Five Teas to Naturally Relieve Cystitis
Natural infusions have been used since ancient times as an adjuvant to relieve the symptoms of cystitis. However, there’s not enough evidence to consider them as a first-line treatment against this infection to this date.
Therefore, you may be able to add them to your medical treatment; run it by your physician. According to information published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, mild cases may improve by:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain
- Follow a three-day treatment with an appropriate antimicrobial drug if necessary
Anyway, opt for a remedy to relieve cystitis if you opt for a natural remedy if you prefer. Keep in mind that it’s important to use them with caution and only as part of medical treatment.
Cystitis
To begin with, cystitis is one of the urinary tract infections that frequently affects women although it can also afflict men. This is because the urethra is shorter and facilitates the passage of bacteria into the male system.
In addition, this condition causes inflammation of the bladder and this is responsible for the symptoms such as pelvis pain, the continuous urge to urinate, and a burning sensation.
In addition, there may also be episodes of fever, chills, and changes in the color and odor of urine as it develops. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, between 75% and 95% of cases are associated with Escherichia coli bacteria.
Natural infusions to treat cystitis
Herbal medicine and infusions can relieve urinary tract problems such as cystitis. However, as mentioned above, they’re not a substitute for medical treatment. Try one of the following:
1. Birch tea
Birch has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the inflammation in your bladder. This helps relieve the problem of cystitis. According to a publication in the journal Pathogens, this plant “acts on the host cell instead of the bacterium in order to decrease pathogen adherence.”
Ingredients
- 1 c. of water
- 2 tbsp of birch leaves
Instructions
- Boil a cup of water and then, add the birch leaves
- Cover the drink and let it cool at room temperature for 10 minutes
How to drink it
- Drink a cup of this tea each day for three to four days in a row
Check out these Ten Home Remedies for Excess Uric Acid
2. Horsetail tea
The diuretic properties of horsetail help to increase your kidney’s urine production. According to a publication in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, this facilitates the elimination of bacteria that attack bladder tissues.
Its anti-inflammatory compounds reduce the burning feeling while urinating. At the same time, it also manages the swelling of your lower stomach.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of horsetail
- 1 c. of water
Instructions
- Add the horsetail to a cup of boiling water and cover it
- Then, allow it steep for 15 minutes and strain it
How to drink it
- Drink two or three cups of horsetail tea per day until your cystitis is gone
3. Parsley tea
Parsley tea is full of antioxidants and natural fiber that promotes good urinary tract health. This includes when fighting infections like cystitis. In addition, its natural active ingredients, such as apigenin, reduce inflammation and promote the elimination of germs through urine, according to a publication in Case Reports in Medicine.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of parsley leaves
- 1 c. of water
Instructions
- Add the parsley leaves to a cup of boiling water, cover it and let it steep
- Then, strain the tea and drink it after 10 minutes
How to drink it
- Drink a cup of this tea when you notice the first signs of cystitis
- Continue drinking it every six hours until the infection disappears
4. Marshmallow root tea
A natural tea made with marshmallow root helps you to strengthen your immune system. This improves the body’s response to infectious bacteria that cause urinary tract problems.
According to a study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, this is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity resulting from its high concentration of flavonoids.
Ingredients
- 1 c. of water
- 1 tsp. of marshmallow root
Instructions
- Boil a cup of water and add the marshmallow root as soon as it boils
- Then, cover it and let it steep for ten minutes
How to drink it
- Drink a cup of this tea when you notice the first signs of cystitis
- Drink another cup every eight hours
5. Corn silk tea
Did you know that corn silk tea has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties? You might think of it as a waste product. Thus, you should be aware of its useful properties when it comes to relieving urinary tract infections.
According to a study published in Molecules, corn silk helps relax the bladder lining and thus soothe the pain and discomfort associated with cystitis. Here’s how you make it.
Ingredients
- 1 c. of water
- A handful of corn silk
Instructions
- Boil a cup of water and then add the corn silk to it
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for three to five minutes
- Afterward, cover the tea and let it cool down for 15 minutes
- Finally, strain and drink it
How to drink it
- Drink two to three cups of corn silk tea per day
- Then, drink it for three days or until you’ve gotten rid of the infection
Try these infusions in case of cystitis but always keeping in mind that they don’t replace medical treatment. Finally, consult your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Baerheim A. Empirical treatment of uncomplicated cystitis. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2012;30(1):1–2. doi:10.3109/02813432.2012.649629
- Wong, P. Y. Y., & Kitts, D. D. (2006). Studies on the dual antioxidant and antibacterial properties of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) extracts. Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.05.031
- Wright, C. I., Van-Buren, L., Kroner, C. I., & Koning, M. M. G. (2007). Herbal medicines as diuretics: A review of the scientific evidence. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.07.023
- Li R, Leslie SW. Cystitis. [Updated 2019 Dec 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482435/
- Carneiro DM, Freire RC, Honório TC, et al. Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Acute Diuretic Effect of Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) in Healthy Volunteers. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:760683. doi:10.1155/2014/760683
- Mansour A, Hariri E, Shelh S, Irani R, Mroueh M. Efficient and cost-effective alternative treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections and interstitial cystitis in women: a two-case report. Case Rep Med. 2014;2014:698758. doi:10.1155/2014/698758
- Gohari AR, Saeidnia S. The role of herbal medicines in treatment of urinary tract diseases. J Nephropharmacol. 2014;3(1):13–14. Published 2014 Jan 1.
- Sadighara P, Gharibi S, Moghadam Jafari A, Jahed Khaniki G, Salari S. The antioxidant and Flavonoids contents of Althaea officinalis L. flowers based on their color. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2012;2(3):113–117.
- Hasanudin K, Hashim P, Mustafa S. Corn silk (Stigma maydis) in healthcare: a phytochemical and pharmacological review. Molecules. 2012;17(8):9697–9715. Published 2012 Aug 13. doi:10.3390/molecules17089697