthen the bladder muscles and prevent frequent urination. Due to such healing nature, it is considered one of the best herbs for cystitis. 

Varuna: As per Ayurveda, Varuna is best for urinary tract infections. It aids in easing the complications of cystitis by increasing urine flow and reducing the burning sensation while urinating.

Punarnava: It aids in balancing the Vata and Pitta Dosha, the imbalance of those considered the prime cause of cystitis. It has a diuretic effect that aims at reducing the burning sensation by rejuvenating the body. In addition to cystitis, it is also helpful in treating kidney stones. 

Water intake

Another easy home remedy that you can opt for is to drink plenty of water. It will support the smooth and proper elimination of waste products by increasing urine volume. The chances of cystitis become minimum as bacteria had already vanished throughout the urine. 

Vitamin - C Rich Diet

Modify diet- It is best for a person to keep diseases at bay. 

It is advised to stop consuming non-vegetarian food as they give hike to bacterial growth. In addition to non-vegetarian food, the consumption of junk, processed, frozen, spicy, and highly acidic foods should also be avoided.

Vitamin-C Rich Foods you can include in your Diet

Vitamin- C rich diet is best for cystitis. Bananas, melons, blueberries, watermelons, mango, avocados, beetroots, mushrooms, spinach, cucumber, sweet potatoes, and broccoli are some bladder-friendly foods. The consumption of these fruits and vegetables will surely help you to attain relief.

Personal Hygiene

 For keeping urinary tract infections at bay, hygiene management is a must. Maintain good hygiene by washing the genitalia after urinating and keeping them clean and dry. Also, change your undergarments daily. These habits will surely help to minimize bacterial growth. 

Herbal Massage

 Massaging the affected areas of inflammation and pain with herbal ointments like clove oil, lavender oil, cumin oil, or virgin coconut oil has been proven very beneficial. Additionally, it will also nourish the skin. 

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation can also be treated as effective home remedies for cystitis. Performing yoga helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles and reduces pain. Meditation improves the symptoms of interstitial cystitis by removing the mental discomfort and distress.

Things to avoid in Cystitis

    • Do not hold the urge to urinate. 
    • Do not consume spicy, junk, processed, and non-vegetarian food. These foods favor bacterial growth.
    • Do not use chemical based-products like soaps, moisturizers, creams, etc, especially on your sensitive skin. Substitute them with natural products like aloe vera gels, virgin coconut oil, or reetha soap. These are the natural cure for cystitis.
    • Do not smoke or drink alcohol as they can trigger complications.
    • Do not use the same garments for extended periods. 
    • Do not drink coffee, tea, or any other caffeine-based drink in excess. Instead, go for herbal tea or Kadha. 
    • Do not take excessive stress. 

Frequently asked questions about Cystitis:

1. Can you get rid of cystitis in one day?

In most cases, the symptoms of Cystitis get better by themselves within a few days. However, there is no specific time period within which one can get rid of cystitis guaranteed. 

2. How do you stop getting Cystitis?

To restrict the development of Cystitis, One can adopt Cystitis Ayurvedic treatment consisting of herbal remedies, dietary precautions, hygiene management, yoga, and meditation.

Takeaway

Undoubtedly, Cystitis is an intolerable urinary tract infection. Although the mild symptoms of cystitis get cured on their own, but it is advised to take medical action if the complications seem rigid. 
All it requires is certain precautions and self-care tips for restricting the development & recurrence of cystitis. Adopting Ayurvedic treatment for cystitis is the best thing a person can do, if want to get long-term and permanent relief.

Article By:

Dr Sharda Ayurveda

At Dr. Sharda Ayurveda emphasis is made on treating the patients with the power of Ayurveda and traveling along with them in the path of natural and safe healing. The satisfaction and recovery of our patients is our utmost priority.

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