BLADDER AILMENTS
Definition: Bladder trouble, retention of urine (due to bladder weakness), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), ulcerations (stomach, intestines, bladder, genito-urinary organs, mucous membranes), bladder stones, catarrh of bladder and burning urine.
Herbal Aids
Buchu: This is effective in helping with chronic irritability of the bladder, when there is a frequent desire to urinate.[SNH p.270]. See formula for gravel, kidney and bladder problems using buchu, uva ursi, parsley root, gravel root and ginger. [SNH p.272]
Burning Urine: From questions and answers to Dr. Christopher in his Newsletter: Question: Is there a help for burning urine? Answer: "This is often caused by cystitis, which is an infection of the bladder characterized by inflammation, a burning sensation during and after urination, and a need to void frequently. The bladder may have a feeling of being full even when it has just been emptied. When the infection is severe enough to affect the kidneys (which is rare), fever is usually present."
"The urethra is the route by which the infection travels to the bladder. Since the female urethra is only about one and a half inches long and the male urethra is approximately eight and a half inches long, it is much easier for germs to reach the female bladder. So cystitis is more common among females." (The Encyclopedia of Common Diseases, by the staff of Prevention Magazine).
Here is an excellent formula for infection and malfunction in the kidney and bladder area: [Kidney Formula] It consists of juniper berries, parsley, uva ursi, marshmallow root, lobelia, ginger and golden seal. Suggested use is a cup morning and evening, or two tablets or capsules morning and evening taken with a cup of parsley tea.
The marshmallow root is an emollient and demulcent herb that eases the urine flow and is extremely soothing and healing; golden seal is anti-infectious; juniper berries will aid the condition when a difficulty is found in voiding the urine; uva ursi is a solvent for any inorganic calcified accumulation, such as kidney or bladder stones; parsley is one of the greatest herbs known for rebuilding the urethral area; ginger here is used as a stimulant to accentuate the herbal combination's power; lobelia is the herb acting as an antispasmodic and also as a catalyst. This formula has aided many with burning urine and also those suffering from incontinence (lack of urine control). [NL 1-8]
Juices for Kidney and Bladder Troubles: Cucumber & parsley, dandelion, spinach. [NL 1-8]
Cabbage Leaves: Applied to an infected wound, ulcer, or oozing eczema should be layered like roof shingles, allowing secretions to drain between the layers. When treating lumbago, joint pain, or various afflictions of the nerve or bladder, poultices of cabbage leaves bring rapid relief. A poultice is prepared as follows: Boil for 20 minutes 2 to 4 cabbage leaves and two whole chopped onions with 3 or 4 handfuls of bran and a little water. After evaporation of the water, place the poultice on gauze and apply hot for one or two hours, or even for the whole night. (Never apply heat to a painful abdomen. Only the physician can properly diagnose the cause of abdominal pain, and the application of heat to appendicitis or infection of the ovary may be harmful.). [NL 4-12]
Vegetables to Eat for Bladder Ailments: Cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, spinach, summer squash, turnip greens. [NL 4-12]
In Making Our Food Our Medicine: Remember the usual remedy for kidney, bladder, and edema is to make at least two quarts of a strong parsley tea and drink copiously. If the urine is suppressed drink one half to one teacupful, hot, every hour. [NL 4-12]
Testimonials
Alfalfa: Frank Bower conducted many interesting experiments with Alfalfa. Three hundred soldiers at Sawtelle, California, used the Alfalfa tea with remarkable improvement in bladder, prostate and other problems. [UW-Alfalfa]
Dr. Christopher's Kidney Formula: Almost a month ago I was having a problem with my bladder (burning on urination, etc.) In order to avoid spending money on a physician which I didn't have, I went to the health food store and asked what would be good for my aliment. It was suggested that I try Junipars and garlic capsules. They were out of Junipars so I bought some garlic capsules. I also took Vitamin C and drank large quantities of water. Unfortunately it must have been too late for these remedies. I was forced to go to a night clinic and they prescribed an antibiotic. I must admit that I didn't take them faithfully, but finally felt that they had cured me. A few weeks later it flared up again. I had had quite a few drinks on a Sunday and the next day at work I began to have severe pains in the region of my bladder. I left work momentarily and walked across the street to the Blue Chip Nutrition Health Food Store. I inquired about the Junipars and they had it in stock. I started taking two capsules three times a day. My pain was so bad I had to leave work early and go home. I took aspirin, a pain pill, a lot of water and laid down with a heating pad on my abdomen. I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital the pain was so bad. Anyway, I toughed it out till morning, and much to my amazement, I was miraculously cured. I couldn't believe it. Anyway, I have been taking your formula ever since then and will continue to do so as a preventive measure. I know my problem is not drinking enough water and I also indulge occasionally in too much alcohol.
I just wanted to write to you and let you know what a great product you have (as if you didn't know). Too many people write about bad products but I think more should commend the good. [NL 2-3]
Bladder Formula: Parsley Root, Juniper Berries, Marshmallow Root, White Pond Lily, Gravel Root, Uva Ursi, Lobelia, Ginger Root and Black Cohosh Root. All encapsulated products are in a pure 100% vegetable based capsule.
