Cystitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection (UTI) characterized by inflammation of the bladder, often causing symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, and blood in the urine.

Typically caused by bacterial infections, especially E. coli, cystitis can also be triggered by factors like poor hygiene, kidney stones, or certain medical conditions. If left untreated, cystitis can lead to serious health complications, including kidney damage and sepsis. To alleviate cystitis symptoms, herbal remedies like uva ursi, juniper berries, and marshmallow root can be used in teas, capsules, or infusions, while also practicing good hygiene and staying hydrated.

However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of cystitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of cystitis?

The main causes of cystitis are bacterial infections, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which account for approximately 80-90% of cases, often entering the urinary tract through the urethra during sexual intercourse or through poor hygiene.

Non-bacterial causes include interstitial cystitis, a condition characterized by chronic bladder pain and inflammation, and foreign body irritants such as spermicides, bubble baths, and tight clothing. Other risk factors include age, with cystitis more common in women over 40, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney stones, and neurological disorders. Additionally, catheterization, urinary tract abnormalities, and genetic predisposition can also contribute to cystitis.

Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can also increase the risk of cystitis due to changes in urine pH and bladder function.

• UTI: Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of cystitis, typically resulting from bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, entering the urinary tract and multiplying, leading to inflammation and infection of the bladder.
• E. coli: Escherichia coli, a common gut bacterium, can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and cause cystitis, often due to its ability to adhere to and colonize the bladder and urinary tract tissues.
• Kidney stones: Kidney stones can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to a buildup of bacteria and toxins in the bladder, which can cause inflammation and infection, resulting in cystitis.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can increase the risk of cystitis by altering the immune system's ability to fight off infections, as well as by increasing the concentration of glucose in the urine, which can promote bacterial growth.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or using hormonal birth control can alter the pH of the urine, making it more susceptible to bacterial growth and increasing the risk of cystitis.
• Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system, often resulting from chronic illness, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive medications, can impair the body's ability to fight off infections, increasing the risk of cystitis.
• Catheter use: Using a urinary catheter can increase the risk of cystitis by providing a pathway for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and colonize the bladder.
• Anal sex: Engaging in anal sex can increase the risk of cystitis by introducing bacteria from the anus into the urinary tract.
• Spinal cord injury: Spinal cord injuries can result in incomplete bladder emptying, leading to a buildup of bacteria and toxins in the bladder, which can cause inflammation and infection, resulting in cystitis.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for cystitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for cystitis are Juniperus communis, Equisetum arvense, Hypericum perforatum, Berberis vulgaris, Sambucus nigra, Cinchona officinalis, Astragalus membranaceus, Urtica dioica, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Plantago lanceolata.

Juniperus communis is used due to its diuretic properties, reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms associated with cystitis. Equisetum arvense, or Horsetail, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating the underlying causes of cystitis. Berberis vulgaris contains berberine, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, reducing bacterial growth and alleviating symptoms.

Hypericum perforatum, or St. John's Wort, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the severity of cystitis symptoms, while the other herbs have various mechanisms that contribute to their use in treating cystitis, such as Sambucus nigra's diuretic properties, Cinchona officinalis's anti-inflammatory properties, Astragalus membranaceus's immune system support, Urtica dioica's anti-inflammatory properties, Vaccinium macrocarpon's antioxidant properties, and Plantago lanceolata's anti-inflammatory properties.

• Juniperus communis: Juniperus communis helps with cystitis due to its diuretic and antiseptic properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote urine production, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense helps with cystitis due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote urine production, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with cystitis due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and prevent infections in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Berberis vulgaris: Berberis vulgaris helps with cystitis due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help prevent infections in the urinary tract and reduce inflammation, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with cystitis due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help prevent infections in the urinary tract and reduce inflammation, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis helps with cystitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which may help reduce inflammation and prevent infections in the urinary tract, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus helps with cystitis due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica helps with cystitis due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote urine production, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Vaccinium macrocarpon: Vaccinium macrocarpon helps with cystitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and protect the urinary tract from oxidative damage, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata helps with cystitis due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote urine production, alleviating symptoms of cystitis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for cystitis?

The main herbal preparations used for cystitis are Tincture, Decoction, Suppository, Topical Cream, Capsule, Salve, Gel, Ointment, Poultice, Elixir.

Tincture of Uva ursi and Juniper berries is used to reduce inflammation and antimicrobial properties. Decoction of Corn silk and Uva ursi is used to reduce inflammation and irritation of the bladder. Suppositories of Calendula and Aloe vera are used to soothe and protect the mucous membrane of the bladder.

Topical Creams and Gels of Aloe vera are used to reduce inflammation and irritation of the external genital area.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the root of the Goldenseal plant (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with cystitis by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce urinary tract inflammation and combat bacterial infections.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the dried leaves and roots of the Uva Ursi plant (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) helps with cystitis by releasing its antiseptic properties that reduce bacterial growth in the urinary tract and alleviate discomfort associated with the condition.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the root of the Marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) helps with cystitis by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that reduce irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Topical Cream: A topical cream made from the root of the Calendula plant (Calendula officinalis) helps with cystitis by releasing its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections in the urinary tract.
• Capsule: A capsule made from the root of the Dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) helps with cystitis by providing diuretic properties that increase urine production and help flush out bacteria and toxins from the urinary tract.
• Salve: A salve made from the root of the Plantain plant (Plantago major) helps with cystitis by releasing its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that reduce irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Gel: A gel made from the root of the Aloe Vera plant (Aloe barbadensis) helps with cystitis by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that reduce irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the root of the Chamomile plant (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with cystitis by releasing its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that reduce irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the root of the Echinacea plant (Echinacea spp.) helps with cystitis by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce bacterial growth in the urinary tract and alleviate discomfort associated with the condition.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the root of the Bearberry plant (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) helps with cystitis by releasing its antiseptic properties that reduce bacterial growth in the urinary tract and alleviate discomfort associated with the condition.